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PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

Professional liability insurance covers errors and omissions in the work you do for clients.

General liability covers bodily injury and property damage. It does not cover claims that your professional advice, design, service, or work caused a client to lose money. That is what professional liability (errors and omissions, E&O) covers.

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WHAT'S COVERED

What professional liability covers.

Errors and omissions in professional work

Pays defense and damages when a client claims your work, advice, or service was negligent or fell below professional standards and caused them financial loss.

Defense costs

Pays legal defense in covered claims. Defense costs alone can exceed $50,000 even on a claim that ultimately gets dismissed. Defense coverage is often the most important part of an E&O policy.

Subpoena and regulatory response

Many policies cover the cost of responding to a subpoena or regulatory inquiry related to your professional work, even before a formal claim is filed.

Personal injury and advertising injury

Some E&O policies include coverage for libel, slander, copyright infringement, and similar claims that arise out of professional work and communications.

IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS

What professional liability does not cover.

Bodily injury and property damage

Physical injury to people or damage to property is excluded from E&O. Those claims fall under general liability. The line between the two matters and is sometimes disputed at claim time.

Intentional or fraudulent acts

Deliberate fraud, intentional misrepresentation, or intentional violation of law is excluded. Defense costs are sometimes covered until intent is established.

Prior acts before the policy retroactive date

E&O is usually claims-made coverage with a retroactive date. Claims arising from work performed before the retroactive date may not be covered. Maintain continuous E&O coverage when possible.

Contractual liability assumed beyond reasonable scope

Contracts that obligate you beyond what professional standards require may not be fully covered. Read indemnification and hold-harmless clauses carefully and have your agent review high-stakes contracts.

OUR CARRIER PANEL

Carriers We Use for This Coverage

All carriers are A-rated by AM Best and appointed in the state. We compare them and recommend the right fit.

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CLAIMS TIPS

If You Need to File a Claim

Practical guidance for the first 24 hours, what to document, common mistakes to avoid, and when to call us.

Common questions

Can my insurance carrier deny my claim?

Yes, for specific policy reasons that must be in writing. You can challenge a denial.

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What is a recorded statement and should I give one?

An on-record interview the carrier uses for the file. Give one, but prepare first and never speculate.

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What happens after I report a claim to my insurance carrier?

Acknowledge, assign adjuster, investigate, decide. Most carriers move within 7-30 days for routine claims.

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Do I have to use the carrier's preferred contractor?

Usually no. Most policies let you choose any licensed contractor, though preferred shops have their own benefits.

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GET STARTED

Selling advice or services without E&O?

If you give clients advice or do work they rely on, a single dissatisfied client can become a six-figure problem. Send us your business details and we will quote professional liability coverage that fits your profession.

Varies dramatically by profession, revenue, prior claims, and limit structure. Most small professional services pay between $500 and $5,000 per year for $1M of E&O coverage. High-risk professions cost significantly more.

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