The Best D&O Insurance for 2024 (2024)

is a way for a company to protect its leaders from financial losses as a result of a lawsuit. More specifically, D&O insurance is meant to protect directors’ and officers’ from claims made against them while serving on the board of directors or as an officer of a private or not-for-profit company.

The best D&O insurance is easy to purchase, has comprehensive coverage, and comes from a reputable company. Customer service and cost also play a significant role in the purchasing process. Read on to see which companies we think are best.

The Best D&O Insurance for 2024

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Best D&O Insurance

Best D&O Insurance

  • Our Top Picks
  • Travelers
  • Founder Shield
  • CoverWallet
  • HUB International
  • American International Group (AIG)
  • The Hartford
  • See More (3)
  • Final Verdict

  • Compare Providers

  • FAQs

  • Methodology

Best Overall : Travelers

Why We Chose It

We chose Travelers as the best overall D&O insurance because of its long and strong history and its demonstrated leadership in the insurance industry.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Longevity in the industry

  • Strong financial strength rating

  • Offer a breadth of insurance coverage options

Travelers is an insurance company that has been around for more than 165 years. It employs more than 30,000 employees and 13,500 independent contractors in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Travelers has won numerous awards including several from Forbes for being one of America’s Most JUST Companies, to several more from Fortune's list of the World’s Most Admired Companies. Its longevity and leadership in the insurance industry are why we chose Travelers as our best overall choice for D&O insurance.

Travelers offer a wide variety of insurance products from individual home, car, and umbrella insurance to business insurance including cyber, general liability, and management and professional liability. Directors and officer insurance is one of the management and professional liability insurance policies offered by Travelers.

No matter what type of organization you work for, Travelers has you covered with D&O insurance for public, private, and nonprofit. Travelers can help to cover you and your company and also help you to understand how D&O insurance can protect you. To apply for a policy, you can search for an insurance agent in your area and contact them directly. Or, you can request a quote by filling out an online form and an agent will contact you to follow up. The cost of your policy will depend on the size, type, and risk level of your business so you will need to speak with an agent for more details.

With AM Best financial strength rating of A++, you can trust that you are in capable and reliable hands with Travelers.

Best for Startups : Founder Shield

Why We Chose It

Founder Shield was an easy choice for the best D&O insurance for startups because it is focused on protecting rapidly evolving and venture-backed startups.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • User-friendly website

  • Strong customer service

  • Can access all insurance information from online portal

Cons

  • Lacks the longevity and history of many other providers

  • No online quotes

Founder Shield was launched in 2012 and is headquartered in New York. It leverages technology to make the insurance application and purchasing process seamless and simple. Founder Shield wins our spot for the best D&O insurance for startups because it is focused on providing risk management solutions for rapidly evolving companies.

The cost of Founder Shield D&O insurance will vary greatly between companies based on a number of variables including the company's claim history, funding, industry, as well as revenue and financials. Founder Shield does provide some average premiums based on the size of a company.

A company with annual revenue ranging from $1 million to $10 million can expect premiums in the ballpark of $6,000 to $7,000 and a deductible of around $25,000. Companies with annual revenue of $10 million to $25 million can expect an average premium of $10,300 with a deductible of around $50,000, and companies with $100 million to $250 million in revenue can expect ballpark premiums of $52,800 with a deductible in the range of $125,000.

Founder Shield has made getting D&O insurance easy. All you have to do is sign up by providing details like your name and email, and then you can start the online application process. Once you submit your information you will then be paired with a specialist to provide additional details about your company.

Best for Nonprofit : CoverWallet

Why We Chose It

CoverWallet is our choice for the best D&O insurance provider for nonprofits because it recognizes the specific needs and risks faced by nonprofit organizations and has the insurance solutions necessary to protect these organizations.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Online quote

  • Breadth of business insurance

  • User-friendly interface

Cons

  • No physical branches

  • Lacks the longevity and history of some of the other companies

Launched in 2015, CoverWallet is a commercial insurance agency and brokerage headquartered in New York. In 2020, CoverWallet was acquired by Aon Company, a global professional services firm that provides risk, retirement, and health solutions.

