COMPARE: AAIS CU 0002–COMMERCIAL UMBRELLA LIABILITY COVERAGE 09 10 EDITION TO ISO CU 00 01–COMMERCIAL LIABILITY UMBRELLA COVERAGE FORM 04 13 EDITION

(October 2025)

This comparison highlights the similarities and differences between the American Association of Insurance Services (AAIS) CU 0002–Commercial Umbrella Liability Coverage 09 10 Edition and the Insurance Services Office (ISO) CU 00 01–Commercial Liability Umbrella Coverage 04 13 Edition. To make it easy to read side-by-side, the descriptions and comparisons are simplified and less detailed than those in the actual coverage forms analyses.

Related Articles:

CU 0002–Commercial Umbrella Liability Coverage Analysis

CU 00 01–Commercial Liability Umbrella Coverage Form Analysis

NOTE: This comparison aligns with the outline and format of the AAIS coverage form.

AAIS AND ISO COMMERCIAL UMBRELLA LIABILITY COVERAGE COMPARISON

NOTE: Items marked as excluded might have exceptions. Please consult the referenced policy for details.

SECTION	AAIS CU 0002 09 10 EDITION	ISO CU 00 01 04 13 EDITION
Table of Contents	Explains how this policy is organized and assists in locating certain items.	A separate form, CU R 001 03 22, provides the table of contents.
Introduction Statement	Explains there is a state-specific endorsement that applies. Other schedules and endorsements are identified on the declarations. Additionally, it refers to definitions for words and phrases with special meanings.	A statement is provided with various provisions and definitions, and suggests reading the coverage form.
Agreement	Explains that the coverage provided is subject to various terms, and the insured is paying the premium.	No corresponding section in the coverage form, but is provided on the declarations.
Definitions	Located at the beginning of the policy.	Located at the end of the policy.
You and your	The named insured person or persons, organization, or entity on the declarations.	Similar, but in the introduction.
You and your	Newly acquired entities for up to 90 days.	Same, but located under Section II–Who Is An Insured.
We, us, and our	The insurance company providing the coverage.	Same, but located in the introduction.
Advertisement	Any type of public notice or announcement offering the named insured's merchandise or services to the public.	Similar
Auto	A land motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer for public road use. In addition, vehicles subject to financial responsibility laws. Excludes mobile equipment.	Similar
Bodily injury	Bodily harm, sickness, or disease of a person, including death. Excludes mental or emotional injury, suffering, or distress that does not result from the bodily injury.	Similar, but includes mental anguish or other mental injury.
Claims-made	Liability insurance only covering claims made during the policy term and on or after the retroactive date.	Not a defined term.
Coverage territory	The world, except jurisdictions, nations, or countries subject to United States economic sanctions or embargoes.	Same
Covered auto	Autos covered by liability under the underlying insurance.	Same
Covered contract	Specifically defined contracts. Subject to certain limitations.	Same, but refers to it as “insured contract.”
Damages	Monetary compensation for persons or parties that sustain injury.	Not a defined term.
Declarations	Pages labeled declarations, supplemental declarations, or schedules.	Not a defined term.
Designated insured	Certain individuals in the definition of insured and employees authorized to handle claims.	Not a defined term.
Employee	Includes leased workers but not temporary workers.	Same
Executive officer	A person who holds an officer position that was created by one of the named insured's governing documents.	Same
Impaired property	Property neither damaged nor useful.	Same
Indemnitee	Under a contract or agreement, a person or organization for whom an insured has assumed liability for damages due to bodily injury or property damage.	Not a defined term
Insured (Other than Auto)	Based on the named insured's type of business entity.	Not a defined term, but addressed under Section II–Who Is An Insured.
Insured (Auto)	Based on underlying coverage.	Not a defined term, but addressed under Section II–Who Is An Insured. Does not refer to underlying coverage.
