insurance for your errors and omissions
Protect your business from costly claims with professional liability insurance
Even if you do everything right, a client can still file a negligence claim against you
What is professional liability insurance?
Unlike general liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage claims, professional liability insurance (also known as errors and omissions insurance) covers claims made against your business, as a result of the services you provide. Examples of these claims could be for negligence, misrepresentation, or even inaccurate advice.
In some states, and in some professions, professional liability insurance may be required. But even if it's not required, it's a coverage you should consider if you offer any advice, design, or professional services.
Even if you do nothing wrong, your client could still sue you if they believe they have been wronged in some way. The cost of legal fees and your precious time to defend yourself could be devastating without the right coverage in place.
Common claims and costs against businesses today
What is (and is not) covered by professional liability insurance?
Just like any insurance policy, a professional liability insurance policy will not protect your business from everything. There are coverages, limitations, and exclusions that you should be aware of to help you prepare before a claim is made.
What is typically covered?
Claims made against you from your professional services or advice
Claims made against you from work done in the past
What is not typically covered?
Injuries to someone else for an accident you cause
Damages to someone else’s property
Advertising and personal injury coverage
Work-related injuries or illnesses
Electronic data/cyber liability
Got professional liability insurance questions? We’ve got answers.
Professional liability insurance isn’t for everyone. Find out whether you’d need this coverage to protect your business.
Do I need professional liability insurance?
If you offer any type of advice or professional services, then yes, you should purchase this coverage. You might even be required to have a professional liability policy as part of a contract with a vendor or client.
People are finicky, and change their minds often. If you could ever be at risk of failing to meet a client’s expectations, then you should consider a professional liability policy. Still aren’t sure? Call your independent insurance agent to discuss your unique situation.
I’m still not convinced, can you give me some examples of claims that would be covered by professional liability insurance?
Great question! While we can’t be exhaustive, here are a few examples to consider:
- A client sues their investment broker after a deal goes bad, even though the client knew the risks involved
- A mortgage broker forgets to disclose certain fees required of the client at closing
- A printer makes an error on a mass produced document for a client
- An architect makes an error in the design of a new home construction
- An interior designer works with a client on several variations of furniture designs, makes a mistake and orders the wrong furniture
- A client forms unrealistic expectations for your work, and decides to sue when you don’t deliver on what they expected
- You miss a deadline and your client doesn’t get what they need on time
These are just a few examples. If you’d like to learn more about potential claims for your unique business, reach out to your independent insurance agent to review your exposures.
What is errors and omissions insurance? Is this the same thing?
Yes. These two terms are often used interchangeably.
What is the difference between professional liability insurance and general liability insurance?
General liability insurance protects your business for claims of bodily injury or property damage arising from your day to day operations. Professional liability insurance protects your business for claims of negligence or professional mistakes.
How much does professional liability insurance cost?
General liability insurance protects your business for claims of bodily injury or property damage arising from your day to day operations. Professional liability insurance protects your business for claims of negligence or professional mistakes.
Well, it depends. While you may think you should be paying the same as someone else in your industry, the fact of the matter is, you’re different. The cost of your professional liability insurance will depend on a variety of factors, including your business type, industry, location, years in business, gross revenues, number of employees, coverage limits, existing or prior insurance coverages, and more.
For more information, read How Much Does Business Insurance Cost?
How professional liability insurance protects your business
Mistakes happen. Or they never happen. But regardless, just by offering your advice or service, you’re at risk of someone claiming they did. Professional liability insurance relieves the financial burden of a messy lawsuit.
Coverage for frivolous claims
Even if you did everything right, your professional liability insurance will defend against a lawsuit that says you didn’t.
Coverage for completed services
Even if that project was completed years ago, the right professional policy can protect you for a claim that shows up today.
Contract compliance
Secure and comply with a new vendor, supplier, government, or client contract. People are picky with who they hire. Having the right insurance means you’ll move to the top of their list.
Coverage for your employees
It’s not all just about you, right? You’ll want your employees’ actions covered as well. With professional liability insurance, all your services are covered, no matter who does the job.
Simplifying professional liability insurance … one blog at a time
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"Professional liability insurance can take some unexpected twists and turns. The people at Berry Insurance always make me feel like they have my back."
Bob P., Ocean State Restoration, LLC
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