What is excess liability?

Excess liability is additional liability coverage that increases your existing policy limits, providing extra protection similar to umbrella insurance but typically narrower in scope.

What you need to know

Excess liability simply increases the limits of your underlying policies (general liability, auto, employer’s liability) without broadening coverage to types of claims not covered by those base policies.

Why it matters for restaurant owners

Excess liability is less common than umbrella insurance for restaurants because umbrellas typically provide broader coverage for similar cost. However, some large restaurants or chains use excess liability to increase specific coverage areas (like auto liability) without purchasing full umbrella protection.

Understand whether you’re buying true umbrella coverage (broader) or excess liability (higher limits only) to ensure you’re getting the protection you expect.