Consider these examples:

· A neighbor's child is playing in your yard when your dog takes exception to the child pulling his tail, and your dog bites the neighbor's child, severely injuring him and causing the child serious trauma.

· Your mailman trips over a crack in your sidewalk, injuring himself and forcing him to accept another position because the injury prevents him from walking his postal route.

· That overgrown pine tree in your yard blows over from a wind storm, crashing through your neighbor's roof and injuring residents in their home.

· You severely injure or cause the death of one or more persons in an auto accident.

Personal Umbrella liability insurance Questions and Answers:

Q: Isn't my basic homeowners or automobile liability insurance enough?

A: Usually it is. However, jury awards can often reach millions of dollars in liability lawsuits. Umbrella policies are designed to help protect your current assets and your future earnings.

Q: Do I need a Mercury automobile and homeowners policy to purchase a Mercury Umbrella policy?

A: All acceptable autos must be insured with Mercury Insurance Group. The homeowners coverage must be with an acceptable underlying insurance company. (Your Mercury agent or broker can discuss additional requirements.)

Q: How much Umbrella protection may I purchase?

A: Mercury offers Personal Umbrella policies of $1 million, $2 million or $5 million to qualified applicants.

Q: Personal Umbrella insurance sounds expensive. Is it?

A: The basic Umbrella policy starts at just a few hundred dollars a year. Your agent or broker can give you a more exact quote for coverage that meets your needs.

Q: How can I find out more about Mercury's Personal Umbrella insurance?

A: Simply call your Mercury agent or broker.