The need for professional liability protection arises from a professional's legal duties to its clients and some other third parties. These duties may arise from case law, common law, statute, or generally accepted professional standards.

When professional duties are breached, liabilities may result. A malpractice claim alleging negligence is currently the preferred cause of action against a professional. It has superceded "breach of contract" as the most common common cause of action. Examples of professionals who purchase this type of insurance follow:

Engineers

Medical doctors, dentists, and surgeons

Architects

Nurses

Attorneys

Accountants

Actuaries

Errors and omissions liability (or the liability of skilled non-professionals) is the analogous insurance coverage for "emerging" professionals like software engineers. Examples of skilled workers and quasi-professionals who might purchase E&O insurance include:

Custom software developers

Computer programers

Software engineers

Web page developers

Insurance agents

Coaches

Instructors

Inspectors

Travel agents

Real estate agents

Errors and omissions and professional liability are not normally covered by General Liability Insurance. There are also some "hybrid" E&O/General Liability Insurance policies that address specific types of business.

If you would like to discuss this or other insurance needs or risk management concerns, please visit the contacts section.