Actual or Alleged Negligence
The insurer does the legwork in determining what happened when a customer claims that you (or members of your crew) were negligent in completing your work, such as missing a deadline or not acting professionally.
Defense of Claims
The insurer defends you in legal proceedings related to claims that you didn’t follow through on a portion of your deliverable or service, be it the word count on an article or the file format of a wedding video.
False or Frivolous Claims for Damages
Along with helping to cover the costs of valid claims, the policy will defend you against claims that ultimately have no merit.
Who needs professional liability insurance?
In a nutshell, professional liability is insurance for pros.
If your clients rely on you for professional consultation, skills, or specific knowledge, from event planning to notarizing documents, they can also claim that negligence in those services resulted in a financial loss on their part. For many businesses, professional liability is optional, but some professions in the medical, government, and legal fields require professional liability insurance in order to secure a license. Other types of businesses that commonly need professional liability coverage include:
- Administrative Services
- Advertising and Marketing Consultants
- Career Coaches
- Computer Repair
- Creative Directors
- Event Planners
- Consultants
- Graphic and Web Designers
- Hiking Guides
- Interior Decorating
- IT Consultants
- Musicians
- Notaries
- Paralegals
- Personal Trainers
- Pet Services
- Photographers
- Programmers
- Sound Recordists
- Software Developers
- Speakers
- Teachers and Tutors
- Tour guides
- Translation Services
- Web Developers
- Wedding Planners
- Writers
Why is professional liability important?
If you provide expert services, professional liability can help protect your assets against claims of negligence or mistakes.
In some cases, a contract, professional affiliation, or state law may require businesses to carry professional liability coverage. But even if it’s not required, professional liability insurance shows prospective clients that you are a legitimate business worthy of their trust.
Professional Liability Insurance FAQs
Is professional liability insurance required by law?
Professional liability insurance is legally required for some professions and roles, specifically in the medical and legal industries. However, even if it’s not legally required, your clients may contractually require you to have a professional liability insurance policy. Make sure you understand the terms of your contract.
Professions required to carry professional liability insurance:
- Medical professionals must carry medical malpractice insurance, an industry-specific type of professional liability coverage. This applies to doctors, nurses, rehabilitation professionals, physician’s assistants, and other employees in allied health care settings
- Lawyers are often required to carry professional liability coverage, or at least inform their clients if they are practicing without insurance.
- Government contractors may be required to carry professional liability insurance.
- Some professionals are required to carry professional liability insurance in order to be licensed or to perform certain functions in certain jurisdictions.
Is professional liability the same thing as general liability insurance?
No; professional liability insurance and general liability insurance are described as “Interlocking coverages” because they each protect a different area of the most essential risks to a small business, which is why Thimble often bundles them together.
Where is professional liability insurance available with Thimble?
Professional liability insurance is currently available with Thimble in almost all states except for Washington and New York. Stay tuned for those two states—we’re working on launching professional liability insurance for you soon!
Can I get my professional liability and general liability insurance under one policy?
Yes! Policies with Thimble include both general liability and professional liability coverage in one simple, affordable package to give you a wider safety net when working with clients.
How do I show proof I have a professional liability insurance policy?
After you purchase a policy, you’ll receive an email with your policy details and any necessary Certificates of Insurance (COI) you might require. Your COI, also referred to as an ACORD 25, Certificate of Liability Insurance, is a standard document that proves your business is insured. A COI includes details like the types of liability coverage (general liability, professional liability, etc.) you have in force, the applicable policy limits, and the duration of your policy. This is typically the document you need to show your clients to prove that you’re ready to get to work. With Thimble, you’ve got instant access to your COI after purchase and can make and send unlimited copies all with a click of a button.
How do I file a professional liability claim?
If you need to file a claim, please follow the contact instructions listed on your policy. Read more here.
People like you like Thimble.
We’re trusted by over 40,000 small businesses.
(And thanks. We like us too.)
4.5/5 stars from 1919 reviews
Fast & Easy
This is fast and easy and works great for me! I am a one man freelance landscaper and this gives me the ability to purchase insurance directly from my phone anytime and anywhere I need it.
Super easy to use! Thought of everything
This app is beautiful and super easy to use! It's super easy to get insurance for the weddings I shoot where the venues require insurance. I can just buy it on the app with 3 clicks and I'm done.
Awesome Product
I love this idea ????!! I needed to have proof of liability to present my proposal; got it on the spot. I didn't win the bid but I didn't get stuck with costly insurance, either!!
So Easy!!! I LOVE IT
It was so easy, quick, and simple. The PDF package I received contained everything I needed. This was the best experience I've ever had obtaining insurance...thank you!!!
Great rate!
I was very impressed with your monthly rate on general liability coverage! Much less than 1/12 of everyone else's annual rate.
I love the convenience
I love the convenience of this insurance app, its the best thing since sliced bread????????
Fast & Easy
This is fast and easy and works great for me! I am a one man freelance landscaper and this gives me the ability to purchase insurance directly from my phone anytime and anywhere I need it.
Super easy to use! Thought of everything
This app is beautiful and super easy to use! It's super easy to get insurance for the weddings I shoot where the venues require insurance. I can just buy it on the app with 3 clicks and I'm done.
Awesome Product
I love this idea ????!! I needed to have proof of liability to present my proposal; got it on the spot. I didn't win the bid but I didn't get stuck with costly insurance, either!!
So Easy!!! I LOVE IT
It was so easy, quick, and simple. The PDF package I received contained everything I needed. This was the best experience I've ever had obtaining insurance...thank you!!!
Great rate!
I was very impressed with your monthly rate on general liability coverage! Much less than 1/12 of everyone else's annual rate.
I love the convenience
I love the convenience of this insurance app, its the best thing since sliced bread????????
Quick-thinking insurance for fast-moving businesses.
Get covered in minutes.