---
title: "USLI vs. Coverage Cat"
description: "USLI is a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary with A++ AM Best ratings and deep expertise in excess liability. Coverage Cat partners with USLI and other top-rated carriers, letting you compare quotes from multiple specialty insurers in minutes instead of days."
canonical: "https://www.coveragecat.com/comparisons/usli"
last-updated: "2026-08-13"
---

# USLI vs. Coverage Cat: Specialty Carrier or Digital Broker?

USLI (United States Liability Insurance Group) is a specialty excess liability carrier backed by Berkshire Hathaway. The company holds A++ ratings from AM Best across all five of its insurance entities, the highest rating the agency assigns [(USLI, "About Us," 2026)](https://www.usli.com/about-us). That financial strength makes USLI one of roughly 20 insurance groups in the United States to earn an A++ designation [(Coverage Cat, "Best Umbrella Insurance Companies: Standalone Carrier Comparison and Cost [2026]", 2026)](https://www.coveragecat.com/blog/umbrella-liability-insurance-comparison-guide).

Coverage Cat is a digital insurance brokerage that partners with USLI and other top-rated specialty carriers. Instead of contacting multiple brokers to shop each carrier separately, Coverage Cat clients submit information once and receive quotes from USLI, RLI, Markel, and comparable insurers within minutes. The result is faster comparison, transparent pricing, and a dedicated broker who advocates for you during claims.

This page breaks down what USLI offers, where its distribution model creates friction, and how Coverage Cat adds value on top of USLI's specialty coverage.

## What USLI Offers

USLI consists of five insurance companies: United States Liability Insurance Company, Mount Vernon Fire, Mount Vernon Specialty Insurance Company, Radnor Specialty Insurance Company, and U.S. Underwriters Insurance Company [(USLI, "About Us," 2026)](https://www.usli.com/about-us). Berkshire Hathaway acquired the group in 2000, and the company reports revenue of $934.6 million [(ZoomInfo, "USLI - Overview," 2026)](https://www.zoominfo.com/c/usli-inc/40305018).

The company covers a broad range of specialty lines. Its product categories include commercial, hospitality and liquor, professional and management, nonprofit, personal lines, and special event insurance [(USLI, "Products," 2026)](https://www.usli.com/products/). For individuals, USLI offers umbrella policies, condo owners coverage, renters insurance, rental dwelling, and vacant dwelling coverage [(USLI, "Insurance for Individuals," 2026)](https://www.usli.com/products/individuals/). The company does not sell standard homeowners insurance.

USLI's personal umbrella product stands out in several ways:

- It accepts preferred, standard, high-risk, and high-profile applicants, plus farm and ranch owners [(USLI, "Personal Lines Product Highlights," 2026)](https://customers.usli.com/sites/pdf/Marketing-Kit/HS-Personal.pdf).
- Policies carry no self-insured retention, so there is no deductible gap between the underlying policy and the umbrella [(USLI, "Personal Lines Product Highlights," 2026)](https://customers.usli.com/sites/pdf/Marketing-Kit/HS-Personal.pdf).
- The bodily injury definition is broad, covering mental injury, anguish, humiliation, and shock [(USLI, "Personal Lines Product Highlights," 2026)](https://customers.usli.com/sites/pdf/Marketing-Kit/HS-Personal.pdf).
- Defense costs sit outside policy limits, and the policy covers pre- and post-judgment interest [(USLI, "Personal Lines Product Highlights," 2026)](https://customers.usli.com/sites/pdf/Marketing-Kit/HS-Personal.pdf).
- Trusts, LLCs, LLPs, LPs, and estates are all eligible applicant types [(USLI, "Personal Lines Product Highlights," 2026)](https://customers.usli.com/sites/pdf/Marketing-Kit/HS-Personal.pdf).
- Preferred applicants can access limits up to $10 million, while standard applicants can access up to $5 million [(Coverage Cat, "Best Umbrella Insurance Companies: Standalone Carrier Comparison and Cost [2026]", 2026)](https://www.coveragecat.com/blog/umbrella-liability-insurance-comparison-guide).

