Glossary

A series business unit (SBU) is a self-governing and protected company formed under the umbrella of a series limited liability company, currently permitted in Delaware. The SBU is an independent insurance company capable of issuing policies directly or policies fronted by a commercial insurer to the insured company and third parties. Each SBU has a unique business purpose and an independent tax identification number. The SBU's business purpose, taxpayer election, and coverage offerings are specified. Unlike the protected cells or segregated accounts of rent-a-captives, SBUs have greater flexibility offered by self-governance. An SBU is protected from the financial obligations of other SBUs by Delaware statute.

Suability factor signifies the likelihood of a legally liable insured being sued for alleged injuries or damage to a third party. This factor is determined, in part, by the size of the insured's savings account and stock portfolio, the extent of the real estate holdings, the family income, their profile in the community, and future income. Individuals with a high suability factor nearly always need a personal umbrella policy with at least a $2 million limit.

A stand-alone excess policy is one that provides excess coverage according to its own terms and conditions. It is to be differentiated from a follow form excess policy, which provides coverage according to the terms and conditions of an underlying policy.