How an additional layer works
The primary policy is the first layer of insurance. An underlying policy is one listed beneath the umbrella or excess layer, such as general liability or commercial auto. The attachment point is the level at which the higher policy can begin to pay under its terms.
A larger limit does not automatically fix a coverage gap
An exclusion removes a type of work or claim from coverage. If your primary policy excludes roofing, buying more limit does not by itself make roofing insured. The upper layer can also have restrictions of its own, including residential construction or particular operations.
Some excess policies follow specified terms of an underlying policy, but can still contain differences. An umbrella can have a different coverage structure. The title alone does not tell you what losses it covers or when it will pay.
Which policies sit underneath
A policy may list general liability, auto liability and employers liability. Employers liability is the part of a workers’ compensation policy addressing certain employee-injury lawsuits; increasing that limit is different from changing an employee’s statutory workers’ compensation benefits.
Check the required underlying limits, insurer names and dates. If the primary coverage is cancelled or falls below the required amount, the higher policy may not fill the resulting gap. Tell us before replacing an underlying policy.
Why a project owner asks for higher limits
A customer may require a total liability limit above your primary insurance because of the potential size of an injury or property damage claim. They may also require additional insured protection extending into the higher layer.
Send the complete contract requirement. We can check whether the requested total can be met with primary and excess limits together, which claims count against an aggregate, and what endorsement wording the customer requires. An aggregate is the total available for claims counting against it during the applicable policy period.
Compare the whole arrangement
Provide the full underlying policies, work description, claims history and requested limit. We review coverage restrictions and payment conditions alongside price so the higher layer matches the work you perform.
Review these policies together at renewal. A change in vehicles, job types or underlying insurer should prompt a check of the umbrella or excess policy as well.
Common questions
Excess insurance adds limits under its own terms above specified coverage. It does not automatically remove an exclusion, replace a missing primary policy or cover every kind of claim. We compare both layers to identify those differences.