General liability vs. errors and omissions insurance

A liability insurance policy covers the costs of civil lawsuits, such as attorney fees, court costs, judgments, and settlements. The different types of coverage insure against different types of claims. That’s why most small business owners need more than one type of liability policy for their risk exposures.

Errors and omissions coverage and general liability insurance both protect you from third-party lawsuits (lawsuits from non-employees). The difference is what triggers the policy.

Errors and omissions insurance covers lawsuits brought by clients who claim you were negligent in the professional services you provide. Depending on the industry, you may also see this coverage referred to as professional liability insurance or malpractice insurance.

The term errors and omissions insurance is typically used by IT professionals, real estate agents, tax preparers, and insurance agents. Accountants, architects, consultants, and engineers refer to this policy as professional liability coverage. The term malpractice insurance is primarily used in the healthcare industry.

Even a frivolous lawsuit could wind up costing you a fortune in attorney’s fees and court costs. E&O coverage can protect your business if a client claims that your business:

• Lost their data
• Failed to complete a project
• Made coding errors
• Forgot to update their software
• Breached a contract

General liability insurance covers lawsuits brought by third parties who claim your business caused a bodily injury, property damage, or other personal injury. General liability can cover lawsuits concerning:

• A customer’s slip-and-fall accident at your office
• Accidental damage to a client’s laptop, smartphone, or other client property
• An advertising injury, such as slander, libel, or copyright infringement

A general liability policy is often the first type of business insurance that small business owners need. This is especially true for workplaces open to clients or the public, as opposed to home-based businesses, as it covers risks associated with visitors.

An expensive lawsuit can endanger both your business and personal assets. That’s why so many small business owners choose both E&O and general liability insurance, for the financial protections they offer. And in some situations, these coverages are required.

E&O insurance doesn’t just protect your business from financial loss, it’s often required to qualify for a contract or a license. This policy demonstrates to potential clients that you’ll be able to compensate them if your business makes a professional error.

You could save money on an E&O policy by bundling it with cyber insurance, also known as cyber liability insurance. This bundle, known as tech E&O, can benefit a wide range of businesses in the tech sector who could wind up in court over a mistake.

General liability insurance covers the cost of third-party property damage and compensates clients or visitors who are injured on your commercial property. Some states require this coverage as part of their licensing requirements for construction contractors, landscapers, or developers.

If you rent your workspace, your landlord may require that you carry general liability insurance. If you own your own workspace, it can protect your assets.

General liability coverage will often help pay the immediate medical expenses of a person who is injured at your business location, which can help you avoid a lawsuit altogether.

To save money on insurance for your office, purchase a business owner’s policy (BOP) that includes both commercial property insurance and general liability insurance.

By completing TechInsurance's easy online application today, you can compare free insurance quotes from A-rated U.S. insurance carriers to find the best insurance rates on all types of small business insurance. TechInsurance insurance agents are available to help answer any questions you may have, what your business needs are, and help you find the right coverage.

Once you find the right policies for your small business, you can begin coverage in less than 24 hours and get a certificate of insurance for your small business.