Professional Liability Insurance
Protection for specific risks in your field


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What is Professional Liability Insurance?
Professional liability insurance, also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O insurance) or indemnity insurance, protects your business if you are sued for negligence in performing your professional services, even if you haven’t made a mistake.
A customer could sue you because you did something you shouldn’t have, or you didn’t do something you should have, in the course of providing professional services. A professional liability insurance policy could protect you by covering the cost to defend yourself, as well as any settlement or judgment.
Why do I need Professional Liability Insurance?
Professional liability insurance coverage gives your business protection from the risks you face in delivering your professional services. The section below discusses everything our professional liability insurance coverage offers since we want you to feel secure about what your policy does and doesn’t cover. You should consider professional liability insurance coverage if your business:
- provides a professional service
- regularly gives advice to clients
- is requested by a client to have coverage to complete a contract.
How much does Professional Liability Insurance cost?
The cost of professional liability insurance coverage varies based on the size of your business, the industry you are in, your location, and the amount of coverage you need.
IT Consultant | Business Consultant | |
---|---|---|
State | CA | TX |
Annual Revenue | $150,000 | $350,000 |
Limit | $500,000 | $1,000,000 |
Deductible | $5,000 | $5,000 |
Monthly Cost | $36.75/mo.* | $65/mo.* |
Annual Cost | $441 | $779 |
Quotes will vary by business depending on the size of the business, the state your business is located in, and the limits/deductibles selected.
Are you searching for Professional Liability Insurance coverage?
Hiscox provides fast, customized professional liability insurance coverage just for you. Get a quote now or continue reading to learn how our professional liability insurance can help your business.
What does Professional Liability Insurance cover?
This information is provided to assist you in understanding the coverage we offer and does not modify the terms and conditions of any Insurance policy, nor does it imply that any claim is covered. Coverage is subject to underwriting, terms, conditions, and limits of the policy.
What Professional Liability Insurance doesn't cover
We want our customers to fully understand what they are buying. Below is a summary of some common exclusions in our professional liability policy. For complete details of all the exclusions, please read the policy wording.
Understanding the difference between Professional Liability and General Liability Insurance
Who Should Get A Professional Liability insurance policy?
Professional Liability coverage is crucial for business owners that are consultants, IT professionals, architects, engineers healthcare providers, and other professions that offer advice.
Professional Liability coverage specifically protects businesses from claims relating to professional services, advice and expertise. This policy covers financial losses that the client may suffer due to any actual or alleged breach of duty, negligent act, error or omission or personal injury.
When should you get a general liability insurance policy?
General liability is important for businesses that interact with customers, vendors, or the public. This policy provides broad coverage for your businesses against third-party claims such as bodily injury, property damage, or advertising injury. Event planners, cleaning service providers,landscapers, fitness trainers, and photographers are examples of the hundreds of professions that benefit from General Liability insurance.
Combining Professional Liability and General Liability
Depending on your business and the risk you face you may need both Professional Liability and General Liability insurance. For example, a marketing consultant may need professional liability insurance to provide coverage in case of any potential errors in their marketing strategies. This consultant could also require general liability insurance to address any claims that may arise from a client's bodily injury on their premises. By combining both policies the marketing consultant can have more comprehensive protection for their business.
Other examples of Professions that could benefit from having both policies are:
Architects and Engineers: Professional liability can cover claims arising from design flaws, or other professional errors while general liability can address claims resulting from accidents on construction sites or property damage.
IT professionals: Professional liability covers claims related to software issues, or other tech related issues caused by their professional services. General liability protects against third-party claims if a client's property is damaged while an IT professional is installing equipment.
Professional Liability Insurance FAQs
Get Liability Insurance that best meets your needs
Professional liability insurance will not protect you from everything. For example, professional liability insurance will not cover you against claims of bodily injury or property damage. Some people buy other business liability insurance along with professional liability.
The basic protection for claims against your business.
Protection for specific risks in your field.
General Liability plus coverage for property.
Protection from cyber-related security risks.
Protection for employees who are injured or become ill on the job.
Purchase coverage for a specific period of time.
Protection for claims against your medical practice.
Umbrella, Auto, Directors and Officers, and more.
General
LiabilityThe basic protection for claims against your business.
Professional
Liability (E&O)Protection for specific risks in your field.
Business
Owners PolicyGeneral Liability plus coverage for property.
Cyber
SecurityProtection from cyber-related security risks.
Workers
CompProtection for employees who are injured or become ill on the job.
Short-Term
LiabilityPurchase coverage for a specific period of time.
Medical
Malpractice (E&O)Protection for claims against your medical practice.
More
CoveragesUmbrella, Auto, Directors and Officers, and more.
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