Leased worker Insured	A person the named insured leases from a labor leasing business to perform duties related to the insured's business under a contract, excluding temporary workers.	Same
Limit	The amount of coverage that applies.	Not a defined term.
Loading or unloading	Property moved to, on, and from an auto, aircraft, or watercraft.	Same
Mobile equipment	Extensive list of equipment.	Same
Occurrence	An accident, including continuous or repeated exposure to similar conditions.	Similar, but uses "substantially" in place of "similar" and "general harmful" precedes the word "conditions.”
Personal and advertising injury occurrence	Injury due to certain offenses.	Same
Pollutant	Any solid, liquid, gaseous, thermal, or radioactive irritant or contaminant. Includes visible and invisible electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic particles and fields.	Similar, but does not include radioactive or refer to visible or invisible electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic particles and fields.
Products	Goods or merchandise the named insured manufactures, sells, handles, disposes of, or distributes.	Similar, referred to as “Your Product.”
Products/completed work hazard	Bodily injury or property damage from products or completed work.	Similar, but referred to as “Products-Completed Operations Hazard.”
Property damage	Damage or destruction of or loss of use of tangible property, including loss, cost, or expense related to pollutants with respect to owning, maintaining, or using covered autos.	Similar, but limits pollution coverage with respect to covered autos to the extent of underlying coverage, and specifically lists property that Electronic Data includes.
Recreational vehicle	A golf cart, snowmobile, or land motor vehicle designed for recreational use off public roads.	Not a defined term.
Retained limit	Either the self-insured retention or the available limits of underlying insurance on the declarations.	Same
Self-insured retention	The dollar amount the insured pays before this insurance triggers when underlying coverage is not provided.	Same
Silica	All forms of silicon dioxide, silica mixed with other compounds, and silica dust mixed with other dust particles.	Not a defined term.
Suit	Suits include alternative dispute or arbitration proceedings.	Same
Temporary worker	Temporary substitute, seasonal, or short-term worker.	Same
Terms	Provisions, limitations, exclusions, conditions, and definitions applying to the policy.	Not a defined term. Essentially included by inference in the coverage form's opening sentence.
Underlying insurance	Liability coverages listed on the schedule of underlying insurance, including replacement policies.	Similar, but does not include replacement policies.
Underlying insurer	Insurance companies issuing underlying insurance coverage forms or policies.	Same
Volunteer worker	A person who donates their time or services.	Similar
Your work	Work or operations plus materials, warnings, and warranties.	Same
Pollution cost or expense	Not a defined term, but included in the exclusions.	Any loss, cost, or expense that arises from any requirement for the named insured to respond to the effects of pollutants.
Ultimate net loss	Not a defined term.	This term is used in the Limits of Insurance section. It refers to legally obligated damages minus recoveries.
COMMERCIAL UMBRELLA LIABILITY COVERAGES SECTION I–COVERAGES
INSURING AGREEMENT
	AAIS CU 0002 09 10 EDITION	ISO CU 00 01 04 13 EDITION
	Coverage L–Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability	Coverage A–Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability
	Pays covered damages the insured is legally obligated to pay in excess of the retained limit.	Similar, but refers to the ultimate net loss.
	The right and duty to defend against suits when underlying insurance does not apply or its limits are exhausted.	Similar
	The company can participate with the insured or the underlying carrier to defend.	Same
	Duty to defend includes the right to investigate and settle claims or suits.	Similar
	The damages amount payable is limited, as outlined under How Much We Pay.	Similar, but refers to ultimate net loss as Section III–Limits of Insurance describes.
	Payment of limits ends the duty to defend.	Similar
	No other obligation or liability unless provided for under Supplemental Payments.	Similar
