ERGO NEXT tops our Iowa rankings as the best professional liability insurance provider, offering strong coverage options, reliable customer support and user-friendly digital tools. The Hartford offers the lowest rates at $68 monthly, making it the cheapest professional indemnity insurer in Iowa and saving businesses $6 compared to the state average. Iowa businesses seeking additional options should consider Simply Business, Coverdash and Nationwide for top errors and omissions insurance coverage.
Best Professional Liability Insurance in Iowa
Get IA professional liability insurance quotes starting at $25 monthly from MoneyGeek's top companies like ERGO NEXT, The Hartford and Simply Business.
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Updated: February 1, 2026
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Professional Liability Insurance in Iowa: Key Takeaways
ERGO NEXT provides the best professional liability insurance in Iowa, while The Hartford delivers the most affordable coverage at $68 monthly (Read More).
Professional liability insurance costs average $74 monthly in Iowa ($886 yearly), placing the state among the more affordable options nationwide (Read More).
Professional liability insurance protects Iowa businesses from financial losses due to professional mistakes, negligence claims and unmet service obligations (Read More).
Iowa businesses aren't legally required to carry professional liability insurance, though health care providers and other licensed professionals often need coverage (Read More).
Shopping small business insurance quotes from multiple Iowa providers ensures you secure appropriate coverage limits at competitive rates (Read More).
Best Professional Liability Insurance Companies in Iowa
| ERGO NEXT | 4.75 | $69 |
| The Hartford | 4.71 | $68 |
| Simply Business | 4.54 | $72 |
| Coverdash | 4.46 | $74 |
| Nationwide | 4.46 | $78 |
| biBERK | 4.45 | $75 |
| Progressive Commercial | 4.41 | $71 |
| Hiscox | 4.37 | $74 |
| Chubb | 4.29 | $84 |
| Thimble | 4.25 | $72 |
How Did We Determine the Best Professional Liability Insurance in Iowa?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's proprietary analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and should not be considered quotes. Your actual rate will differ based on business-specific factors. Contact insurers for accurate pricing tailored to your business needs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS INSURANCE IN IOWA
Professional liability insurance in Iowa covers just one aspect of protecting your business. We've compiled these additional state-specific guides to help you find comprehensive coverage:
1. ERGO NEXT: Best Professional Liability Insurance in IA
pros
Tops MoneyGeek's Iowa rankings for overall score
Ranked #1 nationally for digital experience with 10-minute coverage
Instant COIs and 24/7 policy management via mobile app
A+ Superior AM Best rating backed by Munich Re
cons
Founded in 2016 with shorter operational track record
Claims process ranks fourth nationally for resolution speed
Coverage limited to businesses with under 20 employees
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
ERGO NEXT ranks first in Iowa for professional liability insurance with competitive rates at $69 monthly and the highest customer service scores. Des Moines consultants and Cedar Rapids accountants can secure coverage in 10 minutes, download instant certificates and manage policies 24/7 through ERGO NEXT's mobile app (rated 4.9 stars on the Apple Store). The insurer's A+ Superior AM Best rating and #1 digital experience ranking make it ideal for Iowa business owners who value fast, reliable online service.
2. The Hartford: Cheapest Professional Liability Insurance in IA
pros
Lowest Iowa rates at $68 monthly, saving $72 annually
#1 nationally for claims process and overall satisfaction
A+ Superior AM Best rating backed by 200+ years
Tops financial stability rankings with strongest capitalization
cons
Digital experience ranks 10th nationally among competitors
Online platform less developed than digital-first insurers
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
The Hartford offers Iowa's cheapest professional liability insurance at $68 monthly, saving businesses $72 annually compared to the state average. Des Moines consultants and Waterloo financial advisors benefit from the insurer's #1-ranked claims process and highest overall satisfaction scores while paying the lowest premiums in Iowa. The Hartford's A+ Superior AM Best rating and over 200 years of experience provide strong financial backing, though businesses prioritizing digital tools may prefer more tech-focused competitors.
3. Simply Business: Best Professional Liability Insurance Coverage Option in IA
pros
Ranks first for coverage options with access to 18 carriers
Backed by Travelers' A++ Superior AM Best rating
Digital experience ranks third with 10-minute online quotes
Broker model finds specialized policies other insurers may reject
cons
Claims process ranks eighth nationally with slower resolution times
Overall customer satisfaction ranks seventh among national competitors
Broker model means no direct insurer relationship or control
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Simply Business tops Iowa's coverage options rankings by providing access to 18 insurance carriers through its brokerage platform. Des Moines consultants and Cedar Rapids IT professionals pay $72 monthly while comparing specialized policies from multiple providers in one 10-minute session. This approach helps Iowa businesses find hard-to-place coverage that direct insurers might reject. Backed by Travelers' A++ Superior AM Best rating, Simply Business serves more than 1 million small businesses worldwide with 24/7 digital policy management.
