Professional Liability Insurance
Do you offer services or advice to clients as part of your business? Then you need professional liability insurance to protect yourself from claims related to errors, omissions, or negligence. Learn more about how your business can benefit from professional liability coverage today!
Continue reading to learn more, or get covered today by selecting your industry below.
What Is Professional Liability Insurance?
Professional liability insurance is a type of coverage that protects business owners and professionals against financial losses arising from errors, omissions, mistakes, or negligence in their professional services. This coverage is also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.
Is It Required By Law?
Professional liability is not typically required by law, but is highly recommended for anyone who provides a service or advises clients due to the risk of lawsuits.
What Does Professional Liability Insurance Cover?
Professional liability insurance covers a variety of third-party claims and expenses related to the services you offer, including:
- Errors and omissions: Mistakes in your work or services that cause financial harm to another person
- Inaccurate advice: Claims arising from advice that caused harm to someone
- Legal defense costs: Attorney’s fees, court costs, and other expenses associated with defending a lawsuit against you or your company
- Negligence: Claims brought against you due to carelessness or lack of reasonable care in your professional services
- Misrepresentation: Damages arising out of false or misleading information you provided to your clients
What It Doesn’t Cover
Most professional liability policies exclude these claims:
- Bodily injury and property damage
- Deliberate misconduct
- Fraudulent activities
- Intentional acts
- Governmental fines and penalties
- Cyber breaches
- Dishonest acts
- Claims you were aware of about before the policy began
Professional liability coverage, limitations, and exclusions may vary from one insurance company to the next, so review your policy to determine exact coverages and exclusions.
Real Examples of Professional Liability Insurance Claim
A teacher was sued for giving a student a failing grade after missing a school performance. The suit alleged that the teacher violated the student’s religious beliefs by requiring attendance. The teacher was found not liable but still accrued thousands of dollars in defense costs ($25,000+).
A personal trainer in Nevada was sued by one of their clients who claimed that they tore a muscle performing an exercise at the trainer’s direction ($9,812).
A music instructor was sued by a student’s parents when the student fell off a stage during a recital. The parents claimed the teacher was negligent and did not properly supervise the student while they were on stage ($15,000).
Claim examples are based on internal and external data and research. All policies have conditions, limitations, and exclusions. Please read the policy for exact verbiage. Claim scenario circumstances vary in nature and similar claims do not guarantee coverage.
How Much Does Professional Liability Insurance Cost?
Professional liability insurance coverage is included in many of our base policies alongside general liability insurance. On average, our policyholders pay $20 a month for a base policy, though your premium may differ depending on these factors:
- Annual revenue: Businesses that make more money per year are exposed to more risks and need higher limits than smaller businesses.
- Claims history: Having a history of filing insurance claims indicates that your business is vulnerable to risks.
- Business size: Bigger businesses typically offer more services than smaller businesses, meaning they face more risks.
- Industry: Depending on your line of work, you may be more or less susceptible to claim incidents than other professionals or business owners.
Additional Coverage You May Need
Most business owners need to extend their coverage beyond general liability insurance to properly protect themselves from the claims they’re most likely to face. Insurance Canopy offers several options for additional coverage, including:
Who Should Carry Professional Liability Insurance?
Any business that provides expert advice, information, or knowledge-based services needs professional liability insurance. Professionals who need this coverage include but are not limited to:
- Software developers
- Consultants
- Accountants and tax professionals
- Media and content producers
- Graphic designers
- Insurance agents
- Marketing agencies
- Real estate agents
- Technology professionals
- Educators
- Personal trainers & fitness instructors
How to Get Your Free Quote
With Insurance Canopy, you can get a free quote that includes professional liability coverage in 10 minutes or less! Many of our base policies include both general liability and professional liability insurance, making it easy to get the coverage you need under one policy.
Simply follow these steps to get your free quote today:
- Select your industry
- Begin your application
- Provide information about you and your business in the required fields and receive your quote!
If your industry’s base policy doesn’t include professional liability insurance and you need this coverage, we can help! Give us a call at 844.520.6993 and a licensed, U.S.-based non-commission customer service agent will assist you.
