Umbrella insurance in Wisconsin

[Uwe K.]

Does anybody here have a private umbrella insurance in WI? Looking for particular input how the following transition happened for you. This is not directly related to REI, but like I, many may have an umbrella policy simply because of rentals:

There was that change in the law a couple of years back regarding uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage related to umbrella policies.
My insurance company handled it this way:
They automatically added the coverage to my policy and added an opt-out form I can send in. Doing nothing I got charged a total premium more than double. They claimed the law required them to add it automatically (highly suspicious of that...)

I know how to proceed and file complaints etc., but before I start this I wanted to check on possible input from other WI residents with umbrellas. Are you getting wet or is it holding up? :)

[Joe Bertolino]

Two things:

1. It is very wise to have UM/UIM included in your umbrella. The number of uninusured nd minimum limit drivers on the road is much higher than most realize. I handed a $1.25m check to a widow with 3 year old twins after her husband was killed while cycling during a hit and run accident. He was a young, healthy guy with very little life insurance. That check kept his families world from being completely turned upside down.

2. They can probably backdate the cancellation and refund the difference. Send a certified letter to the agent and company requesting that.

If that is a state law or DOI requirement, it is a good one IMO. It is getting harder and harder to find umbrella policies that will include UM/UIM so I am guessing your state Dept of Insurance required it as part of a rate filing for that company or multiple companies. I am sure the extra $150 upset you but if you really understood the situation it is probably a good thing for the consumers in your state. I wish CA and NV would do it.