--- title: "USLI Insurance Review: United States Liability Insurance Company [Updated 2026]" description: "USLI is a specialty insurer focusing on low-premium commercial lines and personal umbrella policies. Founded in 1867 and acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 2000, USLI serves small businesses and individuals through independent agents nationwide." canonical: "https://www.coveragecat.com/reviews/united-states-liability-insurance" last-updated: "2026-08-13" --- # USLI Insurance Review: United States Liability Insurance Company [Updated 2026] 1. [Introduction to USLI](#introduction) 2. [What Kinds of Insurance Does USLI Offer?](#typesofinsurance) 3. [Does USLI Sell Homeowners Insurance?](#sellhomeowners) 4. [Does USLI Sell Personal Umbrella Insurance?](#sellumbrella) 5. [How Does USLI Work?](#howdoesitwork) 6. [Pros and Cons of USLI](#proscons) 7. [Ratings and Customer Feedback](#ratings) 8. [Get Customer Support or File a Claim](#customersupport) 9. [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq) ## Introduction to USLI United States Liability Insurance Company (USLI) is a specialty insurance group whose corporate entity dates to 1867. Founder A.W. Berry established the modern company in 1951 to sell physical damage insurance to customers who bought cars from his auto dealership [(USLI, "2025 Benefits Overview", 2025)](https://customers.usli.com/sites/community/docs/benefits/NewHireWelcome-2025.pdf). Berkshire Hathaway acquired the company on August 8, 2000 [(Singleton Valuations, "Berkshire Hathaway Subsidiaries", 2024)](https://www.singletonvaluations.com/resources/berkshire-hathaway-subsidiaries). The company operates from its headquarters in Wayne, Pennsylvania. USLI consists of five insurance entities: United States Liability Insurance Company, Mount Vernon Fire Insurance Company, Mount Vernon Specialty Insurance Company, Radnor Specialty Insurance Company, and U.S. Underwriters Insurance Company. All five carriers hold A++ (Superior) ratings from AM Best, with the outlook for these Credit Ratings stable as of the August 22, 2025 reaffirmation. The ratings reflect the insurance operating companies' consolidated balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as their very strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). The insurer offers admitted and non-admitted policies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. USLI specializes in underwriting low-premium, low-hazard specialty insurance for small to medium-sized businesses while also providing select personal lines products including [personal umbrella insurance](/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance) [(USLI, "About Us", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/about-us). The company serves policyholders through a network of wholesale and retail insurance agents across the United States and Canada [(AM Best, "AM Best Rating Disclosure Report", 2025)](https://ratings.ambest.com/DisclosurePDF.aspx?AMBNum=2541). USLI expanded from exclusive wholesale distribution to also work directly with retail insurance agencies in 2010. USLI's underwriting income was the largest in the past 10 years, and was also a significant contributor to the companies' surplus. Gross written premiums grew 14.5% in 2023 compared with 2022, and net written premiums grew 14.2% over the same period, driven by rate increases combined with growth in policy count [(AM Best, "Best's Company Report", 2024)](https://insurance.usli.com/media/e5kpuejc/usli-am-best.pdf). The companies' risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), continues to be well into the strongest range, providing an ample cushion to absorb occasional volatility in the capital markets. ## What Kinds of Insurance Does USLI Offer? USLI provides three main categories of insurance: **Commercial Lines Insurance**: The company covers over 500 business classes [(USLI, "Products", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/products). Eligible businesses include general and artisan contractors, child care services, janitorial companies, pet care providers, bars and restaurants, 1-4 unit dwellings, and fitness centers. Coverage options include general liability, excess and umbrella liability, property damage, business interruption, inland marine floaters, special events, and liquor liability [(USLI, "Commercial", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/products/commercial/). USLI describes itself as a specialist in "low premium, low hazard specialty insurance products" focused on small businesses [(USLI, "Products", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/products). The Main Street Mercantile product line extends coverage to over 75 business types, including book stores, florists, art galleries, and antique stores. USLI also covers street vendors, flea market operations, kiosks, stands, seasonal lots, and mobile food trucks [(USLI, "Commercial", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/products/commercial/). **Professional Lines Insurance**: USLI's professional coverage includes errors and omissions (E&O) policies, directors and officers (D&O) protection, employment practices liability (EPL) coverage, and cyber liability insurance. The company has provided D&O coverage to nonprofits for over 20 years, and its cyber liability product covers businesses in retail, professional, manufacturing and technology sectors with up to 500 employees [(USLI, "Professional", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/products/professional/). **Personal Lines Insurance**: The company offers limited personal insurance