	Coverage applies only to bodily injury or property damage from occurrences taking place in the coverage territory, must take place during the policy period, and must not be part of previous losses that took place before this coverage’s inception date.	Similar
	The coverage provided for bodily injury or property damage includes continuation, resumption of, or change in such injury or damage after this policy period ends.	Similar
	Bodily injury damages include those claimed for care, loss of services, or death that results from the bodily injury.	Similar
	The most paid on behalf of an additional insured covered by underlying insurance due to a requirement in a contract or agreement is the amount required in the contract or agreement.	Similar, but located in Section II–Who Is An Insured.
	Injury or damage covered by underlying insurance may be subject to a separate limit. This insurance applies only if that limit is on the Schedule Of Underlying Insurance.	Addresses retained limits and sub-limits in underlying insurance and how this insurance applies in those cases.
BODILY INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE LIABILITY EXCLUSIONS
SECTION	AAIS CU 0002 09 10 EDITION	ISO CU 00 01 04 13 EDITION
Expected or intentional acts	Excluded	Excluded
Contractual Liability	Excluded, but covered contracts are included. Refers to an “indemnitee” as an additional insured.	Similar, but refers to covered contracts as insured contracts. Refers to “a party” as an additional insured.
ERISA violations	Excluded for fiduciaries.	Excluded for any obligation of the insured.
Workers compensation or similar laws	Excluded	Excluded
Employed master of a vessel or crew member	Excluded	No corresponding exclusion.
Auto Coverages – Not Covered Auto	Excluded	Excluded
Pollution	Excluded	Excluded
Pollution cleanup expense	Excluded	Excluded
War	Excluded	Excluded
Aircraft	Excluded	Excluded
Watercraft	Excluded	Excluded
Liquor liability	Excluded	Excluded
Employers liability	Excluded	Excluded
Professional services	Excluded	Excluded. Lists examples. Also, excludes claims that allege negligence or other wrongdoing.
Employment-related practices	Excluded	Excluded
Fellow employee auto	Excluded	No corresponding exclusion.
Racing Activities	Excluded, and includes recreational vehicles.	Excluded, but does not mention recreational vehicles.
Property damage to owned, occupied or rented property	Excluded	Excluded
Property damage to property transported on autos	Excluded	Excluded
Property damage to sold or abandoned property	Excluded	Excluded
Property damage to loaned property	Excluded	Excluded
Property Damage to property in care, custody or control	Excluded	Excluded
Property damage to property that arises from work	Excluded	Excluded
Property damage due to insured’s faulty work	Excluded	Excluded
Property damage to products	Excluded	Excluded
Property damage to insureds work	Excluded	Excluded
Property damage to impaired property	Excluded	Excluded
Product recall expenses	Excluded	Excluded
Personal and advertising injury	Excluded	Excluded
Electronic data	Excluded	Excluded for property damage only.
Violation of communication laws or regulations	Excluded	Excluded
Lead	Excluded	No corresponding exclusion.
Silica	Excluded	No corresponding exclusion.
Asbestos	Excluded	No corresponding exclusion.
PERSONAL AND ADVERTISING INJURY LIABILITY INSURING AGREEMENT
	AAIS CU 0002 09 10 EDITION	ISO CU 00 01 04 13 EDITION
	Coverage P–Personal and Advertising Injury Liability	Coverage B–Personal and Advertising Injury Liability
	Pays covered damages the insured is legally obligated to pay in excess of the retained limit.	Similar, but refers to the ultimate net loss.
	Right and duty to defend the insured against suits seeking such damages when underlying insurance does not apply or its limits are exhausted.	Similar
	The company can participate with the insured or the underlying carrier to defend.	Same
	Duty to defend comes with the right to investigate and settle claims or suits.	Similar
	The damages amount payable is limited, as outlined under How Much We Pay.	Similar, but refers to ultimate net loss as Section III–Limits of Insurance describes.
	Payment of limits ends the duty to defend.	Similar
	No other obligation or liability unless provided for under Supplemental Payments.	Similar