USLI operates as both an admitted and non-admitted surplus lines carrier, which gives it flexibility to write policies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia [(USLI, "About Us," 2026)](https://www.usli.com/about-us). It also offers an Excess Personal Umbrella product that stacks limits above another carrier's umbrella, though this product cannot be combined with a USLI primary umbrella and is not available in Alaska, California, Florida, Louisiana, or West Virginia [(USLI, "Personal Lines Product Highlights," 2026)](https://customers.usli.com/sites/pdf/Marketing-Kit/HS-Personal.pdf).

The company earned Insurance Business America's 5-Star Carrier rating across eight categories, including range of products, quick quotes and education and training [(Insurance Business America, "USLI named 5-Star Carrier", 2014)](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/usli-named-5star-carrier-20227.aspx). USLI's SNAP program provides streamlined underwriting for small and medium accounts, and the company advertises a 3-hour turnaround on submissions and binders for agents [(Coverage Cat, "USLI Insurance Review," 2026)](https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/united-states-liability-insurance).

## Where USLI Falls Short

USLI's specialty focus and agent-only distribution model create real friction for consumers who want to shop umbrella coverage efficiently.

**No direct-to-consumer access.** USLI does not sell policies to consumers. You must work through an independent agent or broker [(The Insurance Loft, "Colorado USLI Insurance Agent," 2026)](https://www.theinsuranceloft.com/carriers/usli). The company's quoting portal is designed for agents, not individuals [(USLI, "Quoting Portal," 2026)](https://services.usli.com/retail/home/index/E1C6F9BE-255C-48cb-9473-1E4E162FB966). If you search "USLI quotes" online, you will not find a consumer-facing quote tool.

**Slower quote timelines.** Simple accounts can receive quotes within 24 to 48 hours, but complex risks take longer [(The Insurance Loft, "Colorado USLI Insurance Agent," 2026)](https://www.theinsuranceloft.com/carriers/usli). Through a traditional broker, the full underwriting process runs 5 to 10 business days. During that wait, you have no visibility into how USLI's pricing compares to RLI or Markel.

**Higher premiums than standard carriers.** USLI's specialty positioning comes with higher prices. Bogleheads forum users reported USLI personal umbrella quotes around $300 per year for $1 million of coverage, compared to $135 from Progressive and $180 from Geico for the same limit [(Bogleheads, "Personal Umbrella Insurance from USLI," 2019)](https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=281410). BiggerPockets users reported similar pricing around $500 for $1 million [(BiggerPockets, "USLI Insurance? Bad reviews online," 2024)](https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/95/topics/800293-usli-insurance-bad-reviews-online). The premium gap reflects USLI's broader coverage terms, A++ rating, and no self-insured retention, but it means cost-conscious buyers should compare before committing.

**State-level restrictions.** USLI's primary personal umbrella is available in 46 states plus DC but excludes Alaska, California, Louisiana, and West Virginia [(Coverage Cat, "Best Umbrella Insurance Companies: Standalone Carrier Comparison and Cost [2026]", 2026)](https://www.coveragecat.com/blog/umbrella-liability-insurance-comparison-guide). State-specific caps also apply: Florida limits top out at $5 million, and Alabama, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and Vermont cap at $1 million [(Coverage Cat, "Best Umbrella Insurance Companies: Standalone Carrier Comparison and Cost [2026]", 2026)](https://www.coveragecat.com/blog/umbrella-liability-insurance-comparison-guide). The company has reduced its exposure to personal umbrella policies in California and Florida in recent years [(Coverage Cat, "USLI Insurance Review," 2026)](https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/united-states-liability-insurance).

**Mixed consumer reviews.** The Better Business Bureau rates USLI 3.68 out of 5 stars, with complaints about billing issues after cancellation, communication delays, and threats of collections for disputed charges [(Better Business Bureau, "USLI Business Profile," 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/pa/wayne/profile/liability-insurance/usli-0241-234757567). Trustpilot has only 5 total reviews, including complaints about claims denials and unresponsive investigators [(Trustpilot, "USLI Reviews," 2026)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.usli.com). Yelp reviewers in Wayne, Pennsylvania, report negative experiences, with one reviewer citing a 6-month claim processing delay [(Yelp, "USLI - Wayne, Pennsylvania," 2026)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/usli-wayne). 

