Coverage

The insurance your professional services firm needs, placed by a broker who reads every page of the policy before you buy it.

Specialty coverage

These are the lines where policy language matters most. The definitions, exclusions, and sublimits in these policies determine whether a claim gets paid or denied. This is where I spend the most time.

Business coverage

The foundation of your insurance program. These lines are more straightforward, but they still need to be set up correctly and coordinated with your specialty coverage.

General Liability

Covers claims when someone gets hurt on your premises, your work damages someone's property, or you're accused of causing bodily injury. Most leases and client contracts require it, usually at $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. This is the baseline policy everyone expects you to carry. It does not cover your professional work -- that's what E&O is for.

Business Owners Policy (BOP)

Bundles general liability with commercial property coverage. Covers your office space, equipment, furniture, and business personal property. Usually cheaper than buying GL and property separately. For most office-based professional services firms, a BOP is the most efficient way to cover the basics.

Workers Compensation

Required by law in every state except Texas once you have employees. Covers medical expenses and lost wages for on-the-job injuries. Professional services firms aren't construction sites, but repetitive strain injuries, slips in the office, and car accidents during client visits all count. Not optional.

Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)

Covers claims your employees make against you: wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, failure to promote. An employee doesn't have to prove wrongdoing to file a claim, and the average cost to defend runs into six figures even when you win. Gets more important as your team grows past a handful of people.

Commercial Auto

If your business owns vehicles or employees regularly drive for work, your personal auto policy won't cover business use. Commercial auto fills that gap.

Umbrella / Excess Liability

Sits on top of your other liability policies and kicks in when a claim exceeds the underlying limits. If you carry $1 million in GL and face a $2 million judgment, the umbrella covers the excess. Often required by larger client contracts.

Not sure what coverage your firm needs?

Tell me about your practice. I'll tell you what you need and what you don't.