Everything You Need to Know About Insurance E and O

When it comes to protecting your business, insurance is absolutely essential. Errors and omissions insurance, commonly referred to as E and O insurance, is a specific type of coverage that every business owner should consider. In this article, we’ll explain what E and O insurance is, why it’s important, and how you can get the best coverage for your needs.

What is E and O Insurance?

E and O insurance is a type of professional liability insurance that provides coverage for businesses that provide advice or services. It protects against claims that arise from mistakes or oversights made by you or your employees that result in financial loss for your clients. In general, E and O insurance covers claims related to negligence, errors, and omissions.

It’s important to note that E and O insurance is not the same as general liability insurance. While general liability insurance covers accidents and injuries that happen on your business’s property, E and O insurance only covers claims related to professional mistakes or oversights.

What Does E and O Insurance Cover?

Every E and O insurance policy is different, but in general, it covers the cost of defending against lawsuits and paying damages if you’re found liable. Common types of claims that E and O insurance covers include:

Claim Type
Examples
Negligence
A financial advisor recommends an investment that results in losses for the client
Error
An accountant makes a math error on a tax return that results in a client being audited
Omission
A lawyer forgets to file an important legal document, causing a client to lose a case

It’s important to note that E and O insurance policies may not cover intentional acts, fraudulent behavior, or illegal activities.

Who Needs E and O Insurance?

Any business that provides professional advice or services should consider getting E and O insurance. This includes:

  • Consultants
  • Accountants
  • Lawyers
  • Financial advisors
  • Real estate agents
  • Insurance agents
  • Engineers
  • Architects
  • Medical professionals

If your business provides any type of professional advice or service, you should speak to an insurance professional about getting E and O insurance.

How Much Does E and O Insurance Cost?

The cost of E and O insurance varies depending on your business’s industry, size, and needs. In general, smaller businesses and businesses in low-risk industries will pay less for E and O insurance than larger businesses and those in high-risk industries.

When you’re shopping for E and O insurance, it’s important to shop around and get quotes from multiple insurance providers. You should also consider working with an insurance broker who can help you find the best coverage for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About E and O Insurance

Do I Really Need E and O Insurance?

If your business provides any type of professional advice or service, you should seriously consider getting E and O insurance. While it’s not legally required in most states, it can protect your business from costly lawsuits and damages.

What Happens If I Don’t Have E and O Insurance?

If you don’t have E and O insurance and a client sues you for professional mistakes or oversights, you may be personally liable for the damages. This can include paying for legal fees and damages out of your own pocket, which can be financially devastating for your business.

What Should I Look for in an E and O Insurance Policy?

When you’re shopping for E and O insurance, you should look for a policy that provides coverage for the types of claims that are relevant to your business. You should also look for a policy that has adequate limits and a reasonable deductible.

It’s also important to read the policy carefully and understand any exclusions or limitations. You may want to work with an insurance broker who can help you navigate the complex world of insurance policies.

How Do I Get E and O Insurance?

You can get E and O insurance through an insurance broker or by working directly with an insurance provider. It’s important to shop around and get quotes from multiple providers to ensure you’re getting the best coverage at the best price.

Is E and O Insurance Tax Deductible?

In most cases, E and O insurance premiums are tax deductible as a business expense.

The Bottom Line

E and O insurance is an important type of coverage for any business that provides professional advice or services. It can protect your business from costly lawsuits and damages, and provide you with peace of mind. If you don’t already have E and O insurance, speak to an insurance professional today to learn more about your options.