products designed to fill gaps not covered by standard home or auto policies. Available options include personal umbrella coverage, condo owners insurance, renters insurance, rental dwelling policies for landlords, and vacant dwelling protection. USLI also provides primary comprehensive personal liability policies for individuals, LLCs, trusts, and estates [(USLI, "Individuals", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/products/individuals/). A specialty "Home and Business" policy covers home-based businesses that typical homeowners policies exclude, a product relevant to the estimated 20 million U.S. households with home-based business exposure [Ibid.](https://www.usli.com/products/individuals/). | Product Category | Key Products | Target Customer | |-----------------|-------------|-----------------| | Commercial Lines | General liability, property, business interruption, inland marine, liquor liability | Small businesses across 500+ classes | | Professional Lines | D&O, E&O, EPL, cyber liability | Nonprofits, tech firms, professional services | | Personal Lines | Personal umbrella, condo, renters, rental dwelling, vacant dwelling | Individuals, landlords, home-based businesses | | Specialty | Special events, Home and Business, street vendor coverage | Event organizers, home-based businesses, mobile vendors | ## Does USLI Sell Homeowners Insurance? USLI does not offer traditional [homeowners insurance](/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) packages. The company's personal lines focus centers on liability products and specialty dwelling coverage [Ibid.](https://www.usli.com/products/individuals/). Available personal property products include: - **Condo Owners Insurance**: Protection for condo and co-op owners - **Renters Insurance**: Coverage for tenants - **Rental Dwelling Insurance**: Landlord policies that can protect multiple properties on one policy - **Vacant Dwelling Insurance**: Coverage for short- or long-term vacancies with or without renovations - **Primary Comprehensive Personal Liability**: Monoline liability coverage for individuals and entities - **Home and Business Coverage**: Specialty coverage for home-based businesses excluded from standard homeowners policies [Ibid.](https://www.usli.com/products/individuals/) These products fill gaps where standard homeowners policies may be difficult to obtain or where specialized liability protection is needed. ## Does USLI Sell Personal Umbrella Insurance? USLI offers [personal umbrella insurance](/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance) through several products [(customers.usli.com, "Personal Lines Product Highlights", 2026)](https://customers.usli.com/sites/pdf/Marketing-Kit/HS-Personal.pdf). **Personal Umbrella**: The company considers unsupported umbrella policies for preferred, standard, and high-risk households, as well as high-profile individuals and farm and ranch owners. The product features no self-insured retention and a broad definition of bodily injury that includes mental injury, mental anguish, humiliation, and shock. Optional excess uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is available [Ibid.](https://customers.usli.com/sites/pdf/Marketing-Kit/HS-Personal.pdf). **Excess Personal Umbrella**: This product is available for applicants who need higher limits than their primary umbrella carrier provides. USLI can serve as a third layer when stacking limits. The company claims the product accepts applicants from high-profile individuals to gentlemen's farm owners or those with up to 25 rental locations. Defense costs are provided outside policy limits and include pre and post-judgment interest [Ibid.](https://customers.usli.com/sites/pdf/Marketing-Kit/HS-Personal.pdf). Recent underwriting changes include reduced exposure to personal umbrella policies in California and Florida and decreased policy limits in certain areas [(AM Best, "AM Best Rating Disclosure Report", 2025)](https://ratings.ambest.com/DisclosurePDF.aspx?AMBNum=2541). These adjustments reflect the company's strategic response to claims trends and market conditions in high-risk states. Pricing varies by risk factors. One user reported a quote of approximately $300 per year for $1 million in coverage [(Bogleheads.org, "Personal Umbrella Insurance from USLI", 2019)](https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=281410). ### USLI vs. RLI and Markel for Personal Umbrella: Net-Worth Protection Comparison For individuals who seek standalone personal umbrella coverage to protect accumulated wealth and future earnings, USLI competes with specialty carriers RLI and Markel in the monoline umbrella market. **RLI Insurance**: In February 2026, AM Best upgraded all RLI subsidiaries to A++ (Superior), the highest rating tier, with policyholder surplus at $1.9 billion as of the third quarter of 2025. RLI offers coverage limits of $1 million up to $5 million per personal umbrella policy, so ultra-high-net-worth clients who need above $5M may need an excess policy elsewhere or multiple layers. RLI sells personal umbrella policies in all 50 states on an admitted basis through the regular insurance market, which provides additional regulatory protections, and allows customers to keep their existing home and auto policies with other insurers. Most umbrella insurance policies cost between $150 to $400 per year for $1 million in coverage, with each additional million in coverage typically adding $75 to $100 per year to your premium. **Markel Insurance**: In November 2025, AM Best affirmed Markel's Financial Strength Rating as A (Excellent) and Long-Term Issue Credit