CoverWallet wants to make it as simple and convenient as possible for you to get the insurance coverage you need for your company. They do this by allowing customers to buy and manage their insurance completely online. CoverWallet is our choice for the best D&O insurance for nonprofits because it understands the unique needs of nonprofit companies and has the D&O insurance solutions to help you mitigate your risks.

When it comes to the cost of CoverWallet insurance, the exact amount you pay will be based on the specifics of your company. However, CoverWallet suggests that coverage for a startup nonprofit corporation will start at $400 annually. For its Standard nonprofit coverage, which bundles general liability and D&O. You are able to pay your premium in full or in monthly installments and you can also manage your payments online.

You can get a D&O insurance quote in a matter of minutes, completely online. You will need to answer a series of questions about your business including the type of industry you are in, your annual revenue, and questions about your financials and assets. You will be given an annual quote and you can then follow up with an advisor by calling, chatting, or emailing.

Best for Small Businesses : HUB International

Why We Chose It

We chose Hub International as our choice for the best D&O insurance for small businesses because it doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all insurance. Instead, it works with clients to tailor its insurance programs and provide customized coverage.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Customized insurance options

  • Easy-to-use website

  • Offers breadth of business insurance coverage

Cons

  • Shorter history than many other insurance providers

  • No online quote

In 1998, eleven Canadian brokerages merged to form what is now Hub International Limited. Today, Hub International is a leading insurance broker headquartered in Chicago managing over $93 billion in assets.

Hub International is our choice for the best D&O insurance for small businesses because it provides customized insurance options to properly address the specific needs of your company. Hub International will work with you to determine your coverage priorities by asking specific questions, such as whether you want to insure all of your employees or just the board and executive team. In addition to D&O insurance, Hub International also offers other forms of professional liability insurance including Employment Practices Liability Insurance and Cyber Insurance.

Hub International’s D&O insurance offers its customer coverage features including personal asset protection, claims protection, and workplace and employment protection. To get a quote for D&O insurance, you need to fill out an online application with personal information including your job title, email, company name, number of employees, and type of industry, and select your method of contact, either by email or phone. A Hub International broker will then reach out to you to assist you with the process.

Best for International Companies : American International Group (AIG)

Why We Chose It

We chose AIG as the best D&O insurance for international companies because of its extensive international presence in 70 countries and jurisdictions around the world.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Longevity in the industry

  • Multinational

  • Wide selection of business insurance options

Cons

  • No online quote

  • Might not be best for small startups; prefers companies that are financially stable with experienced management teams

AIG was founded in 1919 in Shanghai, China. Today, AIG is a leading global insurance organization with a presence in approximately 70 countries and jurisdictions. The company has specifically been helping organizations to create protection for senior leaders with over 40 years of offering D&O insurance.

AIG is our choice for the best D&O insurance for international companies as it offers businesses multinational service with one of the largest global networks in the industry. It also provides expansive claims capabilities seeing over 25,000 claims per year and paying out $1.5 billion in claims annually. As of 2021, AIG was also the 3rd largest D&O insurance provider in the US based on market share.

AIG expresses a preference for companies that are financially stable with experienced management teams and does not prefer risky industry sectors such as high tech, life sciences, energy, and healthcare. It offers a number of different D&O insurance products including primary D&O liability, side-A D&O liability, and primary D&O endorsem*nt.

To sign up for D&O insurance with AIG, you need to submit an application form. AIG does not provide online quotes and you must speak with an AIG representative.

Best for Combined EPLI Policy : The Hartford

Why We Chose It

The Hartford is our choice for the best combined Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) policy because it makes buying insurance easy, and potentially more cost-effective, by bundling products such as D&O and EPLI insurance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Over 200 years in the industry

  • Strong financial strength

  • 24/7 customer service

Cons

  • Online quotes only available for certain products

  • No online quote for D&O insurance

The Hartford Financial Services Company got its start in 1810 as a fire insurance company. Today, The Hartford is a leading investment and insurance company headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut.

