West Virginia Property and Casualty Licensing Practice Exam

Which type of policy is specifically designed to expand coverage beyond standard policies?

1. Basic liability policy

2. Comprehensive coverage

3. Umbrella liability

4. Excess insurance

The correct answer is: Umbrella liability

An umbrella liability policy is specifically designed to provide additional coverage above and beyond the limits of standard policies. It offers a broader range of protection against various types of liability risks, including bodily injury, property damage, and certain personal liabilities, such as slander or defamation, that may not be adequately covered by primary policies. The appeal of umbrella liability lies in its capacity to cover extensive claims that surpass the limits set by underlying policies, such as homeowners or auto insurance. For example, if a primary policy covers up to $300,000 and a lawsuit results in claims amounting to $1 million, the umbrella policy can cover the remaining $700,000, thereby protecting the insured's financial interests effectively. In contrast, other options like a basic liability policy would only offer limited coverage, while comprehensive coverage generally refers to protection against various risks within a single policy but does not typically extend beyond standard coverage limits. Excess insurance serves to provide additional limits as well but usually applies to specific coverages rather than providing a broader scope like an umbrella policy does.