Most businesses carry many different kinds of insurance – fire, flood, general liability, perhaps vehicle if they have trucks or cars in the field. However, as Chamber Member Oak Tree Insurance reminds us, your business may still be vulnerable to “Employment Practices” lawsuits. This area is often a “gap” in your business insurance coverage.

No business should be discriminating against employees, customers, clients, vendors or suppliers but the day may come when a member of one of these important groups files a claim or lawsuit against your business. Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) is an important tool to ensure you are prepared, even if it seems unlikely you will be sued. This policy can protect against a wide range of potentially existential judgments that your business practices discriminated against someone based on their race, religion, sex, age, or pregnancy, among others. It can also cover you for claims of sexual harassment including for unwanted sexual advances and other actions that may create a hostile work environment.

Please remember that this coverage can provide value for all kinds of businesses, even those which do not have daily contact with customers.