What Is Professional Liability Insurance?
Professional liability insurance, more commonly known as errors and omissions (E&O insurance), is a special type of coverage that protects your company against claims that a professional service you provided caused your client to suffer financial harm due to mistakes on your part (errors) or because you failed to perform some service (omissions).

 

E&O insurance can cover the cost of defending your company in a civil lawsuit and certain damages awarded, even if the legal action turns out to be groundless. Professional liability insurance is required by law in some areas for certain kinds of professional practices, especially medical and legal, where it is more commonly called malpractice insurance. This type of protection is not part of your general liability insurance or homeowners insurance. 

 

Here are some key points about professional liability insurance:
 

Coverage:

Professional liability insurance provides financial protection against claims alleging negligence, errors, omissions, or inadequate work or advice that result in financial loss or harm to clients or third parties.
 

Types of Professionals Covered:

Professional liability insurance is available for a wide range of professions, including but not limited to:
Medical professionals: Doctors, nurses, dentists, psychologists, etc.
 

Legal professionals:

Lawyers, attorneys, legal consultants, etc.
 

Financial professionals:

Accountants, financial advisors, investment managers, etc.
 

Technical professionals:

Engineers, architects, IT consultants, software developers, etc.
 

Creative professionals:

Graphic designers, photographers, writers, marketing consultants, etc.
 

Claims Coverage:

Professional liability insurance typically covers legal defense costs, settlements, or judgments associated with covered claims. It may also include coverage for libel, slander, copyright infringement, and breach of contract.
 

Tailored Policies:

Policies can be customized to meet the specific needs of different professions. Coverage limits, deductibles, and policy terms can vary based on the nature of the services provided and the level of risk involved.
 

Importance of Coverage:

Professional liability insurance is essential because it protects professionals from potentially significant financial losses resulting from lawsuits or claims. Even if a claim is unfounded, the legal defense costs alone can be substantial.
 

Mandatory Requirements:

Some professions may have regulatory or contractual obligations that require professionals to carry professional liability insurance as a condition of practicing or obtaining certain contracts.
 

Risk Mitigation:

While professional liability insurance provides a safety net, it is essential for professionals to practice within the scope of their expertise, maintain accurate records, communicate clearly with clients, and follow professional standards and guidelines to minimize the risk of claims.
It is important to work with a very knowledgeable insurance consultants who can make sure that your professional liability is tailored to your business specific needs.