What is the difference between an Umbrella and an Excess policy, and how do you complete a Certificate of Insurance?

Umbrella and Excess policies both provide increased limits over the underlying policy. In some instances an Umbrella policy may drop down and provide coverage where there is no coverage in place, usually subject to a Self-Insured Retention (SIR.)  An Excess policy will only respond when an underlying policy responds.  Examples of when you might see…