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Insurance for Process Servers

If you are a process server looking for the right insurance policy, you may not be certain what to look for in a provider or policy. Understanding a policy as well as the terminology can be complicated, especially as you also try to understand what is best for your business. The following information can further explain the nuances of insurance for process servers.

The below videos examine the basics of insurance, like professional and general liability, why you need insurance, and what to look for in a provider, while also explaining timers like endorsements, exclusions, erros and ommissions, and occurrence forms. Additional videos will help you assess what major risks your firm has and needs coverage for, important coverage to consider, like on- and off-site general liability and commercial auto policies, and examples of the type of lawsuits a process server may face.


Getting started with insurance

For more information on the specifics of insurance for process servers, further explanation of terms, and information directly related to your profession, watch the following videos.

 

Why process servers need insurance?

All companies need to have insurance. This video covers:

  • Lawsuits and getting sued
  • Example of a lawsuit
  • How a $500 policy saved $30,000
  • An $800 policy can be worth it even if you get just 1 claim in a 10-12 year period 
 

Questions to ask a potential provider

You may want to ask a potential provider:

  • Have you ever worked with a process server?
  • What kind of professional E&O coverage do you offer?
  • What exclusions are involved in the policy?
  • Can you offer on- and off-premise general liability coverage? 
 

How to read an insurance policy

Insurance policies are complicated and can be difficult to understand. Components of an insurance policy include:

  • Declarations page
  • Table of contents
  • Exclusions and endorsements
  • Policy titles and forms

The basics of insurance for process servers

Watch the following videos for information on general and professional liability coverage, the differences between claims made and occurrence forms, and tips for assessing your individual risks.

 

General and professional liability

General liability covers bodily injury and property damage claims. Your general liability policy likely should cover both on- and off-premise.

Professional liability, also known as errors and ommisions, covers financial damages.

 

Claims made vs. occurence coverage

A claims made form has a short reporting period, usually 0 to 60 days.

An occurrence form allows you to report a claim even if you've given up the insurance policy. It allows an extended reporting period. 

 

Managing your risks as a process server

Consider the following when assessing your risk:

  • Do I need employer's liability insurance?
  • Do I need cyber liability insurance?
  • Do I have a policy that covers subcontractors?

Important coverage types

Learn more about why auto coverage is covers a process servers largest risks, the difference between an insurance policy and a bond and which one you should consider, and information on directors and officers coverage.

 

Auto insurance for process servers

Some notes on auto insurance:

  • Personal policies rarely cover commercial use
  • You may consider a business use endorsement
  • Auto may be the process server's greatest risk
  • Your auto policy needs to cover your subcontractors
  • Selecting a public official (i.e. police chief or fire chief)
 

A bond vs. an insurance policy

A bond provides third-party protection only and does nothing for the individual. In contrast, an insurance policy protects both the third-party and the individual.

Though bonds are sometimes required for process servers to fulfill licensing requirements, it is often recommended that the process server obtain an insurance policy only if a bond is not required.

 

Directors and officers insurance

Problems and limitations of an automated check:

  • Not all records are available online
  • The information may not be accurate or up-to-date
  • The validity of the record still needs to be verified
  • Does not include checking references, past employers, degrees, etc.

Note: It's always important to consult an insurance professional and legal counsel before making any decisions about your policy and coverage. Your selections for coverage and your policy should cover the unique needs of your firm. The above videos and tips are general and meant for information purposes only.