By T.J. Yaglenski, Senior Underwriter · USMC Insurance
Supported excess is follow-form excess liability written directly over an insurer’s own underlying (primary) general liability policy. Because the same market controls both layers, brokers get simpler placement and aligned terms. USMC offers supported excess in partnership with Demeter Specialty Risk LLC, a non-admitted, A-rated carrier — with 5×1 capacity ($5M over a 1M primary) and 3×2 capacity ($3M over a 2M primary), on all GL classes USMC writes.
What is supported excess?
Supported excess is an excess liability layer written directly over a primary general liability policy by a carrier that also stands behind — or is aligned with — that same primary. Because one program controls both layers, terms follow form and placement is streamlined. It’s different from unsupported (stand-alone) excess, which sits over another carrier’s primary that the broker has to source and coordinate separately.
USMC’s supported excess (via Demeter) at a glance
| Carrier | Demeter Specialty Risk LLC — non-admitted, A-rated |
| Structure | Follow-form GL excess for USMC accounts |
| Capacity | 5×1 ($5M over a 1M primary) and 3×2 ($3M over a 2M primary) |
| Minimum premium | Class-dependent, starting at $25,000 |
| Extras | Scheduled auto available for small fleets |
| Eligibility | All GL classes written through USMC |
| Turnaround | 2–3 days in most cases |
When should a broker use supported excess?
Reach for it when a contract or GC requires higher limits than the primary provides and the underlying is already placed — or being placed — with USMC. It avoids the friction of building a separate excess tower with a different carrier, since Demeter follows the form of the USMC primary already on the account. This comes up often on the same accounts USMC already writes primary GL for, including structural steel, rebar installation, and ornamental & decorative metal contractors.
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 a specific underlying policy backed by the same program, not a broader stand-alone layer.
What capacity can USMC/Demeter offer?
5×1 ($5M over a 1M primary) and 3×2 ($3M over a 2M primary).
What’s the minimum premium?
Class-dependent, starting at $25,000.
Supported excess is placed through Demeter Specialty Risk LLC, USMC’s affiliated specialty-lines MGA. Read more on Demeter’s own explainer, or talk to your USMC underwriter about adding supported excess to a primary GL submission.