Rating as a+ (Excellent). Markel's personal umbrella is available in select states (roughly 43 states; availability varies by form and state), with typical limits of $1M-$5M (product may cap at $5M in many forms). Markel's personal umbrella product is available through PersonalUmbrella.com, but only via appointed independent brokers, not directly to consumers, with brokers who guide eligibility and underwriting. **USLI's Position**: USLI holds the highest A++ rating, which matches RLI and exceeds Markel's A rating. USLI's ratings benefit from implicit support provided to USLI and its subsidiaries by their ultimate parent, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. [NYSE: BRK-A and BRK-B], and the explicit support from their affiliate, National Indemnity Company (NICO), a Berkshire subsidiary, with explicit support in the form of significant reinsurance agreements with NICO and implicit support in the form of investment management services and ERM supervision, both provided by Berkshire. This Berkshire backing distinguishes USLI from independent carriers RLI and Markel. | Feature | USLI | RLI | Markel | |---------|------|-----|--------| | AM Best Rating | A++ (Superior) | A++ (Superior) | A (Excellent) | | Umbrella Limits | $1M - $5M | $1M - $5M | $1M - $5M | | State Availability | All 50 + DC | All 50 + DC | ~43 states | | Distribution | Wholesale and retail agents | Retail agents | Appointed brokers via PersonalUmbrella.com | | Self-Insured Retention | None | Varies | Varies | | Parent Company | Berkshire Hathaway | Independent | Independent | | Excess Umbrella Option | Yes (third-layer stacking) | Limited | Limited | For net-worth protection, all three carriers offer similar $1M-$5M limit structures suitable for households with assets in that range. High-net-worth individuals with more than $5 million in exposed assets will need to layer multiple policies or seek specialized excess carriers. When your assets and future earnings run into the millions, a $1 million umbrella policy can leave you exposed, and multi-million-dollar umbrella limits align your liability protection with your true net worth, safeguard future income and guard against lawsuits that can quickly exhaust primary policy limits. USLI's specialty niche lies in accepting high-risk and hard-to-place umbrella risks that standard carriers decline, similar to RLI's underwriting flexibility. However, USLI operates through wholesale channels rather than direct retail distribution, which may limit accessibility compared to RLI's broader agent network. ## How Does USLI Work? USLI sells exclusively through wholesale and retail agents located throughout the United States [(USLI, "About Us", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/about-us). The company does not offer direct-to-consumer sales. Licensed insurance brokers and agents access USLI products to serve their clients. **Quote Process**: The company advertises a 3-hour turnaround on submissions and binders [Ibid.](https://www.usli.com/about-us). Agents can quote online 24/7 or receive instant telephone quotes by calling 888-773-8754. USLI provides real-time assistance via web chat with live underwriters. **Payment and Billing**: Policyholders can make payments online or by phone 24/7 at 866-632-2003 (USA) or 866-539-2150 (Canada) [(USLI, "Policyholder Services", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/policyholder-services/). **Claims**: Claims can be filed by calling 1-888-523-5545 (option 3) during business hours [(USLI, "Support", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/support). After-hours claim reporting and emergency assistance are available at 1-888-875-5231. The company also accepts claims submissions online through its policyholder portal. Documents can be sent to newlosses@usli.com, which is monitored continuously [Ibid.](https://www.usli.com/support). USLI also maintains a Special Investigations Unit (S.I.U.) with a three-person Anti-Fraud Review Committee and a two-person Anti-Fraud team that handles detection, investigation, and reporting to state fraud bureaus [(USLI, "Fraud Policy", 2025)](https://www.usli.com/fraud-policy). Recent litigation shows USLI actively enforces policy terms. In March 2025, a federal judge ruled USLI was not obligated to defend an insurance agency accused of mishandling premium payments because the claim fell under a professional liability policy exclusion for failure to collect or safeguard money [(Insurance Business Magazine, "Insurance agent loses lawsuit", 2025)](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/legal-insights/insurance-agent-loses-lawsuit-against-united-states-liability-insurance-company-usli-529101.aspx). In August 2025, USLI sued Travelers to recover $900,000 in legal defense costs after Travelers, as the primary insurer, allegedly failed to contribute any payment for a covered auto accident claim [(Romero, "USLI demands Travelers cover $900k defense costs", 2025)](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/legal-insights/usli-demands-travelers-cover-900k-defense-costs-in-new-lawsuit-547303.aspx). Separately, a Mississippi nonprofit filed a federal lawsuit against USLI in 2025, alleging the insurer denied coverage and independent counsel after workplace discrimination and retaliation claims were brought against the organization [(Insurance Business Magazine, "USLI faces lawsuit as non-profit claims denied workplace coverage", 2025)](https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/legal-insights/usli-faces-lawsuit-as-nonprofit-claims-denied-workplace-coverage-556785.aspx). ## Pros and Cons of USLI

