Notary Errors and Omissions Insurance

As a notary, you have a very important job. You are responsible for certifying legal documents, witnessing signatures, and verifying identities. However, as careful as you may be, mistakes can still happen. That’s where notary errors and omissions (E&O) insurance comes in.

What is Notary Errors and Omissions Insurance?

Notary errors and omissions insurance is a type of insurance that protects notaries from legal claims that may arise from mistakes or errors they make while performing their duties. It is also referred to as professional liability insurance or E&O insurance.

Notary E&O insurance will cover the costs of legal defense and settlement payments if a claim is filed against you for an error or omission made while performing your duties as a notary. This type of insurance is essential for notaries who want to protect themselves and their businesses.

What Does Notary E&O Insurance Cover?

Notary E&O insurance provides coverage for a wide range of claims. Some of the most common claims covered by this type of policy include:

Claim Type
Description
Forged Signatures
If a signature is forged on a document and you notarize it, you may be held responsible for the damages that result.
Improper ID
If you fail to properly verify the identity of a signer, you may be held responsible for any damages that result.
Incorrect Dates
If you notarize a document with the wrong date, you may be held responsible for any damages that result.
Missed Signatures
If you miss a signature on a document and notarize it, you may be held responsible for any damages that result.

How Does Notary E&O Insurance Work?

If a claim is filed against you, your notary E&O insurance policy will cover the costs of legal defense and any settlement payments up to the limits of your policy. It is important to note that notary E&O insurance will not cover intentional acts of fraud or illegal activities.

When you purchase a notary E&O insurance policy, you will be required to pay a premium based on the coverage limits and deductible you choose.

Why Do You Need Notary E&O Insurance?

There are several reasons why notaries need E&O insurance:

Protection Against Legal Claims

If a claim is filed against you, notary E&O insurance can protect you and your business from financial damages. Without this type of insurance, you may be held personally liable for any damages that result from a mistake or error.

Professionalism

Having notary E&O insurance shows your clients that you are a professional and take your job seriously. It can also help you attract new clients who are looking for a notary with professional liability insurance.

Peace of Mind

Knowing that you are protected against legal claims can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on your job as a notary.

How to Choose a Notary E&O Insurance Provider?

When choosing a notary E&O insurance provider, you should consider the following factors:

Policy Limits

Make sure the policy limits are high enough to cover any potential claims. You should also consider your business’s specific needs when choosing policy limits.

Deductible

Consider the deductible when choosing an E&O insurance policy. A higher deductible will lower your premium, but it will also mean that you will have to pay more out of pocket if a claim is filed against you.

Coverage

Make sure the policy covers the types of claims that are most likely to affect your business. You may also want to consider additional coverage, such as cyber liability insurance, to protect your business against cyber threats.

Experience

Choose an insurance provider with experience in providing E&O insurance to notaries. Make sure they have a good reputation and a strong financial rating.

Price

Compare prices from different insurance providers to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

FAQ

What happens if a claim is filed against me?

If a claim is filed against you, your notary E&O insurance policy will cover the costs of legal defense and any settlement payments up to the limits of your policy.

What types of claims are covered by notary E&O insurance?

Notary E&O insurance covers a wide range of claims, including forged signatures, improper ID verification, incorrect dates, and missed signatures.

Do I need notary E&O insurance?

Notary E&O insurance is not required by law, but it is highly recommended. It can protect you and your business from financial damages resulting from mistakes or errors made while performing your duties as a notary.

How much does notary E&O insurance cost?

The cost of notary E&O insurance depends on several factors, including policy limits, deductible, coverage, and the insurance provider you choose. You can expect to pay a few hundred dollars per year for this type of insurance.

Is notary E&O insurance tax-deductible?

Yes, notary E&O insurance is tax-deductible as a business expense.