Technology liability insurance, also known as technology professional liability insurance or technology errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, protects tech businesses from the unique risks they face. As these companies provide specialized services and products, they are vulnerable to lawsuits caused by errors, omissions and data breaches. Tech company insurance protects these businesses in the event of claims related to negligence, breach of contract or failure to deliver promised services.
Technology Liability Insurance
Technology liability insurance protects tech businesses from legal claims related to errors, omissions and data breaches. Understanding its coverage and benefits helps you assess your needs and choose the right policy.
Updated: November 26, 2024
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What Technology Professional Liability Insurance Covers
Technology professional liability insurance covers a range of scenarios that could lead to financial loss or legal action. Here are some of its key coverages:
- Errors and omissions: These policies cover mistakes made during the execution of services, such as software glitches, coding errors or incomplete project deliveries.
- Data breaches: If a company's services lead to a breach of sensitive customer information, tech liability insurance helps cover the costs associated with legal fees, settlements and even public relations to rebuild reputation.
- Intellectual property infringement: Technology companies often deal with intellectual property — any unintentional infringement on patents or copyrights could lead to costly lawsuits.
- Negligence claims: If a client sues for professional negligence, claiming your services did not meet the expected standard of care, these policies help cover legal defense and any resulting damages.
- Breach of contract: Sometimes, clients claim that the technology or services provided did not meet the agreed-upon terms. Information technology insurance covers costs related to breach of contract disputes.
Benefits of Technology Professional Liability Insurance
Here are some of the main benefits of technology professional liability insurance for tech companies:
- Financial protection: IT liability insurance provides financial support to cover unexpected expenses like legal fees and settlements.
- Client trust: Having technology insurance shows clients that you take your business seriously and have measures in place to handle potential issues.
- Business continuity: Lawsuits and claims can disrupt operations. With technology liability insurance, you can focus on running your business while your insurance provider manages the legal aspects of the claim.
- Coverage for multiple risks: Tech company insurance covers not only lawsuits but also costs related to data breaches, intellectual property claims and more.
- Customized policies: Many top business insurance providers allow businesses to tailor their policies based on their specific industry needs.
Who Should Consider Technology Liability Insurance
Any business providing technology services or products can benefit from technology services liability insurance.
IT consultants
IT professionals provide advice and technical support that, if incorrect, could result in client losses. IT professional liability insurance protects against lawsuits stemming from such advice.
Software developers
Whether you create custom software for clients or develop commercial applications, mistakes in code or functionality can lead to expensive legal claims.
Web designers
Errors in website design or hosting services can lead to downtime, lost revenue or even security vulnerabilities for clients.
Tech startups
New businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often work with limited resources. Having technology business insurance provides protection as these companies scale.
Managed service providers (MSPs)
These businesses manage IT infrastructure for clients. If a system fails under their management, IT professional indemnity insurance helps cover the financial repercussions.
Cloud service providers
Offering cloud services comes with data security and accessibility risks. Technology liability insurance covers issues arising from service disruptions or breaches.
Telecommunications companies
Disruptions in service or communication errors can result in significant financial losses for clients, making professional liability insurance technology essential for this sector.
How Technology Liability and General Liability Differ
General liability insurance primarily covers bodily injury, property damage and general business risks. It is designed to handle accidents like slips and falls or damage to a client's property while on your premises. Meanwhile, technology liability insurance specifically addresses the unique risks that technology businesses face, such as software failures, professional negligence or data breaches.
Additionally, IT liability insurance provides coverage for financial losses resulting from errors, omissions or breach of contract claims, which general liability policies do not typically cover. For example, if a software implementation leads to system downtime, tech liability insurance would cover the damages, whereas general liability insurance would not.
Technology Liability Insurance Costs
The cost of technology liability insurance depends on several factors, including the size of the business, the type of services offered and the overall risk exposure. For small tech companies, technology professional liability insurance typically costs around $67 per month.
Companies dealing with sensitive data, such as IT consultants or cybersecurity firms, may see higher premiums depending on their exposure to risks like data breaches or intellectual property disputes.
FAQ About Technology Liability Insurance
What is technology errors and omissions (E&O) insurance?
Technology E&O insurance covers tech businesses from claims related to professional mistakes or failure to deliver services as promised. This insurance helps protect against lawsuits stemming from financial losses caused by these errors.
What does technology E&O insurance cover?
Technology E&O insurance covers mistakes in professional services, including coding errors, software failures and missed project deadlines. It also includes legal fees and settlements related to negligence claims.
What is the difference between cyber liability and tech E&O insurance?
Cyber liability focuses on protecting against data breaches and cyber threats, while tech E&O insurance covers financial losses due to errors or failure to meet contractual obligations. Both are critical for tech businesses but serve different purposes.
Do I need technology liability insurance if I have general liability insurance?
Yes, general liability insurance covers physical injuries and property damage, but it does not protect against errors or professional negligence specific to technology services. Technology professional liability insurance offers coverage tailored to tech business risks.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.