With The Hartford, you can choose to purchase D&O insurance as a separate policy or you can choose to bundle it with other types of coverage. The Hartford wins our selection for the best combined EPLI policy because it offers a bundled D&O and EPLI policy as a potential way for smaller companies to get more cost-effective insurance.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) is meant to cover employee-related claims including harassment, discrimination, or wrongful termination. A more comprehensive EPLI is also available which includes crime and fiduciary coverage.

For some types of insurance, you can get a quote in a matter of minutes by filling out an online application form. You will have to answer a number of questions about the size of your business including the number of employees and your annual revenue. You will also be asked about where your business is located and the type of work you do. After filling out the online application form, The Hartford will send you an email with a link to your quote. For other types of insurance (including D&O), you must speak with a Hartford representative to get a quote.

The Hartford states that the cost of D&O insurance varies greatly on factors including the type of business, company revenue, and prior legal claims. However, they reference a report from Advisen to suggest that “the average annual cost per million dollars of coverage paid by private companies with revenues up to $50 million falls in the $5,000 to $10,000 range.”

With over 200 years in the insurance industry and an AM Best financial strength rating of A+, you can feel confident in The Hartford.

Final Verdict

D&O insurance can be a wise choice for any type or size of company. When choosing D&O insurance, consider variables such as the terms and conditions of the D&O policy, the financial strength of the insurer, company history, and cost. Travelers Insurance is a solid option for D&O coverage with over 165 years of experience in the insurance industry, a strong financial strength rating, and a wide range of insurance products.

Compare the Best D&O Insurance

CompanyYear FoundedAM Best RatingCustomer Service OptionsOther Available Business Policies
Travelers
Best Overall
1853A++Phone, emailCommercial auto & trucking; cyber; general liability; property; small business owner’s policy; surety bonds; workers compensation
Founder Shield
Best for Startups
2012N/AEmail, chat, phoneCyber, E&O, crime, fiduciary, general liability, employment practices liability, product liability, property insurance, workers compensation, and more
CoverWallet
Best for Nonprofits
2015A (Aon Company)Phone, email, chatGeneral liability, workers compensation, business owners policy, commercial property, professional liability, umbrella, errors and omissions, employment practices liability insurance, fiduciary, cyber, island marine, product, special events, liquor liability, and more
HUB International
Best for Small Businesses
1998N/AEmail, phone, chatCommercial property, liability, workers’ compensation, EPL, commercial auto, cyber, aviation, marine, medical malpractice, surety bond, and more
AIG
Best for International Businesses
1919AEmailAccident and health, casualty, environmental, management liability, cyber, kidnap and ransom, political risk, mergers and acquisitions, property, warranty, and more
The Hartford
Best Combined EPLI Policy
1810A+Phone, emailBusiness owner’s property, general liability, commercial auto, commercial flood, umbrella, cyber, marine, multinational, risk engineering, surety and fidelity bonds, and more

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is D&O Insurance?

Directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance is a way for a company to protect its leaders from financial losses as a result of a lawsuit. More specifically, D&O insurance is meant to protect directors and officers, and their spouses, from claims made against them while serving on the board of directors or as an officer of a private or not-for-profit company.

A business leader may benefit from D&O insurance in the case that the company fails to adhere to certain regulations or laws or if there is a claim against the company with regard to employment practices.

What Is Covered Under D&O Insurance?

D&O liability insurance covers individuals for claims made against them while they are serving as a director or an officer. D&O liability insurance consists of three different coverages called “sides.”

  • Side A: Provides individual coverage to the companies directors and officers when the company can’t indemnify the individuals
  • Side B: Provides reimbursem*nt to the company for costs incurred while defending the individual director or officer in a lawsuit
  • Side C: Provides entity coverage to the company for claims made against it

Typically, any illegal or intentional wrongdoing will not be covered by D&O liability insurance.

