When your business provides advice, makes recommendations, or delivers professional services, even a small mistake can have serious financial consequences. At Hausmann Group, we help Wisconsin professionals and businesses explore Errors and Omissions Insurance (E&O Insurance) options that can offer support if allegations of negligence arise.

What Is Errors and Omissions Insurance?

Errors and Omissions Insurance, sometimes called E&O Insurance, is a type of professional liability insurance designed to help cover claims related to mistakes or omissions in the services your business provides. This could include things like missed deadlines, inaccurate advice, or miscommunications that result in financial loss for your client.

Whether you’re in consulting, marketing, finance, real estate, or another service-based industry, E&O Insurance may be worth considering as part of your overall risk management strategy.

Why Might Wisconsin Businesses Need E&O Insurance?

In a state like Wisconsin, where small and mid-sized businesses form the backbone of the local economy, professional service providers face a wide range of client expectations. If a client believes a service you delivered led to a financial loss—whether due to an actual mistake or simply a misunderstanding—they may pursue legal action.

Even if your business has done nothing wrong, defending against a lawsuit can be time-consuming and expensive. E&O Insurance can help protect your company from the costs of legal defense, settlements, or judgments, depending on the circumstances of the claim and the details of the policy.

Who Should Consider E&O Insurance in Wisconsin?

Any Wisconsin business or professional who offers services, advice, or guidance could benefit from learning more about E&O Insurance. Some examples include:

• Consultants and freelancers
• Marketing and advertising professionals
• Financial advisors and accountants
• IT service providers and software developers
• Real estate agents and brokers
• Engineers and architects

Even if you have general liability insurance, it likely won’t cover claims of professional negligence. E&O Insurance focuses specifically on the risks related to your professional expertise.

What Can E&O Insurance Potentially Help Cover?

While coverage varies by policy, E&O Insurance may help with:

• Legal defense costs, even if the claim is unfounded
• Settlements or court judgments
• Claims involving professional errors, omissions, or oversights
• Allegations of breach of contract or failure to deliver promised services
• Claims of misrepresentation or inaccurate advice

It’s important to review your policy with an experienced insurance advisor to understand what is and isn’t included. The right coverage can be tailored to fit the specific risks of your industry and your role within it.

How Does E&O Insurance Differ from General Liability?

General Liability Insurance typically addresses claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury (like libel or slander). Errors and Omissions Insurance, on the other hand, focuses on financial harm caused by mistakes in the professional services you provide.

For example, if you’re a consultant and a client alleges your advice caused them to lose revenue, E&O Insurance might apply. General Liability likely wouldn’t, because there’s no physical injury or property damage involved.

What Should Wisconsin Businesses Look for in an E&O Policy?

Every Wisconsin business is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to professional liability coverage. Here are a few considerations when reviewing your options:

• Claims-made vs. occurrence policies – Claims-made policies generally require that both the incident and the claim happen while the policy is active.
• Retroactive date – This sets how far back your coverage applies. Older retroactive dates typically offer broader protection.
• Industry-specific coverages – Some E&O policies are designed with specific professions in mind, offering language and protections tailored to common risks.
• Limits and deductibles – Choose limits and deductibles that reflect the size of your business, the value of your contracts, and the potential cost of claims.

At Hausmann Group, we can help walk you through these details to ensure you’re making informed decisions based on your unique operations.

How Can Hausmann Group Help with E&O Insurance in Wisconsin?

Located right here in Wisconsin, Hausmann Group has decades of experience helping local businesses navigate the complex world of commercial insurance. We understand the industries that thrive in our state and the challenges that come with offering professional services.

When you work with us, you can expect:

• Personalized service and thoughtful risk assessments
• Access to top insurance carriers with a variety of E&O policy options
• Guidance tailored to Wisconsin’s legal and business environment
• A partner who is focused on helping you make confident, informed choices

Our team takes the time to understand your business’s risks and goals, so we can recommend coverage options that align with your needs—not just the industry standard.

How Do You Get Started with E&O Insurance in Wisconsin?

If you’re curious about whether E&O Insurance is right for your Wisconsin business, we invite you to reach out to our team. The process typically starts with a simple consultation, where we’ll discuss:

• The nature of your business and services
• Your client contracts and typical project scope
• Any past claims or industry concerns
• What you’re hoping to protect

From there, we’ll help you evaluate policy options, explain your choices, and answer any questions that come up along the way.

Protecting your reputation and business relationships starts with being prepared. If you offer professional services in Wisconsin, Errors and Omissions Insurance may be a smart step forward. Contact Hausmann Group today to learn more about how E&O coverage can support your long-term success and give you peace of mind.