Why Small Businesses Love Insurance Canopy
Insurance Canopy offers affordable policies to a wide variety of businesses and professionals without skimping on coverage. Our A+ rated policies can be customized to meet your unique needs. Check out what our customers have to say about us!
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TLJ's Mobile Mixology, LLC had been insured with Insurance Canopy since it's inception and we have no complaints.
Tenisha J.
February 4, 2025Knowledgeable, kind, attentive and professional. She helped me to feel comfortable, well taken good care of and get the service possible.
Ed Levitt
February 3, 2025As a Massage Therapist, I was not aware until a few years ago that I did not have to be part of an Organization to get my liability insurance! I... Read More
Kristie Williams
January 30, 2025 -
This insurance has helped me secure events with my corporate and local government clients. They have great customer service and are always willing to help.
Tony Felix
January 23, 2025Representative was clear & concise in explaining specifics of the policy. Cost of policy very reasonable.
John B
January 16, 2025I’m very happy with my purchase of liability insurance for a one-off event. I was even able to edit the policy after it had been issued with the help of... Read More
jay gedeon
January 6, 2025 -
Super easy to use and great service; I had a little error from my part and needed to correct it customer service was super helpful they guided me through the... Read More
Ana Zavala
January 6, 2025I needed some liability insurance for my business. The team at Insurance Canopy had great recommendations and the insurance was reasonable for the coverage. Web site and process... Read More
Susan Tedesco
January 6, 2025Great coverage, excellent price, terrific customer service. I checked out a lot of different carriers and they had the best reputation and coverage. Since most venues require insurance, it was... Read More
Steve Bryant
January 6, 2025 -
Was waiting for two other insurance companies to get back to me for over 2 1/2 weeks and losing money every day. Sitting here, frustrated I asked ChatGPT what... Read More
Chad Laibly
January 6, 2025Great and affordable insurance
Peter DAntoni
December 6, 2024Being a caricaturist, I never understood why I needed liability insurance, but it got to that point where I was missing opportunities because of it. So, I researched a bit... Read More
Paul McNeilly
November 12, 2024 -
I’m just saying that is easy to get the vendors insurance with this company
Silvia Delgado
November 6, 2024Definitely a great asset to my business, I have never had a problem getting what I need from IC. Good communication skills, always get help from the agents, attenuative on... Read More
Robert Avila
November 6, 2024Your site was extremely easy to use, I was able to get my event insured for what the event planners wanted. The price was so affordable. Even chatting... Read More
Rebecca Ruby
November 6, 2024 -
Quick easy sign-up convince is great
Vincent Davanzo
November 6, 2024Great to work with. Always available for assistance.
Two Pour Girls Bartending
November 6, 2024Best customer service I have ever had in regards to insurance.
Edward Findley
November 5, 2024 -
Super easy and convenient. Just renewed, thanks.
Wendy Berg
November 3, 2024Great to work with. Always available for assistance.
Courtney Araneo
November 3, 2024This is only the second year I have had this insurance. Haven't had to use it. But it's nice to know i have it. The price is great too
Vickie Sundgren
November 3, 2024 -
Canopy insurance has been great for my business. Definitely a five star definitely recommend it..
Fernando Ferreira
October 12, 2024Very easy and straight forward experience! The agent and live chat were instrumental in acquiring my policy.
Jacob Smith Jr
October 7, 2024Rey was amazing. So easy! So fast!
Herman Koch
September 30, 2024 -
Always treated well. They take care of my business insurance and I don’t have to worry about anything with insurance canopy in my corner. 10 year customer.
Mark Paquin
September 14, 2024Excellent rates and coverage! Did a lot of homework before going with Insurance Canopy, by far the best bang for the buck 🙂
Alana Wyld
September 14, 2024She is positive and friendly !
Alan Dynin
September 14, 2024 -
Had a great experience obtaining a policy quickly for a solo musical act. After a year, modified my policy to a fully staffed production easily using the chat feature of... Read More
Paul Tolle
September 6, 2024I am a professional mobile DJ. I use Insurance Canopy for a policy to cover my equipment and liability. They are easy to do business and the website makes... Read More
Don Kirby
September 6, 2024Best price I have found! Excited to be a customer
Dustin Price
September 6, 2024
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TLJ's Mobile Mixology, LLC had been insured with Insurance Canopy since it's inception and we have no complaints.