## How Coverage Cat Compares

Coverage Cat is a brokerage, not a carrier. That distinction matters because Coverage Cat can place your policy with USLI, RLI, Markel, or another A-rated carrier, whichever one offers the best combination of price, coverage terms, and availability for your specific situation.

Here is how the two models differ in practice:

| Feature | USLI (via Independent Broker) | Coverage Cat |
|---|---|---|
| **Business type** | Specialty carrier | Digital brokerage |
| **AM Best rating** | A++ (carrier entities) | Partners with A++ and A rated carriers |
| **Quote speed** | 24 hours to 10+ business days | Minutes |
| **Multi-carrier comparison** | No (single carrier) | Yes (USLI, RLI, Markel, and others) |
| **Information submission** | Repeated for each broker | Once, then instant quotes |
| **Consumer-facing quote tool** | No | Yes |
| **Can bind immediately** | After underwriting approval | Yes |
| **Self-insured retention** | None on primary umbrella | Varies by carrier |
| **Max limits (preferred)** | $10 million | Varies by carrier and state |
| **Entity coverage (LLCs, trusts)** | Yes | Yes (carrier-dependent) |
| **Follow-up sales calls** | Likely from broker | None |
| **Claims advocacy** | Broker availability varies | Dedicated broker represents you |
| **States served** | 46 states + DC (personal umbrella) | CA, FL, NY, TX, WA |
| **Additional fees** | None beyond premium | None beyond premium |

Coverage Cat's value sits in three areas. First, speed: you get quotes in minutes instead of days. Second, comparison: you see USLI alongside competing carriers on the same screen, so you can weigh price against coverage terms. Third, advocacy: your Coverage Cat broker stays with you after the policy binds and represents your interests during claims.

Since USLI pricing does not vary by distribution channel, the premium you pay through Coverage Cat is the same as the premium you would pay through any other broker [(Coverage Cat, "USLI vs. Coverage Cat," 2026)](https://www.coveragecat.com/comparisons/usli). Coverage Cat earns revenue from carrier commissions only, with no additional fees beyond the carrier's premium.

## USLI and Coverage Cat Availability by State

USLI writes personal umbrella policies in most states, but its availability varies by product type and limit. Coverage Cat currently holds brokerage licenses in five states.

| State | USLI Primary Umbrella | USLI Excess Umbrella | Coverage Cat Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Not available | Not available | Yes (other carriers) |
| Florida | Yes (max $5M) | Not available | Yes |
| New York | Yes (up to $10M preferred) | Yes | Yes |
| Texas | Yes (up to $10M preferred) | Yes | Yes |
| Washington | Yes (up to $10M preferred) | Yes | Yes |
| Alabama | Yes (max $1M) | Yes | Not currently |
| Alaska | Not available | Not available | Not currently |
| Louisiana | Not available | Not available | Not currently |
| Mississippi | Yes (max $1M) | Yes | Not currently |
| West Virginia | Not available | Not available | Not currently |
| All other states | Yes (limits vary) | Yes (45 states + DC) | Not currently |

For California residents, USLI's personal umbrella is not available, which makes Coverage Cat's access to alternative carriers like RLI and Markel particularly relevant. In Florida, USLI limits cap at $5 million and the company has reduced its personal umbrella exposure there [(Coverage Cat, "USLI Insurance Review," 2026)](https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/united-states-liability-insurance), so a multi-carrier comparison helps Florida clients find the broadest available coverage.

## Who Should Choose Coverage Cat

Coverage Cat is built for people who want the quality of a USLI-caliber carrier without the friction of the traditional specialty broker process. Choose Coverage Cat if you:

- Own $1 million or more in assets and need umbrella protection tailored to your financial situation
- Want to compare USLI against RLI, Markel, and other quality carriers on one screen
- Live in California, where USLI personal umbrella is not available, and need access to alternative A-rated carriers
- Prefer to receive quotes in minutes rather than wait days for underwriting
- Do not want follow-up marketing calls or emails after you get quotes
- Value a dedicated broker relationship that continues through claims, not just through the sale

