{"id":2256,"date":"2022-01-28T11:59:46","date_gmt":"2022-01-28T06:29:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/?p=2256"},"modified":"2022-02-19T11:17:24","modified_gmt":"2022-02-19T05:47:24","slug":"difference-between-d-o-and-professional-indemnity-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/difference-between-d-o-and-professional-indemnity-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"Difference Between D&#038;O Insurance and Professional Indemnity Insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Do you have the responsibility to recommend corporate insurance policies to your company? When you need to tell your bosses about the insurance policies to buy, you need to know the basic features of the policies. It helps in making a good decision.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_66_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a00259f5142f\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a00259f5142f\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/difference-between-d-o-and-professional-indemnity-insurance\/#Two_main_categories_of_corporate_insurance\" title=\"Two main categories of corporate insurance\">Two main categories of corporate insurance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/difference-between-d-o-and-professional-indemnity-insurance\/#The_major_difference\" title=\"The major difference\">The major difference<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/difference-between-d-o-and-professional-indemnity-insurance\/#Understanding_the_scenarios_where_both_the_policies_are_applicable\" title=\"Understanding the scenarios where both the policies are&nbsp; applicable\">Understanding the scenarios where both the policies are&nbsp; applicable<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/difference-between-d-o-and-professional-indemnity-insurance\/#Knowing_the_factors_that_impact_the_insurance\" title=\"Knowing the factors that impact the insurance\">Knowing the factors that impact the insurance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/difference-between-d-o-and-professional-indemnity-insurance\/#Simple_examples_of_how_the_insurance_policies_work\" title=\"Simple examples of how the insurance policies work\">Simple examples of how the insurance policies work<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/difference-between-d-o-and-professional-indemnity-insurance\/#Helping_in_corporate_risk_management\" title=\"Helping in corporate risk management\">Helping in corporate risk management<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/difference-between-d-o-and-professional-indemnity-insurance\/#It_is_wise_to_consider_suggestions_of_an_expert\" title=\"It is wise to consider suggestions of an expert\">It is wise to consider suggestions of an expert<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/difference-between-d-o-and-professional-indemnity-insurance\/#Know_about_the_coverage\" title=\"Know about the coverage\">Know about the coverage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/difference-between-d-o-and-professional-indemnity-insurance\/#Clearly_know_about_the_insurance_policy_your_business_needs\" title=\"Clearly know about the insurance policy your business needs\">Clearly know about the insurance policy your business needs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/difference-between-d-o-and-professional-indemnity-insurance\/#Remain_clear_about_the_insurance_amount_your_business_needs\" title=\"Remain clear about the insurance amount your business needs\">Remain clear about the insurance amount your business needs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/difference-between-d-o-and-professional-indemnity-insurance\/#Know_the_basic_terms_related_to_the_insurance_policy\" title=\"Know the basic terms related to the insurance policy\">Know the basic terms related to the insurance policy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/difference-between-d-o-and-professional-indemnity-insurance\/#Thoroughly_reading_the_policy_document_is_important\" title=\"Thoroughly reading the policy document is important\">Thoroughly reading the policy document is important<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/difference-between-d-o-and-professional-indemnity-insurance\/#Buy_corporate_insurance_from_a_renowned_broker\" title=\"Buy corporate insurance from a renowned broker\">Buy corporate insurance from a renowned broker<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"two-main-categories-of-corporate-insurance\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Two_main_categories_of_corporate_insurance\"><\/span><strong>Two main categories of corporate insurance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are broadly two major types of corporate insurance policies. The first one is the D&amp;O policy. The second category is the professional indemnity (PI) insurance policy. It is important to know the differences between the D&amp;O and PI insurance policies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-major-difference\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_major_difference\"><\/span><strong>The major difference<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The major difference lies in the core functionality of the policy. The D&amp;O policy covers the legal costs on behalf of the directors\/officers of the company, when they face corporate lawsuits. On the other hand, the PI insurance policy covers the financial loss caused by the company to the clients due to supposedly wrong consultation or poor service delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>D&amp;O liability insurance provides for financial protection in the event of a claim alleging a wrongful act in a managerial or supervisory role of the director, or an officer in the organisation. D&amp;O liability insurance policy has the following three critical coverages called as \u201cInsuring agreements\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Protection for directors and officers when the company cannot indemnify for the losses suffered by the director\/officer<\/li><li>Reimbursement of the expenses the insured (company that purchased the policy) when they decide to pay for the losses suffered by its directors and officers<\/li><li>Covers the insured (company that purchased the insurance) when they face a suit along with its directors and officers<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The policy provides coverage caused by \u201cWrongful Acts\u201d which is defined as below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>any actual or alleged misrepresentation, misstatement, misleading statement, error, omis- sion, defamation, negligence, breach of warranty of authority or breach of duty<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The definition of \u201cWrongful Act\u201d and \u201cInsuring agreements\u201d will be the primary difference between the D&amp;O liability insurance and a PI insurance&nbsp; policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Professional Indemnity insurance protects businesses providing professional services to their clients against any legal liability. Similarly to D&amp;O,&nbsp; the definition of \u201cWrongful Act\u201d needs to be understood to discover what claims would trigger coverage under this insurance policy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This policy covers any act, error, omission, neglect, or breach of duty committed in the rendering of your professional services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like the case of the D&amp;O policy, the PI&nbsp; policy does cover decisions, mistakes and advice, but only those decisions, errors, mistakes or advice that were given to clients to whom the company is rendering a professional service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"understanding-the-scenarios-where-both-the-policies-are-applicable\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_the_scenarios_where_both_the_policies_are_applicable\"><\/span><strong>Understanding the scenarios where both the policies are&nbsp; applicable<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is crucial to be aware of the specific scenarios where D&amp;O policy is applicable. You need to ask the insurer relevant questions about various aspects of the policy to get clearer ideas about it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You also need to know the scenarios when the PI policy is applicable. Take some time to place your queries to the insurer to know more details about the insurance policy. The information you gather will help in making the correct decision of buying a suitable policy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"knowing-the-factors-that-impact-the-insurance\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Knowing_the_factors_that_impact_the_insurance\"><\/span><strong>Knowing the factors that impact the insurance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are some factors that you need to consider while differentiating between the scopes of these two broad categories of insurance policies. Such factors essentially affect the particular insurance, from a practical point of view.