Pros

Cons

## Ratings and Customer Feedback ### Financial Strength Ratings | Rating Agency | Rating | Date | Notes | |--------------|--------|------|-------| | [**AM Best**](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/am-best-affirms-credit-ratings-141600661.html) | A++ (Superior) | August 22, 2025 | Highest rating available; reflects strongest balance sheet strength and superior risk-adjusted capital position | | [**AM Best Long-Term ICR**](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/am-best-affirms-credit-ratings-141600661.html) | aa+ (Superior) | August 22, 2025 | Long-term issuer credit rating with stable outlook | | [**AM Best BCAR**](https://ratings.ambest.com/DisclosurePDF.aspx?AMBNum=2541) | 99.6% VaR | 2025 | Risk-adjusted capitalization at strongest level measured | AM Best noted USLI's "strongest" balance sheet, very strong operating performance, profitable underwriting, superior capital position, and conservative reserve levels as key strengths supporting these ratings [(AM Best, "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings", 2025)](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/am-best-affirms-credit-ratings-141600661.html). The company's combined ratios have outperformed the commercial casualty composite by a wide margin over both 5-year and 10-year periods, and its loss ratio remains substantially lower than peer groups on both time horizons [(Ibid., "Best's Company Report", 2024)](https://insurance.usli.com/media/e5kpuejc/usli-am-best.pdf). ### USLI Insurance Rating Summary | Metric | Rating | Source | |--------|--------|--------| | Financial Strength | A++ (Superior) | AM Best 2025 | | Customer Reviews (Trustpilot) | 2.8 stars | 5 reviews | | BBB Rating | A+ (Not Accredited) | BBB 2026 | | BBB Customer Rating | 3.68 / 5 stars | BBB 2026 | | Employee Rating (Glassdoor) | 4.1 stars | 296 reviews | | Employee Recommendation Rate | 75% | Glassdoor 2025 | | Indeed Employee Rating | 4.3 / 5 stars | Indeed 2026 | | Industry Recognition | 5-Star Carrier | Insurance Business America | ### Customer Reviews Summary | Source | Avg. Rating & Count | Representative Quote | Takeaway | |--------|---------------------|----------------------|----------| | [**Trustpilot**](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.usli.com) | 2.8 stars (5 reviews) | "My floor joist have failed... They won't cover anything." | Very limited review sample; negative claims experiences and cancellation fee disputes reported | | [**Better Business Bureau**](https://www.bbb.org/us/pa/wayne/profile/liability-insurance/usli-0241-234757567) | A+ Rating, 3.68/5 stars | Multiple complaints about claims and cancellations | Company responds but resolution satisfaction varies | | [**Yelp**](https://www.yelp.com/biz/usli-wayne) | 1.0 star (9 reviews) | "worst insurance company. They are fraud." | Highly negative; claims processing complaints including 6-month delay | | [**Glassdoor (Employee)**](https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/USLI-Reviews-E26808.htm) | 4.1 stars (296 reviews) | "Warm, welcoming environment. Plenty of training." | Employees rate workplace positively; 75% recommend | ### Real Customer Reviews

