Computer Consulting

Probable Risks

Computer consultants usually work closely with clients and are likely to be privy to information related to critical functions within the client’s organization. Hence, a mistake or oversight may adversely and significantly impact the client’s business operations.

A computer consultant may face any or all of the following risks in their profession:

• Client claims arising from the consultant’s mistakes, oversight, errors, negligence, and omission, which have resulted in financial loss for the client
• Injuries to the client and the public while on the premises
• Damage to owned building and assets, including computers, computer parts, tools, office equipment, and furniture
• Damage to or loss of a client’s computer in your custody
• Workplace accidents and injuries
• Violation of NDA terms and obligations causing damage to the client

In such cases, they will need suitable insurance to help mitigate those risks and protect their business from insurable damage and loss.

Recommended Policies

Computer/IT consultants can protect themselves against potential business risks by selecting a combination of appropriate policies. They must consider the various policies below to protect themselves from general business risks and those specific to the computer consultation business.

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP):

BOP is an insurance package meant for small businesses.

Several types of insurance like Property, Business Income, and General Liability can be bundled into one package to create an affordable BOP for computer consultants. An independent agent can help you find the right combination of policies for adequate protection against financial stress caused by property and liability losses.

Commercial Property Insurance:

This type of insurance protects buildings and other business-owned assets, including computers, computer components, tools, and furniture, fixtures, inventory, and office equipment.

Business Interruption Coverage:

If the business has to suspend its services due to building damage and must continue to pay fixed operating expenses, business interruption insurance can step in to compensate for the reduction in revenue. This insurance can only be claimed for damage that has occurred to the building due to a covered property insurance peril.

General Liability Insurance:

This policy covers third-party claims arising from bodily injury or property damage liability caused by business operations.

Product liability, a part of the general liability policy, covers claims arising from products with design or manufacturing defects or failure to provide the required warning, training, or instructions regarding its proper usage, which have resulted in bodily injury or damaged property.

Other costs that general liability insurance covers are:

• Cost of bail bonds up to policy limit
• Medical payments
• Legal defense expenses
• Personal and Advertising Injury liability

Suppose the client faces physical injury, or their property is damaged due to a faulty product. The injured client can name the computer consultant in a lawsuit, even if the latter is not the manufacturer of the defective product or part.

General liability insurance can cover the consultant’s legal liability for such losses or injuries caused by the product or parts used in their work.

Professional Liability Insurance:

This coverage helps protect against claims alleging oversight, mistakes, errors, omissions, and negligence by computer consultants or technicians while delivering their professional services. A client who is negatively affected financially due to the above reasons may sue for damages.

Commercial Umbrella Insurance:

This policy provides excess limits over and above the primary limits of general liability, auto liability, and employer’s liability coverage. When insured damages exceed primary limits – usually a $1,000,000 limit – an umbrella or excess policy will pay up to its policy limit once underlying limits are exhausted.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance:

This insurance is typically mandatory for any business with a certain number of employees, depending on the state. It compensates employees for a percentage of lost wages and medical expenses incurred if they have suffered workplace injuries. Other services an injured employee may need are also reimbursable, such as home nursing visits or replacement services.

Other Computer Consultant Insurance Coverage to Consider

Some other types of computer consultant insurance policies to consider include the following:

Cyber Liability Insurance:

This policy covers third-party liability claims in the event of data loss, cyber hacks, and breaches of the client’s private information.

Property in Transit:

A type of Inland Marine Insurance, transit coverage protects computers, equipment, and tools while they are in transit to or from a client’s location. It also covers theft and damage occurring from auto accidents during transportation.

Business Auto Exposure:

This policy covers bodily injury and property damage liability to third parties if business owned vehicles are involved in an at-fault accident. Auto coverage requirements are statutory and many personal auto policies exclude coverage for business use. You can cover your vehicles by purchasing comprehensive and collision coverage on them. Some states require No-Fault or Personal Injury Protection and Uninsured Motorists Coverage which are also provided here.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance:

This coverage offers protection from legal action by a current or former employee, including alleged accusations of:

Comprehensive Costs

The cost of an insurance program for a computer consulting business depends on several factors, including:

The selection of relevant policies and the above factors will decide the total cost of computer consultant insurance.

Benefits of Engaging an Insurance Advisor

Independent insurance advisors can help you find the right insurance policy for your computer consulting practice. In addition, they will provide support during the claim process. Insurance Advisor has a nationwide team of licensed insurance agents specializing in insurance for businesses.

Insurance Advisor is your source for all your commercial insurance needs, including computer consultant insurance. They combine the relationship of a traditional agent with the flexibility and convenience of online service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Computer Consulting Insurance