Most of the companies I’ve contacted want me to bundle auto and home with them in order to buy an umbrella policy from them. I’ve got a really good deal on my auto insurance with Costco Connect and to instead bundle that with my homeowners more than doubles my annual auto premium.
I’m looking for a reputable company that will sell me a stand alone umbrella policy. Are there any recommendations out there?
Interesting - bundling costs you more. I’m going to have to check that out. Whoever you are with with auto, call your agent (unless it’s some mega corp). Find a local independent…
Yeah, not a fan of bundling. It’s cheaper within one specific company than buying that company’s policies separately, but I’ve found I can reduce my total insurance costs (by a lot) doing it a la carte. Besides if one of the bundled policies has a big increase it reduces your flexibility to cross shop.
just watched my homeowner’s policy explode. Going to need to try this. the bundling is sold and advertised as a cost savings. Me thinks something stinks 
Ok, I actually ended up getting a 2M policy through my motorcycle insurer for $322/year! Job done!
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I live in a high fire risk area. Only 1 company offered me insurance. Bundling with them was a no go bc it was much cheaper to get auto elsewhere. I’ve checked and haven’t found anyone who will offer a stand alone umbrella yet but I remember once having an umbrella with Liberty Mutual when I only had auto with them.
My computer’s Copilot listed RLI and Markel as two companies that sell standalone umbrella. I haven’t actually researched them because I was hoping somebody else already had a good answer.
sounds like a good deal. I paid like $765 for a $2M policy last year, seems to keep going up.
Based on my experiences a claims adjuster claims supervisor and claims manager I doubt very seriously that you will find an umbrella policy without some type of primary coverage. The umbrella coverage is intended to be excess coverage and they want to have at least $100,000 in primary coverage before their coverage takes effect.
Of course there may be exceptions and I’ve been retired at 22 years so there may have been some changes in the the policy.
From AI:
"Yes, you can theoretically buy a standalone (or “monoline”) umbrella policy without having primary home or auto insurance, but it is rare, much more expensive, and difficult to find. Most standard insurers will decline the policy unless you carry both foundational auto and homeowners or renters policies. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The Basics of Standalone Coverage
- The Specialty Market: If you do not own a home or a car (e.g., you rely on rideshares and rent an apartment), some specialty insurers like PersonalUmbrella.com or USLI offer standalone or “unbundled” umbrella policies. [1]
- The Cost: Because you lack standard underlying policies to absorb the initial liability of an accident, the umbrella carrier assumes 100% of the risk. Expect significantly higher premiums and stricter underwriting. [1]
- No Standalone “Everything”: An umbrella policy is designed only to extend existing liability limits; it does not replace the primary physical damage coverage you get from standard auto or home insurance. You cannot be completely uninsured and buy an umbrella policy. [1, 2, 3]
Standard Requirements
If you drop your primary auto and homeowners policies entirely, it is almost impossible to qualify for a standard umbrella policy. Traditional carriers require you to maintain primary policies with specific high-limit thresholds, typically around $250,000 to $300,000 for home liability and $250,000 / $500,000 / $100,000 for auto liability. [1, 2, 3, 4]:"
I understand that I need primary coverage, that goes without saying actually. By stand alone I mean something I can buy without changing my primary insurance providers.
Have you tried talking to an insurance agent?