Does Your Business Need Professional Liability Insurance?

A Business Insurance Update

Most businesses purchase general liability insurance to protect the business against certain kinds of claims. These claims could include bodily injury and property damage. Professional Liability insurance, also called Errors and Omissions insurance, protects against a claim from a third party who suffers a financial loss because of services or actions.  Any individual or business in a profession that provides advice, expertise, recommendations, or a professional service to customers, clients, or another party, would benefit from
Professional Liability Insurance.

Typically, professionals such as doctors, accountants, nurses, insurance agents, lawyers, and architects purchase Professional Liability insurance. However, if you have clients who are in the business of providing advice, opinions, or services, they should consider Professional Liability insurance.  Professionals who provide advice are expected to have knowledge or training in their particular area of expertise. They are also expected to perform the services for which they were hired according to the standards of conduct in their profession.  Businesses and individuals can be held legally responsible for any financial loss caused.

It’s important to note that almost all Professional Liability insurance policies are sold on a “claims-made” basis. This means that the insurance only covers work performed while the policy is in force, and for claims actually filed during the term of the policy. Professional Liability insurance is offered in many different forms that protect many kinds of firms.

If someone feels he or she has suffered loss or damages due to a professional service, often their next action is a lawsuit.  These kinds of actions can be costly and severely reduce a firm’s resources. Professional Liability insurance can help preserve assets and more importantly help preserve the firm’s reputation.