You might think that only publicly traded companies need directors and officers liability insurance – but you’d be wrong.
Whether you’re running a small business, a large company or a non-profit organization, you’re at risk of being sued for mismanagement. Directors and officers liability protects members of the board of directors or company executives from lawsuits arising from non-bodily injury claims and wrongful acts, such as:
- Mismanagement of assets
- Failure to provide services or fulfill an organizational mission statement
- Misstatements, errors and omissions
- Breach of duty
- Antitrust or security law violations
- Copyright or patent infringement
Providing Financial Protection to Your Company, Directors and Officers
Directors and officers liability, also known as D&O insurance, provides financial protection in the case of an individual or collective lawsuit. Coverage may extend to derivative lawsuits — or claims against an officer or board member brought on behalf of the company or organization — and direct or third-party lawsuits brought by an employee or an outside party.
Coverage may offer a layer of protection to both the company and its directors and officers, by ensuring that the company is reimbursed for its legal costs incurred in defending the directors and officers and that they don’t have to pay expenses out-of-pocket. It may also provide coverage for suits against the organization itself.
