Professional liability for the advice you give.
Errors and omissions coverage for businesses whose clients rely on their advice, designs or services, including defense costs when a client says you got it wrong.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
General liability doesn't cover mistakes
General liability covers injuries and physical damage. When a client claims your advice, plan, design or missed deadline cost them money, that's a professional liability claim, and general liability won't respond.
Professional liability is usually written on a claims-made basis, which means the policy in force when the claim is made responds, and gaps in coverage can leave past work uninsured. I compare carriers by profession and make sure retroactive dates carry forward when you switch.
- Errors and omissionsMistakes, oversights and missed deadlines that cost a client money.
- Negligence claimsAllegations that your work fell below professional standards.
- Defense costsAttorneys' fees, even when the claim has no merit.
- Claims-madeCoverage tied to when the claim is made, with a retroactive date for past work.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Profession: the services you provide.
- Revenue: annual revenue and largest client.
- Experience: years in business and credentials.
- Contracts: how you use written contracts.
- Prior coverage: current policy and retroactive date.
- Claims: any claims or disputes with clients.
Professional liability insurance, answered
What's the difference between professional and general liability?
General liability covers injuries and property damage. Professional liability covers financial losses a client claims were caused by your advice, services or mistakes.
What does claims-made mean?
A claims-made policy covers claims made while the policy is active, for work done after its retroactive date. Keeping continuous coverage protects your past work.
Do I need E&O if I have a contract limiting my liability?
Contracts help, but they don't stop a client from suing, and defense costs alone can be significant. Many contracts also require E&O.
What is tail coverage?
An extended reporting period that lets you report claims after a claims-made policy ends, often used when you retire or close a business.
Do you offer professional liability insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me what you do. I'll shop it.
Your profession, revenue and current policy are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
A short video from Sam
Under a minute each. Videos use an AI-generated version of Sam’s likeness and voice. General information only; coverage depends on your policy.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.