When Does a Business Need D&O Insurance?

D&O insurance is not required, however, many businesses that have a corporate board or advisory committee may benefit from D&O insurance. It’s not just large public companies that can benefit. Even small businesses, not-for-profit, and start-ups can get D&O insurance.

How Much Does D&O Insurance Cost?

The cost of D&O insurance can vary greatly based on a number of factors including:

  • Age of company
  • Size of company
  • Number of employees
  • Amount of coverage required
  • Past claim history
  • Industry sector
  • Domestic and international activity
  • Revenue

According to ballpark estimates made by Founder Shield, a company with annual revenue ranging from $1 million to $10 million can expect premiums in the ballpark of $6,000 to $7,000 and a deductible of around $25,000. Companies with annual revenue of $10 million to $25 million can expect an average premium of $10,300 with a deductible of around $50,000, and companies with $100 million to $250 million in revenue can expect ballpark premiums of $52,800 with a deductible in the range of $125,000.

What Is the Difference Between D&O Insurance and E&O Insurance?

Both D&O and are types of professional liability insurance. However, D&O insurance is typically for leaders who are higher on the corporate ladder, protecting their personal assets from claims and lawsuits against them. Errors and omission insurance is available for employees at all levels of a company. It is often purchased by professional service providers or companies to protect them against client claims of negligence, misinformation, or inadequate work.

Does an LLC Need D&O Insurance?

A limited liability company (LLC) may not necessarily require D&O insurance and it is not mandatory for an LLC to have D&O insurance. However, it still might be something to consider. If you have a board of directors or officers, then your company might benefit from the protection offered by D&O insurance coverage. Similarly, if you are trying to recruit board members, you might want to consider D&O insurance. Without a D&O policy board members would be responsible for covering themselves should they encounter a legal issue while working on your behalf.

Methodology

We researched 12 companies offering D&O liability insurance and evaluated insurers based on variables such as company longevity and reputation, terms and conditions of insurance, the financial strength of the insurer, and customer reviews. When selecting insurers, we also considered the other types of business insurance offered. Finally, we also took into consideration the usability of the company website and how easy it is to get a quote.

The Best D&O Insurance for 2024 (7)

Article Sources

Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in oureditorial policy.

  1. Travelers. "About Travelers."

  2. AM Best. "AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of the Travelers Companies, Inc. and Its Main Subsidiaries."

  3. Founder Shielf. "About Us."

  4. Founder Shield. "D&O Insurance Frequently Asked Questions," Click on "How Much Does D&O Insurance Cost?"

  5. Insurance Journal. "Aon to Acquire CoverWallet, Small-Medium Business Digital Insurance Agency."

  6. CoverWallet. "Insurance for Founders: D&O Insurance Explained."

  7. HUB. "About Us."

  8. AIG. "Discover the History of AIG."

  9. AIG. "Directors & Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance."

  10. American International Group. "2021 Form 10-K," Page 333.

  11. S&P Global. "US D&O Insurance Industry Surpasses $4B Direct Written Premiums in Q3."

  12. The Hartford. "Our History."

  13. The Hartford. "Types and Costs of D&O Coverage."

  14. Advisen. "The Private Eye: Spotlight on the US Private D&O Market."

  15. AM Best. "AM Best Affirms the Credit Ratings of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries."

  16. Insurance Information Institute. "Directors and Officers Insurance."

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The Best D&O Insurance for 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What is the D&O outlook for 2024? ›

Premium volume is likely to decline further in 2024. Softening market conditions are anticipated to prevail for the third consecutive year in 2024, given segment results and heightened competition. Aon's D&O market survey indicates that D&O primary renewal rates dropped in the last seven consecutive quarters.