1 ★

Trustpilot User, August 2025

via Trustpilot

It would be negative if I could. My floor joist have failed and the second story needs to be completely rebuilt. They won't cover anything. Looks like my policy only covers acts of god at this point even if my home collapsed they state I'm not covered. What is the point of home insurance then?

1 ★

Kyle L., 2023

via Better Business Bureau

Had my liability insurance policy produced on the 7th of June and never received a declaration until June 19th by email to my local agent, I cancelled the insurance on the 20th because I never heard anything until after the 20th and never received a bill. I was billed later after cancellation for $150 of the $625 policy. This company is a joke and i would NEVER recommend them to anyone. I am out $150 and I got another policy with a great company the same day I cancelled this one as well as I had a declaration page for my cleaning business the same day.

3 ★

Boglerocks, 2019

via Bogleheads Forum

My broker has quoted me ~$300/year for personal umbrella insurance from USLI with a $1,000,000 limit. Does that sound ok? USLI also does not seem to require [underlying coverage from the same carrier] but I will double-check. [USLI has] A++ AM Best rating, so they should be sound financially.

## Get Customer Support or File a Claim **Customer Service**: - General inquiries: 1-888-523-5545 [(USLI, "Contact Us", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/contact-us) - Billing and payment: 1-866-632-2003 (USA) or 1-866-539-2150 (Canada) [(Ibid., "Policyholder Services", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/policyholder-services/) - Online contact form: Available at usli.com/contact-us **Claims Reporting**: - Business hours claims: 1-888-523-5545 (select option 3) [(Ibid., "Support", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/support) - After-hours emergency claims: 1-888-875-5231 - Email for supplemental documents: newlosses@usli.com - Online claims portal: Available at myaccount.usli.com/claims **For Agent/Broker Inquiries**: Contact the Wayne, PA home office at 1190 Devon Park Drive, Wayne, PA 19087 [(Ibid., "Contact Us", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/contact-us) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is USLI a Real Insurance Company? Yes. USLI is a legitimate insurance group whose corporate entity dates to 1867, with the modern company established in 1951 by A.W. Berry [(Ibid., "2025 Benefits Overview", 2025)](https://customers.usli.com/sites/community/docs/benefits/NewHireWelcome-2025.pdf). Berkshire Hathaway acquired the company in 2000 [(Ibid., "About Us", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/about-us). The company holds the highest AM Best rating (A++). It operates five insurance companies licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. ### What Types of Insurance Does USLI Offer? USLI specializes in commercial lines insurance for small businesses, professional liability coverage, and select personal lines products [(Ibid., "Products", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/products). Personal products include [personal umbrella insurance](/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance), condo and renters insurance, and landlord dwelling coverage. The company does not offer standard [homeowners insurance](/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) packages. ### How Does USLI Make Money? USLI earns revenue through insurance premiums on policies written through its network of wholesale and retail insurance agents [(Ibid., "About Us", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/about-us). The company's common stock portfolio is managed by Berkshire Hathaway's investment management team as part of a long-term strategy [(AM Best, "AM Best Rating Disclosure Report", 