A professional services team meeting in an office in the Kansas City metro.

Business Insurance

Coverage built around the advice and services you provide, not just the office.

Consultants, accountants, agencies, and other professional services firms face a liability exposure tied to the work itself — one that general liability alone typically doesn't address.

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What's going on

Professional services firms — consultants, accountants, agencies, designers, and similar businesses — often have a smaller physical footprint than a retail store or contractor, but a real exposure tied to the advice and work they deliver. If a client has ever asked you for proof of professional liability coverage, or you've never carried it and aren't sure whether you need it, this is where to start.

Why it matters

General liability covers bodily injury and property damage — someone getting hurt in your office, for example. It does not cover a claim that your advice, work product, or service caused a client financial harm. That's a different kind of exposure, addressed by professional liability, sometimes called errors and omissions or E&O coverage. Firms that only carry general liability often assume they're covered for a client dispute and find out otherwise only after a claim is filed.

Things worth considering

Points we would talk through with you. Which of them apply depends on your situation, and what you do about them is your decision.

  1. Do you carry professional liability separately from general liability?

    These are two different policies responding to two different kinds of claims. General liability does not cover a client's allegation that your work or advice caused them financial loss — that's what professional liability is for.

  2. Does a client contract require you to carry a specific limit?

    Client contracts sometimes specify minimum professional liability limits before work can begin. It's worth checking new contracts against what you currently carry.

  3. Do you work with client data or sensitive information?

    Firms that handle client financial, health, or personal data have a cyber exposure worth discussing separately from professional liability.

  4. What does your general liability policy actually cover for your office?

    Even a services-based business with a small office typically needs general liability for visitors, and property coverage for equipment and furnishings.

  5. Does Missouri require workers' compensation for your team?

    Missouri generally requires workers' compensation coverage once a business has five or more employees. Confirm how that threshold applies to your firm.

  6. Do independent contractors you use carry their own coverage?

    If your firm relies on subcontracted professionals, it's worth confirming whether their coverage or yours would respond to a claim involving their work.

Information on this website is general in nature and is not a complete description of any insurance policy or every coverage option that may be available. Coverage availability, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions vary by insurer, policy and individual circumstances. The issued insurance policy and applicable endorsements control coverage. Beacon Point Insurance Group may provide information regarding available insurance options and discuss coverage considerations based on information you provide, but customers are responsible for selecting the carrier, coverages, limits and deductibles they wish to purchase. No insurance coverage is bound, changed, or canceled through this website unless confirmed by Beacon Point Insurance Group or the applicable insurer.

How this tends to come up

  • A client dispute over deliverables

    A marketing consultant in the Kansas City metro faced a client allegation that a campaign underperformed due to advice given. Because the firm carried professional liability coverage, the claim was handled under that policy rather than falling on general liability, which typically excludes it.

  • A new contract requiring proof of coverage

    An accounting firm in Independence was asked by a new client to provide proof of professional liability coverage at a specific limit before the engagement could start. Having that information on hand made it a quick conversation.

We Learn. We Compare. We Explain. You Decide.

  1. 01

    We Learn

    We ask questions about your situation and the insurance you currently carry.

  2. 02

    We Compare

    Based on the information you provide, we can obtain and compare available options from the insurance companies we represent.

  3. 03

    We Explain

    We help you understand important differences in coverage, limits, deductibles, policy terms, and price.

  4. 04

    You Decide

    You select the company, coverages, limits, deductibles, and options you want to purchase.

What working with us is like

The part people tend to mention is that someone explained it and then let them decide.

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Absolutely in love with these folks. Have both personal and business insurance through Beacon Point. I've never worried about making sure I'm covered. Quick to answer questions, even via text while I'm on the go every day. Highly recommend.

— Andrew P. State Line Door & Lift · Grain Valley, MO

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