GHI alt

Directors & Officers Insurance

Table of Content

What is Directors & Officers Insurance?

Directors and officers D&O insurance is liability insurance which protects Directors and Officers of a company from legal claims which may arise from decision and actions taken while serving their duty. It covers legal defence costs or other costs incurred by company in defending such individual against lawsuits. A company pays for this coverage so executives can serve confidently as leaders of their organization without fear of personal financial loss.

Why is Directors & Officers Insurance Necessary?

Protection against lawsuits

Directors & Officers can be sued or alleged for wrongful acts related to: Breach of duty, breach of trust, misstatement or misleading statement, defamation, libel or slander, act of omission or negligence. Employment process or inappropriate workplace conduct such as discrimination, retaliation, defamation, failure to promote, sexual harassment etc. Claim solely because of their status. D&O insurance protects you against such vulnerabilities.

Attract Better Talent

Organizations are constantly seeking top leadership talent to lead their businesses. However, the market for quality management is highly competitive. Top-tier executives and officers will not even consider joining a company if their personal assets could be put at risk. This means that any company looking to attract proven, high-level executives and board members should consider investing in D&O coverage. This will provide your directors and officers the peace of mind needed to go about their work and lead at a high level.

Features of Directors & Officers Insurance

Legal Costs

This policy covers the defence costs, legal fees and expenses, if an employee/client/third-part files a case against you.

Reputation Management Expenses

The cost incurred in hiring the services of a public relations consultant to prevent the effects of negative publicity is also covered under D&O insurance

Shareholder Claims Expenses

This policy will cover you and your company in case you are required to pay any fees, costs, charges and legal expenses to a shareholder of the company who is pursuing a claim against you.

Employment Practice Liability

Covers the defence costs and damages arising from employment-related claims such as allegations of wrongful termination, discrimination, and workplace harassment. This coverage is also sometimes called Employment Practice Liability (EPL).

Why buy Directors & Officers Insurance from Raghnall?

One Point of Contact

No need to coordinate with multiple points of contact and third parties. With Raghnall, you only need to stay in touch with us and no one else.

Product Expertise

At Raghnall, we have specialized underwriters and product experts who take time to understand your business and offer the coverages suitable to your needs.

Best Deals

As a fully independent broker we customize coverage catering to your needs and provide the best price for most comprehensive coverage.

Who should buy Directors & Officers Insurance?

Public and Private Businesses

There are common misconceptions that only public companies should be concerned about legal lawsuits, while recent settlements demonstrate that privately funded companies can face the same consequences.

Venture Backed Companies

D&O insurance is required by almost every institutional investor term sheet. The right D&O program can bolster your funding efforts and make funding rounds run smoother.

Businesses with Large Liabilities

If a business owes more than $1 million to creditors, then it’s important to have this coverage to protect the business, the directors, and the officers in the event the business goes under. Creditors might point to the company leadership as to the reason they weren’t paid in full.

Factors to be considered before purchasing Directors & Officers Insurance

1
Sum Insured

Make sure that you pick the right sum insured for your policy. Choose a policy that allows you to customize your sum insured based on the nature and size of your business.

2
Coverages

Always check the coverages and the exclusions in your D&O insurance policy. You need to look at things like defence costs, settlements, judgments, etc and make sure that the policy has complete coverage.

3
Claims Process

Claims are one of the most important parts of insurance, so look for a company that has easy to make claims and also a simple settlement process, as it can save you and your business a lot of hassle.

4
Value for Money

Compare different D&O insurance policies available in the market before buying one. This will help you to get yourself the policy which offers you proper coverage along with maximum benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The D&O insurance policy covers personal liability of directors, officers and employees arising due to wrongful acts while performing duty. It also covers defence costs and other expenses incidental to a loss.

The policy will only cover civil fines and penalties levied on an insured due to violation of laws or regulations and when such fines and penalties are insurable by law.

It is better to get a D&O Liability insurance policy irrespective of the size of the business, as disgruntled individuals and shareholders can file lawsuits. With companies serving people from different domains, it is preferable to have the policy to fall back on in case of any eventuality.

Yes, the liability of director is unlimited resulting loss of personal assets at time of insolvency or any claim. This policy will protect personal assets of director.

Any privately or publicly held company with corporate board or advisory committee should take D&O insurance policy to protect their directors, officers and employees.

Before buying a D&O Liability insurance policy, what should be considered varies depending on the needs of the organization. However, one important thing which needs your consideration is whether the policy covers different sides of your company, i.e., managers and the company as a whole.

No, the Directors’ and Officers’ Liability insurance policy is not the same as professional liability insurance. Unlike a professional liability insurance policy, it does not protect a business that offers professional services. It comes into play only when directors and officers of the organization are named in the litigation.