Average Cost of Professional Liability Insurance in Iowa
Professional liability insurance costs in Iowa vary by industry. Home-based businesses pay the lowest rates, around $35 per month, while mortgage brokers pay the highest, approximately $160 per month. You can find specific rates for your industry using the filtering tool below.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Accountants | $138 | $1,655 |
| Ad Agency | $93 | $1,118 |
| Auto Repair | $78 | $934 |
| Automotive | $72 | $860 |
| Bakery | $50 | $597 |
| Barber | $41 | $492 |
| Beauty Salon | $47 | $564 |
| Bounce House | $56 | $670 |
| Candle | $40 | $476 |
| Cannabis | $115 | $1,380 |
| Catering | $76 | $910 |
| Cleaning | $53 | $631 |
| Coffee Shop | $57 | $689 |
| Computer Programming | $99 | $1,184 |
| Computer Repair | $59 | $711 |
| Construction | $74 | $887 |
| Consulting | $101 | $1,213 |
| Contractor | $60 | $719 |
| Courier | $48 | $571 |
| DJ | $44 | $524 |
| Daycare | $102 | $1,227 |
| Dental | $80 | $957 |
| Dog Grooming | $53 | $639 |
| Drone | $99 | $1,192 |
| Ecommerce | $58 | $695 |
| Electrical | $60 | $722 |
| Engineering | $98 | $1,181 |
| Excavation | $65 | $776 |
| Florist | $37 | $441 |
| Food | $105 | $1,257 |
| Food Truck | $55 | $664 |
| Funeral Home | $77 | $921 |
| Gardening | $38 | $456 |
| HVAC | $78 | $932 |
| Handyman | $52 | $624 |
| Home-based business | $35 | $424 |
| Hospitality | $70 | $841 |
| Janitorial | $47 | $570 |
| Jewelry | $57 | $680 |
| Junk Removal | $64 | $764 |
| Lawn/Landscaping | $50 | $595 |
| Lawyers | $140 | $1,685 |
| Manufacturing | $58 | $696 |
| Marine | $83 | $993 |
| Massage | $101 | $1,207 |
| Mortgage Broker | $160 | $1,921 |
| Moving | $78 | $931 |
| Nonprofit | $49 | $586 |
| Painting | $61 | $732 |
| Party Rental | $52 | $625 |
| Personal Training | $67 | $799 |
| Pest Control | $92 | $1,106 |
| Pet | $44 | $529 |
| Pharmacy | $55 | $654 |
| Photography | $61 | $736 |
| Physical Therapy | $89 | $1,073 |
| Plumbing | $87 | $1,047 |
| Pressure Washing | $55 | $665 |
| Real Estate | $119 | $1,427 |
| Restaurant | $77 | $927 |
| Retail | $52 | $620 |
| Roofing | $91 | $1,086 |
| Security | $94 | $1,130 |
| Snack Bars | $46 | $551 |
| Software | $91 | $1,096 |
| Spa/Wellness | $108 | $1,294 |
| Speech Therapist | $93 | $1,119 |
| Startup | $68 | $810 |
| Tech/IT | $92 | $1,098 |
| Transportation | $92 | $1,101 |
| Travel | $92 | $1,109 |
| Tree Service | $70 | $845 |
| Trucking | $107 | $1,287 |
| Tutoring | $56 | $677 |
| Veterinary | $110 | $1,318 |
| Wedding Planning | $73 | $870 |
| Welding | $73 | $876 |
| Wholesale | $59 | $713 |
| Window Cleaning | $58 | $699 |
How Did We Determine These Iowa Professional Liability Insurance Rates?
These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's proprietary analysis of small businesses with two employees across 79 major industries and should not be considered quotes. Your actual rate will differ based on business-specific factors. Contact insurers for accurate pricing tailored to your business needs.
What Does Iowa Professional Liability Insurance Cover?
Professional liability insurance in Iowa protects your business when clients claim you made mistakes or didn't fulfill your contract duties. Professional liability insurance also covers the legal costs that come with defending these claims.
You might see this coverage called by different names:
- Errors and omissions insurance (E&O)
- Malpractice insurance (specialized type, typically in legal and medical fields)
- Professional indemnity insurance
How Much Professional Liability Insurance Do I Need in Iowa?