Tenisha J.
February 4, 2025 -
Knowledgeable, kind, attentive and professional. She helped me to feel comfortable, well taken good care of and get the service possible.
Ed Levitt
February 3, 2025 -
As a Massage Therapist, I was not aware until a few years ago that I did not have to be part of an Organization to get my liability insurance! I... Read More
Kristie Williams
January 30, 2025 -
This insurance has helped me secure events with my corporate and local government clients. They have great customer service and are always willing to help.
Tony Felix
January 23, 2025 -
Representative was clear & concise in explaining specifics of the policy. Cost of policy very reasonable.
John B
January 16, 2025 -
I’m very happy with my purchase of liability insurance for a one-off event. I was even able to edit the policy after it had been issued with the help of... Read More
jay gedeon
January 6, 2025 -
Super easy to use and great service; I had a little error from my part and needed to correct it customer service was super helpful they guided me through the... Read More
Ana Zavala
January 6, 2025 -
I needed some liability insurance for my business. The team at Insurance Canopy had great recommendations and the insurance was reasonable for the coverage. Web site and process... Read More
Susan Tedesco
January 6, 2025 -
Was waiting for two other insurance companies to get back to me for over 2 1/2 weeks and losing money every day. Sitting here, frustrated I asked ChatGPT what... Read More
Chad Laibly
January 6, 2025 -
Great coverage, excellent price, terrific customer service. I checked out a lot of different carriers and they had the best reputation and coverage. Since most venues require insurance, it was... Read More
Steve Bryant
January 6, 2025
FAQs About Professional Liability Insurance
What Triggers a Professional Liability Policy?
Professional liability coverage is designed to cover third-party claims arising from your business errors, omissions, mistakes, or negligence.
Below are a few examples of what these claims may look like:
- A tax preparer made a calculation error that caused the client to pay a penalty.
- A marketing consultant’s advice was based on faulty data, causing their client to lose money on their product or services.
- An interior designer used the wrong colors and the client sued for breach of contract.
How Do I Choose the Right Professional Liability Insurance Policy for My Business?
Discussing your business operations and services with a licensed agent is the best way to ensure you have the right coverage for your business. They can identify your biggest risk factors and match you with the best policy.
Make sure to:
- Find a reputable carrier: AM Best is a credit rating agency specializing in rating the financial strength of insurance carriers. Look for insurance carriers with an “A” rating or higher. For example, Insurance Canopy holds an A+ rating from AM Best.
- Understand that the cheapest policy may not be the best: Some insurance companies offer lower premiums because they reduce the amount of coverage included in their policy. Before purchasing, review the coverages and exclusions to ensure it meets the needs of your business.
- Review policy limits: Choose the amount of coverage that matches your risk level and potential losses. Many professionals prefer a $1,000,000 coverage limit, but you may need higher limits depending on risk exposures and annual revenue.
- Know the type of policy you’re purchasing: Professional liability policies can be written on an occurrence form or a claims-made form. Each has different rules surrounding which claims can be covered depending on when the incident occurred or was reported.
How Do I File a Claim on My Professional Liability Insurance Policy?
You can file a claim for your Insurance Canopy policy entirely online! Just follow these steps:
- Log in to your user dashboard
- Go to the “Manage Policies” section and select “File a Claim”
- Complete each of the fields with information about your claim and submit
A claims adjustor will reach out to you afterward to guide you through the rest of the claim process.
Chris Van Leeuwen | VP of Agency Development
Chris Van Leeuwen is the VP of Agency Development for Insurance Canopy. He has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since 1996.
Because he strongly believes in the importance of helping business owners understand their insurance coverage, Chris uses his wealth of experience to offer insights to small business owners across the country who are looking to navigate business liability insurance.
Chris Van Leeuwen is the VP of Agency Development for Insurance Canopy. He has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since 1996.
Because he strongly believes in the importance of helping business owners understand their insurance coverage, Chris uses his wealth of experience to offer insights to small business owners across the country who are looking to navigate business liability insurance.