	Coverage applies only to personal and advertising injury offenses taking place in the coverage territory and during the policy period.	Similar
PERSONAL AND ADVERTISING INJURY LIABILITY EXCLUSIONS
SECTION	AAIS CU 0002 09 10 EDITION	ISO CU 00 01 04 13 EDITION
Pollution	Excluded	Excluded
Pollution testing expense	Excluded	No corresponding exclusion.
War	Excluded	Excluded
Professional services	Excluded	Excluded. Lists examples. Also excludes claims that allege negligence or other wrongdoing.
Employment-related services	Excluded	Excluded
Intentional acts	Excluded	Excluded
Criminal acts	Excluded	Excluded
Prior publication or knowingly false information	Excluded	Excluded, but uses two separate exclusions.
Breach of contract	Excluded	Excluded
Quality or performance	Excluded	Excluded
Insured’s operation is media or internet business	Excluded	Excluded
Wrong description of prices	Excluded	Excluded
Contractual liability	Excluded	Excluded, but includes liability for false arrest, detention, or imprisonment assumed in a contract or agreement.
Infringement of copyright, patent, trademark, or trade secret	Excluded	Excluded
Electronic chatrooms or bulletin boards	Excluded	Excluded
Misleading use of another’s name in electronic media	Excluded	Excluded
Violation of communication laws or regulations	Excluded	Excluded
Lead	Excluded	No corresponding exclusion.
Silica	Excluded	No corresponding exclusion.
Asbestos	Excluded	No corresponding exclusion.
SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENTS		SUPPLEMENTARY PAYMENTS – COVERAGES A AND B
SECTION	AAIS CU 0002 09 10 EDITION	ISO CU 00 01 04 13 EDITION
The insurance company pays for all items listed in this section if it has the duty to defend.	Yes	Yes
WHAT MUST BE DONE IN CASE OF LOSS		SECTION IV–CONDITIONS – 3. DUTIES IN THE EVENT OF OCCURRENCE OFFENSE, CLAIM, OR SUIT
SECTION	AAIS CU 0002 09 10 EDITION	ISO CU 00 01 04 13 EDITION
Cooperation	The named insured must cooperate with underlying carriers.	Similar, but does not mention underlying carrier.
Notice	Inform carrier of occurrence or offence that may or may not result in a claim as soon as practicable.	Same
Voluntary payments	Voluntary payments the insured makes do not obligate the insurance company.	Similar, but includes first aid as a voluntary payment without the company’s consent.
Other duties	Must give the insurance company copies of all legal papers, demands, and notices that relate to a claim or suit brought against any insured and cooperate with the company in all respects.	Similar, but with subtle differences.
HOW MUCH WE PAY		SECTION III–LIMITS OF INSURANCE
SECTION	AAIS CU 0002 09 10 EDITION	ISO CU 00 01 04 13 EDITION
Limits of insurance	The most paid is listed on the declarations, regardless of the number of insureds, persons or organizations sustaining injury or damage, claims made, suits brought, or vehicles or watercraft involved in an accident.	Similar, but does not mention watercraft.
Aggregate limit	The Aggregate Limit is the most paid under Coverages L – BI/PD Liability and P – Personal/Advertising Injury Liability. It does not apply to use of autos or loading or unloading autos.	Similar, but refers to ultimate net loss and does not mention loading or unloading a covered auto.
Each occurrence limit	The most paid under Coverage L for a single occurrence.	Similar, but refers to ultimate net loss.
Personal and advertising injury limit	The Personal and Advertising Injury Limit is the most under Coverage P.	Similar, but refers to ultimate net loss.
Non-concurrency	Limited to only losses within policy period.	Same
Application of aggregate	The Aggregate applies per 12- month policy period with exceptions.	Same
CONDITIONS		SECTION IV–CONDITIONS
SECTION	AAIS CU 0002 09 10 EDITION	ISO CU 00 01 04 13 EDITION
Appeals	At the company's expense, it may pursue an appeal even if the underlying insurer or insured does not.	Similar, but this provision does not increase the company’s liability beyond the limits that apply to Section III–Limits of Insurance.
Assignment	The policy cannot be transferred to another without the company's consent.	Similar to IL 00 17–Common Policy Conditions–Transfer of Your Rights and Duties Under This Policy.
Bankruptcy of an insured	The insurance company is not relieved of its obligations if an insured becomes bankrupt or insolvent.	Similar, but also mentions the insured's estate.
