Liability insurance is an essential part of any business or individual's financial plan. It can provide protection from a range of potential risks, from vehicle accidents to product defects. In this article, we'll explore the different types of liability insurance and how they can help protect you and your business. Most states require vehicle owners to have liability insurance in their auto insurance policies to cover injuries to other people and property in the event of accidents.
The manufacturer of a product can take out product liability insurance to cover it if a product is defective and causes harm to the purchaser or to another third party. Business owners can purchase liability insurance that covers them if an employee is injured during business operations. The decisions that doctors and surgeons make while they work also require liability insurance policies. Being a director or official of a company makes you vulnerable to accusations of wrongful acts in the performance of your work.
Liability insurance for directors and officers protects you from claims brought against you by a range of third parties, from shareholders to customers. It allows you to focus on running the company instead of worrying about protracted litigation. If your company provides a service to other people, you may need professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. Professional services firms, media organizations, public entities, consulting firms and contracting firms are just a few types of companies that run the constant risk of being in demand for the services they provide and the information they disseminate.
A professional liability policy can provide protection, even if the lawsuit is baseless. If you have employees, you may need to purchase a work injury compensation policy, which is a type of employer liability insurance. Work injury compensation policies provide coverage if an employee is injured or sick because of their job. You can pay for medical care and help protect your company from lawsuits for work-related injuries or illnesses. Every company is different and has its own liability risks, so it's always important to review your coverage options with your agent or broker.
Professional liability insurance, sometimes referred to as errors and omissions or malpractice insurance, is intended for firms that offer professional services, such as lawyers, accountants, architects, engineers, health or beauty professionals. This coverage protects you against fault or negligence that results in bodily injury or financial loss. It also covers expenses incurred by the insured in the event of prosecution, such as the costs of legal representation and compensation paid to the plaintiff. General liability can help cover medical bills if someone other than an employee is injured at your company. This is known in legal terms as “bodily injury”.
General liability can also help if your company is responsible for damaging property that doesn't belong to you. Professional liability, also known as errors and omissions insurance, can help protect you when you are accused of negligence or of making a professional error. Liability coverage with commercial auto insurance can provide financial protection if you're responsible for injuries or property damage after an accident. Your personal car insurance may not cover you if you are driving for business reasons. Commercial auto insurance can provide coverage if you're driving for work and often has higher coverage limits than personal auto policies. Product liability insurance can provide you with financial help if you manufacture, distribute, or sell a product that someone says is defective or dangerous.
Even if an accusation isn't justified, it can help cover legal costs to defend your company. Whether you need liability insurance, workers' compensation, commercial property insurance, commercial auto, or other commercial insurance, you can create a plan for your business with our fast, personalized, and affordable online options. Improve your general liability coverage to protect any stolen, damaged, or lost equipment. Combine general liability and commercial property into a single policy to protect your business. General liability insurance is often the first type of commercial insurance that small business owners buy because of its wide range of coverage. One of the key things to remember about liability insurance is that it can help you with costs when you make a mistake or have an accident, but it can also help protect you when you're accused of causing harm and you're not at fault. If you're asked to provide proof of coverage, you'll need to share a liability insurance certificate.
Intentional damages and contractual liabilities are generally not covered by liability insurance policies. Different types of liability insurance can help make those mistakes less costly for you and your business. Liability insurance does not cover intentional or criminal acts, even if the insured is declared legally responsible. In addition, since some industries are exempt from workers' compensation insurance, employer liability may cover claims filed against a company if it is determined that they were negligent. Now that you're a liability insurance professional, make sure you have the right protection for your business. Without business insurance, these types of accidents can have a significant impact on your bottom line. Unlike other types of insurance, liability insurance policies pay third parties and not the insured.
Personal liability insurance policies are primarily taken out by people with high net worth (HNWI) or people with significant assets, but this type of coverage is recommended for anyone with a net worth who exceeds the combined coverage limits of other personal insurance policies, such as home and car coverage.
