O & E Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

As a business owner, you always want to protect your assets. One of the ways you can do that is by purchasing an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy. This type of insurance policy can protect you and your business against legal claims that arise from errors or omissions in your work. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about E&O insurance.

What is E&O Insurance?

E&O insurance is a professional liability insurance that provides coverage for claims that arise from errors or omissions in your work. E&O insurance is designed to protect professionals who offer advice, make recommendations, or provide a service to clients. This type of insurance is also known as professional liability insurance or malpractice insurance.

Who Needs E&O Insurance?

Anyone who provides a service or advice to clients should consider purchasing E&O insurance. Some professions that typically purchase E&O insurance include:

Profession
Examples
Accountants
CPAs, bookkeepers, tax preparers
Architects and Engineers
Structural engineers, civil engineers, architects
Consultants
Marketing consultants, business consultants, IT consultants
Insurance Agents
Health insurance agents, life insurance agents, property and casualty insurance agents
Real Estate Agents
Residential agents, commercial agents, property managers

Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other professions that could benefit from E&O insurance. If you are unsure whether you need E&O insurance, talk to an insurance agent or attorney.

What Does E&O Insurance Cover?

E&O insurance typically covers legal claims that arise from errors or omissions in your work. These claims could include:

  • Mistakes or oversights in your work
  • Negligence or breach of duty
  • Failure to meet professional standards or expectations
  • Incorrect advice or recommendations
  • Professional misconduct

It’s important to note that E&O insurance does not cover intentional acts or criminal offenses. It also does not cover claims that arise from bodily injury or property damage.

How Much Does E&O Insurance Cost?

The cost of E&O insurance varies based on several factors, including:

  • Your profession
  • The size of your business
  • The level of risk associated with your work
  • Your coverage limits
  • Your deductible

Generally, the cost of E&O insurance ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per year. The cost of your policy will depend on the factors listed above, as well as other factors specific to your business.

FAQs

Do I need E&O insurance if I have general liability insurance?

While general liability insurance can provide coverage for bodily injury and property damage, it does not provide coverage for errors or omissions in your work. If you offer a professional service, you should consider purchasing E&O insurance in addition to general liability insurance.

What happens if I don’t have E&O insurance?

If you do not have E&O insurance and a legal claim is filed against you, you will be responsible for paying the costs associated with the claim out of your own pocket. These costs could include legal fees, damages awarded to the claimant, and other expenses. Purchasing E&O insurance can help protect you and your assets in the event of a legal claim.

What should I look for in an E&O insurance policy?

When purchasing E&O insurance, you should look for a policy that provides adequate coverage for your profession and the level of risk associated with your work. You should also look for a policy that offers reasonable deductibles and premiums, as well as a policy that is backed by a reputable insurance company.

How do I purchase E&O insurance?

To purchase E&O insurance, you should contact an insurance agent or broker who specializes in professional liability insurance. They can help you evaluate your risk and choose a policy that provides adequate coverage for your business.

How do I make a claim on my E&O insurance policy?

If you need to make a claim on your E&O insurance policy, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will provide you with instructions on how to submit a claim and what information you will need to provide. It’s important to act quickly when making a claim, as there may be time limits associated with your policy.

Conclusion

E&O insurance is an important type of insurance for anyone who offers a professional service or advice to clients. This type of insurance can provide coverage for legal claims that arise from errors or omissions in your work, helping to protect you and your business against financial loss. If you are considering purchasing E&O insurance, talk to an insurance agent or attorney to learn more about your options.