Individual Professional Liability Insurance: What You Need to Know

As a professional, it is important that you protect yourself against potential lawsuits stemming from your work. One way to do this is by obtaining individual professional liability insurance. In this article, we will cover what this type of insurance is, who it is for, how it works, and what factors to consider when choosing a policy.

What is Individual Professional Liability Insurance?

Individual professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, is a type of insurance that protects professionals from claims made against them alleging negligence or errors in their work. This type of insurance is typically specific to the profession or industry you work in, and can provide coverage for legal defense costs, settlements, and judgements.

The coverage provided by individual professional liability insurance can vary depending on the policy and the profession. For example, a policy for a real estate agent may cover claims related to misrepresentations or errors in property disclosures, while a policy for a health care provider may cover claims related to medical malpractice or privacy violations.

Who is Individual Professional Liability Insurance For?

Individual professional liability insurance is typically recommended for anyone who provides professional services to clients or customers. This can include:

Essentially, if you work in a profession where mistakes or errors could lead to financial harm for your clients or customers, you should consider obtaining individual professional liability insurance.

How Does Individual Professional Liability Insurance Work?

Individual professional liability insurance works by providing coverage for claims made against you alleging negligence or errors in your work. If a client or customer alleges that they suffered financial harm as a result of your work, they may file a lawsuit against you. Your individual professional liability insurance policy can provide coverage for legal defense costs, settlements, and judgements related to the lawsuit.

It is important to note that individual professional liability insurance typically only covers claims related to your professional work. It does not typically provide coverage for claims related to personal or criminal acts.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Policy?

When choosing an individual professional liability insurance policy, there are several factors to consider:

Policy Limits: The policy limits refer to the maximum amount of coverage provided by the policy. You should choose policy limits that are appropriate for your profession and the potential financial harm that could result from a claim against you.

Deductibles: The deductible is the amount you will need to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. You should choose a deductible that is affordable for you, but that also provides adequate savings on your policy premium.

Exclusions: You should carefully review the policy exclusions to ensure that you understand what is not covered by the policy. Exclusions can vary depending on the policy and the profession, so it is important to review these carefully.

Claims Process: You should understand how the claims process works for the policy you are considering. Some policies may require you to notify the insurance company of a potential claim as soon as possible, while others may have a longer window of time for notification.

FAQ

What is the difference between individual professional liability insurance and general liability insurance?

General liability insurance provides coverage for claims related to bodily injury or property damage that occur on your business property or as a result of your business operations. Individual professional liability insurance, on the other hand, provides coverage for claims related to errors or negligence in your professional work.

Do I need individual professional liability insurance if I already have general liability insurance?

While general liability insurance can provide coverage for some types of claims, it may not provide coverage for claims related specifically to your professional work. If you work in a profession where mistakes or errors could lead to financial harm for your clients or customers, you should consider obtaining individual professional liability insurance in addition to general liability insurance.

How much does individual professional liability insurance cost?

The cost of individual professional liability insurance can vary depending on several factors, including your profession, policy limits, deductible, and claims history. Typically, policies can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per year.

How do I choose the right individual professional liability insurance policy?

To choose the right individual professional liability insurance policy, you should consider your profession, potential risks, and the factors outlined above. It may also be helpful to compare policies and rates from different insurance companies to find the right fit.

What happens if I don’t have individual professional liability insurance and a claim is made against me?

If you do not have individual professional liability insurance and a claim is made against you, you may be personally responsible for legal defense costs, settlements, and judgements. This can be costly and potentially devastating to your finances and professional reputation. Obtaining individual professional liability insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of a claim.