If you sell advice, design, or professional services in North Carolina, your general liability policy doesn’t cover the work itself. A mistake, missed deadline, or alleged failure to meet professional standards can produce a six-figure claim that GL won’t touch. Professional liability â also called errors and omissions (E&O) â covers this exposure. Safenet Insurance Group writes E&O across NC. Call (336) 280-4606 or quote online.
Who Needs Professional Liability Coverage
- Consultants (management, strategy, operations)
- IT and technology service providers
- Marketing and advertising agencies
- Designers (graphic, interior, architectural)
- Accountants, bookkeepers, tax preparers
- Real estate agents and brokers
- Insurance agents and brokers (mandatory)
- Mortgage brokers and loan officers
- HR consultants
- Educational consultants and tutors
- Healthcare providers (malpractice â a specialized E&O)
What E&O Covers
- Errors and omissions in the professional services you provide
- Negligent advice â even if the client doesn’t suffer a measurable loss, defense costs can be significant
- Failure to perform â missed deadlines, scope failures
- Breach of professional duty claims
- Defense costs â often the largest part of an E&O claim, even on suits without merit
Claims-Made vs. Occurrence Coverage
Most E&O policies are written on a claims-made basis â meaning a claim must be made and reported during the policy period. This matters when you switch carriers: you may need tail coverage (extended reporting period) for claims made after the policy ends but related to work done during the policy period. We walk through this carefully on every quote.
Why Contracts Increasingly Require E&O
More NC clients now require their consultants, contractors, and service providers to carry E&O coverage as a contract condition. Common contract minimums: $1M per claim / $1M aggregate, with the client named as additional insured (when the carrier allows).
Frequently Asked Questions
Doesn’t my general liability cover professional mistakes?
No. GL covers third-party bodily injury and property damage â not financial losses from the professional services you provide. E&O fills this gap.
How much does E&O cost in NC?
Highly variable by profession and revenue. A small consultant or designer might pay $500â$1,200/year for $1M of E&O. Higher-revenue professionals or higher-risk professions pay more.
Do I need tail coverage when I switch carriers?
Usually yes, on claims-made policies. We help you avoid gaps when changing E&O carriers.
Get an E&O Quote
Call Safenet Insurance Group at (336) 280-4606 or quote online.