USLI through a traditional broker may work better for you if you already have an established relationship with a specialty excess liability broker, if you prefer in-person meetings and phone conversations, if you live outside Coverage Cat's five licensed states, or if you have commercial insurance needs beyond personal umbrella coverage. USLI covers over 700 classes of business [(The Insurance Loft, "Colorado USLI Insurance Agent," 2026)](https://www.theinsuranceloft.com/carriers/usli), a breadth that goes well beyond Coverage Cat's personal lines focus.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Is USLI umbrella insurance too expensive compared to standard carriers?**

USLI premiums tend to run higher than standard carriers. Bogleheads forum users reported USLI personal umbrella quotes around $300-$350 per year for $1 million, compared to $100-$150 from Progressive and $150-$200 from Geico [(Bogleheads, "Personal Umbrella Insurance from USLI," 2019)](https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=281410). The higher price reflects USLI's A++ financial strength, no self-insured retention, broad bodily injury definition, and defense costs outside policy limits. Whether the premium gap is worth it depends on your risk profile. Coverage Cat shows USLI quotes alongside RLI and Markel so you can compare cost against coverage terms before you decide.

**What states does USLI personal umbrella cover?**

USLI's primary personal umbrella is available in 46 states plus the District of Columbia. It is not available in Alaska, California, Louisiana, or West Virginia [(Coverage Cat, "Best Umbrella Insurance Companies: Standalone Carrier Comparison and Cost [2026]", 2026)](https://www.coveragecat.com/blog/umbrella-liability-insurance-comparison-guide). State-specific limit caps also apply: $5 million maximum in Florida and $1 million maximum in Alabama, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Coverage Cat operates in California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Washington, and can offer alternative carriers in states where USLI is unavailable.

**How long does the USLI quote process take?**

It depends on how you access USLI. Through a traditional broker, simple accounts take 24 to 48 hours, while complex risks can take 5 to 10 business days [(The Insurance Loft, "Colorado USLI Insurance Agent," 2026)](https://www.theinsuranceloft.com/carriers/usli). USLI advertises 3-hour turnaround on submissions for agents using its SNAP platform [(Coverage Cat, "USLI Insurance Review," 2026)](https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/united-states-liability-insurance). Through Coverage Cat, you submit information once and see quotes from USLI and other carriers in minutes. The speed difference comes from Coverage Cat's direct carrier integrations and digital intake process.

**What are common complaints about USLI umbrella insurance?**

Consumer reviews point to claims handling delays, communication gaps, and billing disputes. The BBB rates USLI 3.68 out of 5 stars, with complaints about cancellation billing and threats of collections [(Better Business Bureau, "USLI Business Profile," 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/pa/wayne/profile/liability-insurance/usli-0241-234757567). Trustpilot has only 5 total reviews [(Trustpilot, "USLI Reviews," 2026)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.usli.com), and one Yelp reviewer reported a 6-month claim processing delay [(Yelp, "USLI - Wayne, Pennsylvania," 2026)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/usli-wayne). The small volume of consumer feedback makes it hard to draw broad conclusions, but Coverage Cat's broker advocacy model helps clients navigate claims disputes if they arise.

**Does USLI require me to bundle my auto and home insurance?**

No. USLI operates as a standalone umbrella carrier and does not require underlying coverage from the same company [(Bogleheads, "Personal Umbrella Insurance from USLI," 2019)](https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=281410). You keep your existing auto and home policies and layer USLI's umbrella on top. USLI does require minimum underlying liability limits, typically $300,000 combined single limit for auto and $300,000 to $500,000 for homeowners. Coverage Cat coordinates these requirements to make sure your underlying policies meet USLI's thresholds before binding the umbrella.

**How does Coverage Cat compare to USLI for high-net-worth umbrella insurance?**

USLI is a carrier with A++ financial strength and deep specialty expertise. Coverage Cat is a brokerage that can place policies with USLI and also with RLI, Markel, and other quality carriers. The advantage of working with Coverage Cat is access and speed: you submit information once, compare multiple carriers in minutes, and bind a policy without follow-up sales calls. Your premium is the same whether you access USLI through Coverage Cat or through another broker, because USLI pricing does not vary by distribution channel [(Coverage Cat, "USLI vs. Coverage Cat," 2026)](https://www.coveragecat.com/comparisons/usli).

Ready to compare USLI against other top-rated umbrella carriers? [Get instant quotes](https://www.coveragecat.com/intake) from USLI, RLI, Markel, and more in California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Washington.