Bankruptcy of underlying insurer	This insurance does not replace underlying insurance written by a carrier that becomes bankrupt or insolvent. It continues to apply as if the underlying insurance was still in force.	Similar, but also states the insurance company is not relieved of its obligations if an underlying carrier becomes bankrupt.
Cancellation and nonrenewal	Refers to a separate state-specific amendatory endorsement.	Similar to Cancellation in IL 00 17–Common Policy Conditions. However, state-specific endorsement may take precedence.
Change, modification, or waiver of policy terms	To be valid, changes must be made in writing by the insurer.	Similar to IL 00 17–Common Policy Conditions–Changes.
Conformity with statute	Any terms in the coverage form that conflict with state laws are amended to conform to those laws.	No corresponding condition.
Examination of books and records	The insurance company may examine the named insured's records related to this insurance any time during the policy period and up to three years after.	Similar to IL 00 17–Common Policy Conditions–Examination of Your Books and Records.
Inspections	Inspecting the property and operations is an option for the insurance company. Doing so is for the company's benefit, but it does not guarantee safety or compliance with laws.	Similar to IL 00 17–Common Policy Conditions–Inspections and Surveys.
Knowledge of bodily injury/property damage	Outlines the earliest times when such knowledge is understood to have occurred.	Similar, but listed in Section I – Insuring Agreement.
Legal action against us	Outlines the terms and conditions that must be met before the insurance company can be sued.	Similar
Maintenance of underlying insurance	Underlying insurance must be maintained. If it is not, the company treats it as though it is still in force. The named insured must notify, in writing, the insurance company of any changes in the underlying insurance.	Similar, but in addition, states any underlying insurance broadening coverage during the policy term is treated as being unchanged.
Misrepresentation, concealment, or fraud	Any of these or similar acts voids coverage.	Similar, but referred to as Representations or Fraud.
Subrogation	An insured's rights of recovery against others are assigned to the insurance company to the extent of its payment and cannot be impaired or waived after a loss. Written waivers can be completed before a loss occurs.	Similar, but referred to as Transfer of Rights of Recovery Against Others to Us. It adds that the insurance company can ask the insured to bring suit or transfer the rights and help enforce them.
Transfer of defense	The duty to defend transfers to the umbrella company when the underlying limit has been exhausted for paying judgments and settlements. It cooperates with the underlying carrier in all aspects of the transfer.	Similar
Separate insureds	Coverage applies separately to each insured subject to a claim or suit but does not increase the limits.	Similar, but referred to as Separation of Insureds.
Premium	States the premium charge is based on the company's rules and rates at inception, and details how additional and return premiums are handled.	Similar, but referred to as Premium Audit.
Insurance under more than one policy	Details that this insurance is excess over all other insurance (unless specifically written as excess over this coverage) and the amounts it pays.	Similar, but referred to as Other Insurance and refers to ultimate net loss.
Loss payable	Outlines the insurance pays only after the underlying carrier or insured's obligations are determined.	Similar, but refers to ultimate net loss.
Extended coverage territory	Describes the actions of the insurance company when incidents occur outside the coverage territory, including how claims or lawsuits are handled.	Similar, but referred to as Expanded Coverage Territory.
When we do not renew	No corresponding condition, but may be addressed in the separate state-specific amendatory endorsement.	States that the insurance company mails or delivers notice of non-renewal to the first named insured at least 30 days before the expiration date.
Nuclear Energy Liability	Excluded	Similar to IL 00 21–Nuclear Energy Liability Exclusion Endorsement.