Iowa doesn't require professional liability insurance for most businesses by state law. When contracts or hospital credentialing require coverage, the standard is $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate annually. Health care providers who accept Medicaid must carry the same limits. Attorneys participating in the Iowa State Bar's referral directory need a minimum of $100,000 per occurrence, though no statewide mandate exists.
Who Needs Professional Liability Insurance in Iowa?
Iowa businesses providing professional services or working under client contracts should consider professional liability insurance. Whether you face negligence claims or contractual obligations, coverage protects against costly lawsuits and settlements.
Financial and insurance professionals
Des Moines serves as a national insurance center with 7,000 finance and insurance companies employing 95,000 professionals. The state's concentrated financial services sector faces heightened scrutiny for investment advice, policy recommendations and fiduciary duties, making professional liability coverage essential for protecting against client claims.
Tech professionals
Advanced manufacturing and agricultural innovation rely on Iowa's growing technology sector for digital infrastructure and data analytics. Tech consultants, software developers and IT professionals need tech E&O insurance to cover risks from data breaches, project delays and system failures affecting Iowa's manufacturing and agriculture clients.
Health care professionals
The bioscience industry grew 8% in Iowa from 2016 to 2021, expanding the state's health care and medical device sectors. Physicians, nurses and allied health professionals accepting Medicaid must maintain $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate coverage under Iowa requirements.
Accountants
CPAs and LPAs licensed through the Accountancy Examining Board handle tax preparation, audits and financial consulting for Iowa's robust manufacturing and agricultural businesses. Accountants' professional liability insurance protects against claims from calculation errors, missed deadlines or tax advice disputes.
Real estate professionals
Brokers and salespersons serve Iowa's affordable housing market and commercial property sector under Real Estate Commission oversight. Real estate professionals need errors and omissions insurance for real estate to cover disclosure failures, contract errors and valuation disputes.
Construction contractors
Contractors support Iowa's $35 billion manufacturing industry through facility construction, equipment installation and industrial projects. General contractors, electricians and HVAC professionals face liability for project delays, construction defects and safety violations affecting Iowa's largest economic sector.
How to Get the Best Professional Liability Insurance in Iowa
Our step-by-step guide helps Iowa business owners navigate how to get business insurance that matches their professional liability coverage needs and budget. Following these steps ensures you secure adequate protection while managing costs effectively.
- 1Assess your professional liability insurance coverage needs
Evaluate your business risks and understand client contract requirements. A Cedar Rapids IT consultant supporting Iowa's advanced manufacturing sector needs higher coverage limits than a Des Moines freelance financial advisor serving individual clients.
- 2Work with a local agent
Find an agent who understands Iowa's business landscape and knows how business insurance costs change from Des Moines' insurance industry hub to rural agricultural consulting practices. Agents familiar with Iowa can explain whether your Waterloo manufacturing consultant needs coverage that differs from Iowa City's university-adjacent professional services market.
- 3Get quotes and compare coverage details
Request quotes from at least three insurers, comparing both affordable business insurance rates and policy terms like exclusions and deductibles specific to your industry. A Sioux City accountant serving Iowa's agricultural businesses should examine coverage differences for rural client work, not just premium costs, when evaluating $1 million liability policies.
- 4Research the best providers
Beyond price, find insurers with proven claims experience in Iowa's dominant industries like advanced manufacturing, finance and agriculture. Check AM Best ratings and read reviews from other Iowa professionals to verify insurers understand the unique risks facing Iowa's Manufacturing 4.0 economy and bioscience sector.
- 5Consider bundling discounts
Iowa insurers frequently offer bundling incentives when you combine professional liability with other types of business insurance like general liability or business owner policies. A Davenport engineering firm serving Iowa's machinery manufacturing sector saves 15% by bundling its professional and general liability coverage together.
- 6Don't let your coverage lapse
Professional liability policies protect you only from lawsuits filed while your policy remains active, regardless of when the work occurred. A Des Moines business consultant switching carriers after completing projects for Iowa's insurance companies should verify the new policy covers prior acts or purchase tail coverage (extended reporting coverage) to maintain protection for past work.
Get Iowa Professional Liability Insurance Quotes
MoneyGeek matches Iowa businesses with professional liability insurance providers suited to their industry and risk profile. The tool below generates quotes from top-rated companies for your business.
Get Matched to the Best IA Professional Liability Insurer for You
Select your industry and state to get a customized IA professional liability insurer match and get tailored quotes.
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Iowa Professional Liability: Bottom Line
Choosing professional liability insurance in Iowa means evaluating your business risks and finding a provider that understands your industry. ERGO NEXT ranks first in our analysis, but your client contracts, budget and coverage requirements should drive your decision. Assess your needs first, then compare options with a local agent to secure coverage that protects your Iowa business financially.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.