2025)](https://ratings.ambest.com/DisclosurePDF.aspx?AMBNum=2541). As a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, USLI also benefits from reinsurance agreements with National Indemnity Company. ### Can I Buy USLI Insurance Directly? No. USLI products are sold exclusively through licensed independent insurance agents and brokers [(USLI, "About Us", 2026)](https://www.usli.com/about-us). You cannot purchase policies directly from USLI's website. ### Is USLI Good for Personal Umbrella Insurance? USLI offers competitive personal umbrella policies that feature broad coverage definitions and no self-insured retention [(customers.usli.com, "Personal Lines Product Highlights", 2026)](https://customers.usli.com/sites/pdf/Marketing-Kit/HS-Personal.pdf). One forum user noted the company is "rated A++ by AM Best, so they should be sound financially" [(Bogleheads.org, "Personal Umbrella Insurance from USLI", 2019)](https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=281410). However, customer reviews are limited and mixed regarding claims handling. The company has reduced its exposure to personal umbrella policies in California and Florida and decreased policy limits in certain areas due to market conditions [(AM Best, "AM Best Rating Disclosure Report", 2025)](https://ratings.ambest.com/DisclosurePDF.aspx?AMBNum=2541). For net-worth protection, USLI competes with RLI (A++ rated) and Markel (A rated), all offering $1M-$5M umbrella limits, though USLI's Berkshire Hathaway backing provides unique reinsurance support. ### What Are USLI Insurance Complaints About? USLI insurance complaints center on claims handling and policy interpretation. Customer reviews on Trustpilot and Yelp report claims denials, slow processing times, and disagreements over coverage [(Trustpilot, "USLI Reviews", 2026)](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.usli.com). One Trustpilot reviewer reported a 10% cancellation fee after canceling a policy 1.5 months into the renewal period [Ibid.](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.usli.com). One Yelp reviewer reported a 6-month claim processing delay without payment [(Yelp, "USLI - Wayne, Pennsylvania", 2026)](https://www.yelp.com/biz/usli-wayne). BBB complaints include cancellation fees and communication delays with agents [(BBB, "USLI Profile", 2026)](https://www.bbb.org/us/pa/wayne/profile/liability-insurance/usli-0241-234757567). USLI responds to BBB complaints via direct communication with complainants due to the confidential nature of insurance [Ibid.](https://www.bbb.org/us/pa/wayne/profile/liability-insurance/usli-0241-234757567), but resolution satisfaction varies. ### Should I Buy USLI Insurance? USLI may be appropriate if you need: - Commercial liability insurance for a small business - [Personal umbrella insurance](/insurance-types/umbrella-insurance) up to $5 million for net-worth protection - Landlord or rental dwelling coverage - Condo or renters insurance - Specialty liability products for hard-to-place risks However, USLI may not be the best fit if you need standard [homeowners insurance](/insurance-types/homeowners-insurance) or prefer direct-to-consumer purchasing. Given the mixed customer reviews regarding claims handling, working with a trusted agent who can explain policy exclusions clearly is important. The company's A++ financial strength rating from AM Best and Berkshire Hathaway ownership provide strong financial backing [(AM Best, "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings", 2025)](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/am-best-affirms-credit-ratings-141600661.html), but claims experience appears to vary by individual case. For personalized umbrella insurance quotes in California, New York, Florida, Texas, or Washington, [Coverage Cat can help compare USLI with other carriers](https://www.coveragecat.com/intake?ltp=net_worth).