By T.J. Yaglenski, Senior Underwriter · Demeter Specialty Risk
Supported excess is follow-form excess liability written directly over an insurer’s own underlying (primary) general liability policy. Because the same market stands behind both the primary and the excess layer, brokers get aligned terms and streamlined placement. Demeter Specialty Risk LLC — a specialty-lines managing general agent (MGA) — provides this supported excess as a non-admitted, A-rated, follow-form carrier.
What is supported excess?
Supported excess is an excess liability layer that sits above a primary general liability policy and is “supported” by the same market that stands behind the primary. It follows the form of the underlying policy — so its terms mirror the primary — and it responds once the primary limits are exhausted.
How is supported excess different from an umbrella or unsupported excess?
- Supported excess: the excess carrier also stands behind the underlying primary. Terms follow form and placement is coordinated through one market.
- Unsupported (stand-alone) excess: sits over a different carrier’s primary that the broker must source and coordinate separately.
- Umbrella: related, but can drop down over multiple underlying policies; supported excess is follow-form over one specific primary.
What capacity does Demeter provide?
Demeter writes follow-form GL excess as a non-admitted, A-rated carrier, with class-dependent minimum premiums starting at $25,000.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Carrier | Non-admitted, A-rated |
| Structure | Follow-form GL excess |
| Capacity | 5×1 ($5M over a 1M/2M/2M primary) and 3×2 ($3M over a 2M/4M/4M primary) |
| Minimum premium | Class-dependent, starting at $25,000 |
| Auto | Scheduled auto available for small fleets |
| Turnaround | 2–3 days in most cases |
When should a broker use supported excess?
Reach for supported excess when a contract or general contractor requires higher limits than the primary provides, and the underlying general liability is already placed (or being placed) with an affiliated market. It avoids the friction of assembling a separate excess tower.
Frequently asked questions
Is supported excess the same as an umbrella?
They’re related — both sit above primary limits — but supported excess is follow-form over one specific underlying policy backed by the same market.
What capacity can Demeter provide?
5×1 ($5M over a 1M primary) and 3×2 ($3M over a 2M primary).
What is the minimum premium for supported excess?
Class-dependent, starting at $25,000.
Learn more about Demeter’s services or contact our team. Demeter provides supported excess for general liability accounts written through USMC.