Map the underlying insurance
List the policies, limits, insurers and coverage periods the excess layer expects. Compare scheduled underlying requirements with the policies actually purchased. Discuss how changes, cancellations or exhausted aggregates affect the layer; do not assume it automatically fills an underlying gap.
Compare exclusions across layers
Review mining, underground, blasting, pollution, professional and employer-related restrictions where relevant. An umbrella label does not guarantee broader coverage than every underlying policy. Additional insured and contractual liability treatment also need confirmation at the excess level.
Translate contract limits carefully
Identify whether the customer permits a combination of primary and excess limits and what endorsement evidence is required. Review defense, retention and attachment provisions with realistic scenarios. The requested limit should be evaluated alongside severity, contract obligations and available terms, without presenting it as a guarantee of adequacy.
Illustrative review scenario
A mine contract requires a higher combined liability limit, and the contractor purchases an excess layer. The primary policy accepts the disclosed operations, but the excess form contains a relevant restriction. The additional limit may not address the exposure management intended to fund. Compare the layers and resolve the discrepancy rather than treating the combined dollar amount as the complete result. If the primary aggregate is reduced by an unrelated claim, how does the excess layer respond? Review the attachment and exhaustion provisions instead of assuming the original combined limit remains fully available.