Do umbrella policies cover auto liability for tower contractor fleets?

Yes, most tower contractor umbrella policies sit excess of the commercial auto policy in addition to GL and employers liability. This is important because tower contractors operate heavy vehicles (crane trucks, bucket trucks, material haulers) that create significant auto liability exposure. A serious at-fault accident involving a loaded tower crew truck could easily generate claims exceeding a $1M auto liability limit. The umbrella provides the excess limits needed. To ensure proper coordination: (1) Your auto policy must be scheduled as underlying on the umbrella. (2) The underlying auto limits must meet the umbrella's minimum required underlying limits (typically $1M combined single limit). (3) Hired and non-owned auto coverage on your GL or auto should also be covered by the umbrella. (4) The umbrella must not exclude commercial vehicle operations, vehicles over a certain weight, or specific vehicle types you operate. For tower contractors with large fleets including cranes, the auto liability exposure can rival or exceed the tower work GL exposure. Ensure your umbrella's per-occurrence limit applies to auto claims without a separate sub-limit or aggregate for auto losses.