An Extra Layer of Protection: Umbrella Coverage

An Extra Layer of Protection: Umbrella Coverage

Accidents happen and some are more severe than others. Consequently, so are the costs to repay or repair the damage that result from an unfortunate event.

 

Depending on the liability limits that your existing insurance policies carry, an accident in your home, on the road, or someplace else where you could be at fault for injuries or loss, can be covered by your car insurance, homeowner’s insurance, boat insurance or some other policy you carry.

 

But what happens if something catastrophic occurs and the payout to repair or repay these damages exceeds what your policies cover? This is where Umbrella (also known as Personal Liability coverage) comes in.

 

What Does an Umbrella Policy Cover?

 

Unlike home or auto coverage, Umbrella coverage provides you an extra layer of protection on your savings and other assets – not your physical property. Simply put, Umbrella coverage would address any defense costs or medical bills that may result from someone that is not a member of your household having an accident on your property (e.g., a slip and fall on your icy driveway) or because of being on your premises (e.g., your dog biting a dinner guest). This includes physical damages as well as emotional distress, also referred to as “pain and suffering.”

 

What Doesn’t an Umbrella Policy Cover?

 

An Umbrella policy does not cover damage to your property or any injuries you might sustain. Other insurance policies you have, such as health insurance, homeowner’s insurance, or auto insurance, can address those claims.

 

If you’re a business owner, your personal Umbrella policy will not cover any claims or damages associated with your business (in this case, a Commercial Umbrella policy would be ideal). In some instances, boats or other watercraft are excluded in Umbrella coverage. Consult your agent to learn the details of your specific situation when securing an Umbrella policy.

 

How Do You Know if an Umbrella Policy is Right for You?

 

Generally, an Umbrella policy is a good idea for anyone that fits the following criteria:

 

  • Have a considerable amount of assets and savings.
  • Have a rental property.
  • Host parties or events in your home on a frequent basis.
  • Have a young or inexperienced driver in your household.
  • Coach a children’s sports team.
  • Serve on the board of a nonprofit.
  • You or someone in your household are a public figure.
  • Participate in sports where you could easily injure others (e.g., hunting, surfing, skiing).
  • Own items that could lead to someone else being injured in your home (e.g., a pool, trampoline, guns, or dog that is considered an aggressive breed).

 

Umbrella Policies can be tailored to your specific needs and determining the amount of coverage you should carry is a conversation that should be had between you and an insurance agent you trust to guide you in the right direction. Please feel free to reach out to our team at J. Hoffman Insurance to schedule a conversation or for a quote: (845) 239-4787 or vicki@jhoffmaninsurance.com.

December 19, 2025
Running a successful business requires more than strong sales and day-to-day operations. It takes thoughtful planning, risk awareness, and financial discipline. Two of the most important professional relationships a business owner can have are with their insurance advisor and their Certified Public Accountant (CPA). When these two roles work together, the result is stronger protection, smarter financial decisions, and long-term stability. Here are five key ways business insurance and working with a CPA are closely connected—and why aligning the two matters. 1. Risk Management and Financial Planning Business insurance is designed to protect your company from unexpected risks such as lawsuits, property damage, accidents, or liability claims. A CPA, on the other hand, helps you plan financially for both known and unknown risks. Together, they form the foundation of a strong risk management strategy. Insurance transfers risk, while a CPA helps you understand how those risks impact your balance sheet, cash reserves, and overall financial health. When both are aligned, your business is better positioned to withstand disruptions and recover quickly when the unexpected happens. 2. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements Many businesses operate in industries that require specific types of insurance coverage, such as workers’ compensation, professional liability, or commercial auto insurance. Failing to carry the proper coverage can lead to fines, penalties, or even business shutdowns. At the same time, CPAs help ensure compliance with tax laws, payroll regulations, and financial reporting requirements. Insurance and accounting compliance often overlap—especially when it comes to payroll, employee classifications, and industry regulations. Working with both professionals ensures your business remains compliant on all fronts. 3. Tax Deductibility of Insurance Premiums One often overlooked benefit of business insurance is that many premiums may be tax-deductible. Policies such as general liability, professional liability, property insurance, and workers’ compensation are commonly considered legitimate business expenses. A CPA plays a critical role in making sure these premiums are properly categorized and documented, helping maximize allowable deductions while staying within IRS guidelines. When your CPA understands your insurance program, you’re more likely to capture every tax advantage available to your business. 4. Cash Flow and Budgeting Insurance premiums are a recurring expense and can have a meaningful impact on cash flow, especially for growing businesses. A CPA helps forecast expenses, plan for renewals, and ensure insurance costs fit within your broader financial strategy. By coordinating insurance coverage with budgeting and financial projections, businesses can strike the right balance between adequate protection and affordability. This collaboration helps avoid being underinsured—or overspending on coverage that doesn’t align with actual risk exposure. 5. Business Continuity and Succession Planning No business owner likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but planning for them is essential. Insurance products such as business interruption coverage, key person insurance, and buy-sell funding play a major role in keeping a business running during a crisis. CPAs incorporate these protections into long-term financial planning and succession strategies. Whether it’s preparing for the loss of a key employee, an extended shutdown, or an ownership transition, insurance and accounting together help ensure the business can survive and thrive beyond any single event. Bringing It All Together Business insurance and CPA services are not separate silos—they are complementary tools that work best when aligned. Insurance protects what you’ve built, while a CPA helps you grow and sustain it financially. When these professionals collaborate, business owners gain clearer insight, stronger protection, and greater confidence in the future. If you want your business to be resilient, compliant, and financially sound, make sure your insurance strategy and your CPA are working together—not independently. For a review of your business’ insurance coverage, contact Vicki Hoffman, J. Hoffman Insurance, at 845-239-4787 or vicki@jhoffmaninsurance.com . Want to learn more about how working with a CPA can benefit your business? Contact John Pacos, CPA at 845-694-5703 or john@jpacoscpa.com .
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