Why fleets buy higher limits
Jury awards in trucking cases have grown sharply, and a single serious crash can exceed a $1M primary limit. Anything above your limits can put company assets at risk. More trucks on the road means more exposure, which is why excess limits become standard as fleets grow.
Excess vs umbrella
- Excess liability follows the terms of the underlying policy and simply adds limit.
- Umbrella liability can sit over several policies, such as auto, general liability and employer's liability, and may be broader in places.
What underwriters want to see
Excess underwriters are even more focused on safety than primary underwriters: crash history, CSA scores, driver standards and loss control. A clean, well-presented account gets better excess options.
Last updated November 10, 2026. Reviewed by a licensed insurance professional at Haul Good Insurance.