Professional Liability Insurance
Chattanooga Coverage for Experts, Consultants & Service Providers
Whether you run a solo consultancy, manage an IT firm, or provide technical services in Chattanooga or the surrounding region, one misstep or misunderstanding could result in a costly lawsuit. That’s where professional liability insurance comes in. Also known as errors and omissions (E&O) coverage, this essential policy protects your business from claims of negligence, mistakes, or failure to deliver promised results—helping shield your reputation and your bottom line.
What Professional Liability Insurance Covers—and Why It Matters
Common Risks That E&O Insurance Covers
Even the most careful professionals can face allegations of errors. Professional liability insurance typically covers:
- Claims of negligence or professional mistakes
- Failure to meet contractual obligations
- Misrepresentation or inaccurate advice
- Libel, slander, or breach of confidentiality
- Legal defense costs and settlements
If a client sues you for financial loss due to work you performed—or failed to perform—this coverage helps cover attorney fees, court costs, and damages up to your policy limits.
Industries That Need Professional Liability Coverage
Many business owners assume that general liability insurance is enough—but if your service involves expertise or advice, you likely need both. Patriot works with:
- Consultants and business advisors
- Marketing agencies and freelance creatives
- IT contractors and managed service providers
- Accountants, architects, engineers, and designers
- Health and wellness providers (where permitted)
From East Ridge to Hixson, professionals across the Chattanooga metro area turn to Patriot to help them meet contract requirements and stay protected from the unexpected.
The Difference Between General Liability and Professional Liability
It’s a common misconception: general liability protects against physical injuries and property damage, while professional liability covers economic losses due to service-related errors. If your client claims you cost them money—but no one was injured or property damaged—E&O is the policy that responds.
Policy Limits, Deductibles & Claims-Made Coverage
Professional liability policies are often written on a claims-made basis, meaning the claim must be made during the policy period to be covered. Patriot can explain retroactive dates and extended reporting options. Policy limits typically start around $250,000 to $1M, and deductibles can vary based on industry risk.
Coverage Tailored to Your Industry
We tailor your policy to reflect the services you provide. For example, a freelance graphic designer may need protection for intellectual property disputes, while an IT provider may need cyber exclusions removed. Our advisors help ensure your coverage matches the real-world risks of your field.
Contract Requirements & Risk Management Support
Many Chattanooga-area professionals need E&O coverage to secure contracts, especially with government agencies or large corporations. We help ensure your policy meets these requirements—and provide risk management tips to reduce exposure before problems arise.
Contract Requirements & Risk Management Support
Many Chattanooga-area professionals need E&O coverage to secure contracts, especially with government agencies or large corporations. We help ensure your policy meets these requirements—and provide risk management tips to reduce exposure before problems arise.
Why Chattanooga Professionals Trust Patriot
From the Southside tech corridor to small businesses in Signal Mountain, our team understands the unique professional liability needs of Tennessee service providers. We work with top-rated carriers to shop competitive rates, clarify confusing policy language, and ensure you’re covered from day one.
Reasons Professionals Choose Patriot
- Local expertise with regional carrier knowledge
- Fast quote turnaround and contract-ready documentation
- Ongoing support for renewals, audits, and claims questions
- Options to bundle with General Liability or a Business Owners Policy (BOP)
Whether you’re starting a new business or reevaluating your current coverage, we’re here to help you protect what you’ve built.
Get Complete Coverage with a Layered Policy Approach
Professional liability is just one part of a comprehensive business insurance portfolio. We often recommend pairing it with:
- General Liability Insurance (covers physical injury/property damage)
- Commercial Auto Insurance (if you drive for business)
- Cyber Liability Insurance (for businesses handling data or software)
- Umbrella Insurance (for excess liability protection)
- Talk to a Patriot advisor today to build a coverage package that supports your growth and meets your clients’ expectations.
Have Questions About E&O Coverage in Tennessee? We’ve Got Answers.
Do I really need professional liability insurance if I already have general liability?
Yes—these two policies protect against very different risks. General liability covers bodily injury or property damage (like someone slipping on your office floor). Professional liability protects you if a client claims you caused them financial harm through bad advice, missed deadlines, or a professional mistake. Most service-based businesses need both policies.
How much does professional liability insurance cost in Chattanooga?
Costs vary based on your industry, coverage limits, and claims history. A solo consultant may pay a few hundred dollars per year, while a growing firm with multiple employees could pay $1,000 or more. Patriot works with carriers offering competitive rates for Tennessee professionals—and we help compare your options so you don’t overpay.
Is E&O insurance required by law in Tennessee?
Generally, no—but it may be required by clients, especially for contracts with government agencies or large corporations. Even when not required, it’s highly recommended if you provide services, advice, or technical expertise. We’ll review your client agreements and let you know what level of coverage makes sense.
What’s a claims-made policy and why does it matter?
Professional liability policies are usually “claims-made,” meaning they cover claims only if the incident and the claim both occur while your policy is active. That’s why it’s important to maintain continuous coverage and consider options like “tail coverage” if you plan to retire or pause your business. We’ll help you understand how timing affects protection.
Can I bundle professional liability with other business insurance?
Absolutely. Many businesses combine E&O with general liability, property coverage, or cyber insurance. Some may be eligible for a Business Owners Policy (BOP) that includes multiple coverages in one package. We’ll assess your operations and recommend a bundled solution that meets your needs and your budget.