Umbrella Insurance in Knoxville, TN
An umbrella policy is extra liability coverage that sits on top of your home and auto insurance. If you're sued after a serious car accident, a dog bite, a pool injury or a guest falling on your stairs, your home or auto policy pays first. Once its limit runs out, the umbrella pays the rest, up to its own limit. Most personal umbrellas are sold in $1 million layers, and for many households the first million costs less than people expect.
What an umbrella can cover
- Bodily injury and property damage you're legally responsible for, above your home, auto, boat or rental property limits
- Legal defense costs, which are often paid in addition to the limit
- Some claims your other policies may not cover at all, such as certain libel, slander or false arrest claims, depending on the carrier
- Household members, including teen drivers, under one policy
Who in East Tennessee should consider one
- Homeowners whose net worth, savings or future earnings would be at risk in a lawsuit
- Families with teen drivers
- Anyone with a pool, trampoline, dog, boat, lake dock, golf cart or ATV
- Landlords and owners of short-term rentals or cabins
- Volunteers and coaches, and people who serve on nonprofit or HOA boards
What it won't cover
An umbrella is for liability, meaning damage or injury you cause to someone else. It doesn't pay to repair your own car or house, and it doesn't cover your business activities. Business owners need a commercial umbrella or excess policy instead. See our business insurance by industry page.
How the pieces fit together
Carriers usually require minimum liability limits on your auto and home policies before they'll write an umbrella. The requirement is often around $250,000/$500,000 on auto and $300,000 on home, but it varies by company. Part of our job is lining those limits up so there's no gap between where your auto or home policy stops and the umbrella starts.
Why Knoxville clients choose Elite Insurance Group
- Independent: we compare carriers like Travelers, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Erie, Encova, Penn National and Foremost instead of selling one company's policy.
- Claims experience: our team brings 25+ years of insurance and claims experience, so we write coverage with the claim in mind.
- No agency or broker fees: you pay the carrier's premium, nothing extra to us.
- Local: a family-owned Knoxville agency serving Knox, Blount, Anderson, Loudon, Sevier and Roane counties.
Frequently asked questions
How much umbrella coverage do I need?
Start with what you'd stand to lose in a lawsuit: home equity, savings, investments and future income. Many households start with $1 million and add more as their assets grow.
Does an umbrella policy cover my teenage driver?
Usually yes. Household members listed on the underlying auto policy are typically covered, which is one reason families with new drivers add an umbrella.
Can I buy an umbrella from a different company than my home and auto?
Sometimes, but it's often simpler and cheaper with the same carrier. We'll show you both options and make sure the underlying limits match.
Does an umbrella cover my boat or lake dock?
Often, if the boat is listed and meets the carrier's size and horsepower rules. Docks and lake homes are typically covered through the underlying homeowners policy. Tell us everything you own so nothing is left out.
Related coverage
Home insurance · Auto insurance · Lake home & boat insurance · Landlord insurance
Get a quote
Tell us what you need and a licensed local agent will follow up. Start your umbrella quote or call (865) 687-5140, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.