You NEED E&O Insurance.
November 1, 2022 Rebecca Shigley, CIC, TRA, FLMI, AIE, AIRC, ACS, CICSRWhen starting a new business, there are a lot of insurance policies to think about. One of the main questions on entrepreneurs' minds is whether or not they need errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. The simple answer is yes—all insurance agencies, whether start-ups or well-established businesses, should have E&O insurance. In this blog post, we'll explain a little more about why E&O insurance is so important for businesses in the insurance industry.
What Is E&O Insurance?
E&O insurance is a type of liability insurance that protects businesses against claims alleging that professional services were not provided as promised. In other words, if your business is accused of making a mistake or omission that resulted in financial losses for a client, E&O insurance can help cover the costs of defending against the claim, as well as any damages that may be awarded.
Why Do Start Up Insurance Agencies Need E&O Insurance?
There are a few reasons why it's so important for start-up insurance agencies to have E&O insurance in place from day one. First, when you're starting a new business, you don't have the same track record as an established business. This means that you may be seen as more of a risk by insurance carriers or potential clients, which could make it harder to establish insurance agency contracts and win new business. Having E&O insurance in place can help offset this perception of risk and make it easier to start growing your business.
Second, even if you're the most careful and detail-oriented person in the world, there's always a chance that something could go wrong. If a client suffers financial losses because of an error or omission on your part, you could be facing a lawsuit—and the costs associated with defending against such a lawsuit can quickly add up. With E&O insurance in place, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you're protected against these types of risks.
Starting a new business is exciting—but it's also risky. There are a lot of decisions to make and things to think about, including which type of insurance policies to purchase. The Independent Insurance Agents Association of North Carolina (IIANC) is a statewide trade association that is committed to helping North Carolina's independent insurance agents succeed. We offer a variety of resources and programs designed to give you the tools you need to thrive in today's ever-changing insurance landscape. If you have any questions or would like more information about our E&O insurance program or agency start up resources, please contact us today. We're here to help you protect your business—now and into the future!
Rebecca Shigley, CIC, TRA, FLMI, AIE, AIRC, ACS, CICSR