Directors' & Officers' Insurance

Directors’ & Officers’ Insurance

Directors’ & Officers’ Insurance (D&O) is a form of management liability cover designed to protect directors, officers and senior management against claims arising from the decisions made in the course of their day-to-day responsibilities.

In simple terms, it provides financial protection when allegations are made that a director or officer has acted improperly while performing their duties.

What can Directors’ & Officers’ Insurance provide cover towards?

D&O Policies typically cover claims involving:

  • Breaches of duty
  • Negligence
  • Mismanagement
  • Errors in judgment
  • Decision‑making
  • Regulatory or statutory investigations
 
Directors’ & Officers’ Insurance helps safeguard individuals by covering legal defence costs, settlements and compensation awards arising from insured claims.
 

Directors’ and Officers’ may face allegations from a wide range of parties, including shareholders, regulators, customers, employees, and insolvency practitioners. A policy usually provides cover for individual directors and officers, as well as company reimbursement, where the business has indemnified its management.

Without adequate Directors’ & Officers’ cover, directors and officers may be personally liable for such claims, placing their personal assets at risk. In some cases, businesses are contractually obligated to indemnify or insure their directors, meaning a claim could also result in a significant financial exposure for the business itself.

Policies are generally written on a claims‑made basis, requiring claims to be reported/notified during the period of insurance.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPL) is another form of management liability insurance designed to protect businesses against claims arising from employment‑related disputes. In practical terms, it provides insurance protection for allegations made by current employees, former employees or job applicants relating to how they have been treated in the workplace.

Common claims can include unfair or constructive dismissal, discrimination, harassment, bullying, victimisation, wrongful termination, failure to promote, breach of employment contract and retaliation. Defending such allegations can be costly, time‑consuming and may also have a significant impact on a business’s reputation and employee relations.

EPL Insurance offers financial protection by covering legal defence costs, settlements and compensation awards resulting from insured employment‑related claims. Without appropriate cover in place, businesses may be required to fund these costs themselves, which can be particularly challenging for small to medium‑sized businesses.

EPL policies are typically written on a claims‑made basis, meaning that claims must be reported/notified during the period of insurance. Policy wordings can vary between insurers and may include sub‑limits or requirements relating to HR policies, staff training, or disciplinary procedures. As such, it is essential that cover is carefully arranged and that your broker has a thorough understanding of your business and its employment practices.

Explore our areas of expertise

This list is not exhaustive, please contact us to discuss your business protection needs.

Business & Corporate Organisations

Limited Companies and Corporate Entities
Large Corporate Organisations
Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Start Ups and Growing Businesses

Charitable & Educational Institutions

Charities and Not for Profit Organisations
Educational Institutions​

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