How much D&O insurance is enough? ›

Many lawyers argue the minimum for any public company regardless of size, should start at 5-10 Mill. Public companies also generally have more complex towers with multiple layers of coverage, including Excess Side A insurance.

How to choose a D&O limit? ›

But there is no doubt that limit choice has to be a function of size and, viewed in isolation, the very simple observation is that the bigger the risk, the bigger the limit requirement should be. Financial Profile: many risk characteristics of D&O liability risk are straightforward and debt is no different.

What is the outlook for D&O insurance? ›

Heading into 2024, industry experts anticipate that favorable market conditions will persist, allowing for decelerated premiums and widened capacity. However, industry research confirmed that more than three-quarters (79%) of D&O underwriters believe segment risks are still increasing.

What is the market report for 2024? ›

The market sees a greater than 80% chance of at least five rate cuts from current levels by the end of 2024. Investor optimism about the economic outlook has improved dramatically from a year ago, but there's still a risk that Fed policy tightening could tip the economy into a recession in 2024.

What is the average D&O limit? ›

D&O Insurance policies typically provide coverage of up to $1 million, as D&O claims today can reach values close to that. However, the premiums depend on several factors such as: Industry type (this can affect the kind of claims that the organization will likely receive)

What does D&O insurance not cover? ›

D&O policies include an exclusion for losses related to criminal or deliberately fraudulent activities. Additionally, if an individual insured receives illegal profits or remuneration to which they were not legally entitled, they will not be covered if a lawsuit is brought forward due to this.

How much does a D&O policy cost? ›

What is the average cost of D&O insurance? Small businesses pay an average premium of $138 per month, or $1,653 annually, for directors and officers insurance.

Do small private companies need D&O insurance? ›

“In fact privately held businesses—including start-ups, family-owned, and small-to-mid-sized companies—are just as vulnerable to the risks that D&O insurance mitigates, and can best protect themselves from the fallout of costly lawsuits by having good coverage in place.”

When should a company get D&O insurance? ›

Given the complexity and costs of these claims, any company or organization with a board of directors, has secured investments, or could be accused of financial mismanagement should strongly consider D&O insurance.

Do D&O policies have deductibles? ›

D&O policies are written with various deductible amounts.

Is D&O coverage the same as Fidelity? ›

The differentiation between D&O- and fidelity insurance is made with the requirement of intent (dolus directus) and gross negligence (in some conditions including conditional intent (Eventualvorsatz)).

Who pays for directors and officers insurance? ›

A company pays for this coverage so executives can serve confidently as leaders of their organization without fear of personal financial loss. In essence, D&O is a liability insurance policy, payable either to directors and officers of a company or the company itself.

Do all companies need D&O insurance? ›

Any business with a corporate board or advisory committee should consider investing in D&O insurance, including non-profit organizations. Your company does not have to post revenues in the tens of millions of dollars for your directors and officers to be personally sued over their management of company affairs.

What are the pros and cons of D&O insurance? ›

D&O insurance is a policy that can help protect an organization from financial damage caused by wrongful conduct or negligence. It can be helpful in general cases where the person may be sued for any reason. The main disadvantage of this type of policy is that it can be expensive, and not everyone needs it.

Is Outlook replacing Windows Mail in 2024? ›

Beginning in 2024, new Windows 11 devices will be shipped with the new Outlook for Windows as the default mailbox application free for all to use. The Mail and Calendar applications will continue to be available via download in the Microsoft Store through December 31, 2024.

What is the continuity date for directors and officers? ›

The dictionary definition of 'continuity' is; the state or quality of being continuous. Therefore, the continuity date, as it pertains to D&O insurance policies, is the date that continuous coverage — that is coverage without any gaps — has been maintained.

When can a D&O policy be Cancelled? ›

Many D&O policies allow the insurer to cancel its policy for any reason or no reason at all! This is not good – directors and officers do not want their D&O policy cancelled by an insurer that fears serious claims are coming (e.g., when an underwriter fears a bankruptcy filing may be in the company's future).

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