When Should You Consider Getting Professional Liability Insurance?

More than 100 million cases get filed each year in state courts across the country. Most of these are lawsuits that claim wrongdoing of some type by individuals, companies, or other entities.

Most people think lawsuits involve egregious wrongdoing that harms another person. That is often the case, but there are other scenarios as well. These include making mistakes that cause harm in some way, such as a client losing money.

This is where professional liability insurance comes in. It protects you, should you be found guilty of negligence. But not every business or professional needs this coverage.

The information below will tell you when you should consider getting a professional liability policy. Keep reading to find out more about these plans and how they can protect you and your business.

What Is Professional Liability Insurance?

Professional liability insurance is like other types of insurance policies. It protects you and your business from lawsuits alleging mistakes that harm another party.

It is different from general liability coverage, which covers physical harm. An example is a customer becoming injured on your property.

General liability also protects you against claims that you hurt someone's reputation. This includes things like libel or slander suits.

In general, professional liability insurance covers you against lawsuits that say you failed in your business obligations. Specifically, it protects you from damages related to money or time that your client lost, that was a direct result of something you did or failed to do. This is why professional liability insurance is often called “errors and omissions insurance.”

There are two main types. "Claims-made" policies cover you for incidents that occur and get reported while the policy is active.

"Occurrence" policies also cover you for incidents that occur when the policy is active. They also include incidents reported after the policy has ended (as well as those made when it was active).

When Should You Get Business Insurance?

Most business owners, managers, or anyone in administrative positions need professional liability insurance. These include:

• Medical professionals
• Lawyers
• Accountants
• Architects
• Engineers
• Technology professionals

These are all examples of occupations most susceptible to lawsuits. Different types of consultants, like financial advisors, should also consider getting such coverage.

There is another reason to consider getting professional liability insurance: peace of mind. If your business does not fall into one of the categories above, but you have concerns about the threat of lawsuits, liability coverage can offer protection. Most basic policies have premiums that are very reasonable, so have little to lose by putting that safety net against legal exposure.

Find a Comprehensive Policy

Now that you understand the main situations where you need professional liability insurance, you can look for a plan that meets your coverage needs. It will give you the peace of mind that you are protected should the unexpected occur.

At Tom Needham Insurance Agency, we are dedicated to our clients. We work hard to ensure you find the best insurance products and premiums available. Reach out to us today for help finding a professional liability policy that fits your needs.