Strategies, Challenges, and Answers

Excess Policy vs. Umbrella Policy: What Is The Difference?

Often the terms Umbrella Insurance and Excess Insurance are used interchangeably.  Is there a difference?  What is it? Let’s start with primary insurance.  Primary insurance is the first layer of insurance.  Primary insurance provides immediate coverage upon an occurrence or a loss as described by the policy.  Fireman's Fund Ins. Co. v. Md. Cas. Co., 65 Cal. App. 4th 1279, 1304, 77 Cal. Rptr. 2d 296, 311 (1998).   Primary insurers generally have the primary duty of defense.  Olympic Ins. … [Read more...]