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The type of business that seeks insurance is among the major factors. Also, the risk factor associated with the business is another incredibly important factor that one should never overlook. Yet another crucial factor is the location of the business. The age of the company or business is also an important factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The list of such factors is long and a person responsible to recommend the policy should have the basic knowledge to know the factors. The size of the business plays a major role that determines the impact of the insurance policy. The company\u2019s credit score is a huge factor, too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another extremely crucial factor in this context is the claims history of the business. It also impacts the applicability of the corporate insurance. It is the duty of the concerned person or entity to thoroughly know the various dimensions of these factors. Talking to the experts in the insurance sector can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"simple-examples-of-how-the-insurance-policies-work\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Simple_examples_of_how_the_insurance_policies_work\"><\/span><strong>Simple examples of how the insurance policies work<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Simple examples can clearly explain the overall applicability of the D&amp;O insurance and PI insurance policies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a shareholder thinks that the management of the company is inefficient and causing harm to business growth, he can file a lawsuit against the directors\/officers. In this case, the D&amp;O insurance policy covers the legal expenses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, suppose a client thinks that due to late delivery of an order he has incurred a loss. He files a lawsuit against the company. In such situations, the PI policy covers the legal costs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"helping-in-corporate-risk-management\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Helping_in_corporate_risk_management\"><\/span><strong>Helping in corporate risk management<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both types of insurance policies address the issues of corporate risk management, but in their distinct ways. The dynamics through which the policies try to integrate strategies of corporate risk management within the framework of the business are different, in terms of functional features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"it-is-wise-to-consider-suggestions-of-an-expert\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"It_is_wise_to_consider_suggestions_of_an_expert\"><\/span><strong>It is wise to consider suggestions of an expert<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you have a priority to buy a corporate insurance policy that is either D&amp;O or PI, it is better to get some opinions from an industry expert. You get clean, smart ideas to purchase or recommend an appropriate insurance policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"know-about-the-coverage\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Know_about_the_coverage\"><\/span><strong>Know about the coverage<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You should be aware of the policy coverage before you buy it. The document has the details. Still, you need to ask the insurer about the amount. Do not remain in confusion when your company is about to spend money on the policy, paying premium amounts periodically.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"clearly-know-about-the-insurance-policy-your-business-needs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Clearly_know_about_the_insurance_policy_your_business_needs\"><\/span><strong>Clearly know about the insurance policy your business needs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is extremely essential to be aware of the specific requirements of your company. Does it need a D&amp;O policy or PI policy or both? There should be brainstorming sessions to reach a conclusion. Also, talk to the insurer from whom you have planned to buy the policy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"remain-clear-about-the-insurance-amount-your-business-needs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Remain_clear_about_the_insurance_amount_your_business_needs\"><\/span><strong>Remain clear about the insurance amount your business needs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having clear ideas about the insurance policy your business needs is not enough. You also need to have clear ideas about the insurance amount that your company needs to remain stable in the long run.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"know-the-basic-terms-related-to-the-insurance-policy\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Know_the_basic_terms_related_to_the_insurance_policy\"><\/span><strong>Know the basic terms related to the insurance policy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is intelligent to know the basic terms associated to the insurance policy. When you are aware of the meanings of the terms, it becomes easier for you to understand the various dimensions related to the applicability of the insurance policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"thoroughly-reading-the-policy-document-is-important\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thoroughly_reading_the_policy_document_is_important\"><\/span><strong>Thoroughly reading the policy document is important<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every insurance policy has a detailed policy document. It should be a priority to thoroughly read each section of the policy document, before deciding to buy the policy. Do not overlook any clause or sub-clause of the policy. The rich information that you gather from the policy document helps you to understand the potential of its applicability. It also becomes more convenient to recommend it to your company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"buy-corporate-insurance-from-a-renowned-broker\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Buy_corporate_insurance_from_a_renowned_broker\"><\/span><strong>Buy corporate insurance from a renowned broker<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>PlanCover is an expert insurance broker delivering insurance solutions to Indian businesses. You can get in touch with the service provider to know more about corporate insurance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you have the responsibility to recommend corporate insurance policies to your company? When you need to tell your bosses about the insurance policies to buy, you need to know&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2256"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2256"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2256\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2378,"href":"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2256\/revisions\/2378"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2256"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2256"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.plancover.com\/insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2256"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}