Employment Practices Liability Coverage (EPL)
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPL or EPLI), first written as a standalone product in the late 1980’s, provides insurance coverage for the alleged mistreatment of a firm’s employees, including: wrongful terminations, harassment, discrimination, defamation, and unfair or illegal hiring practices.
Legal expense (attorney’s fees) coverage, in addition to payment for the actual damages paid at settlement/mediation or in court, is included in most EPL policies; though actual policy language and conveyed coverage will vary by greatly by the insurance provider, since insurance carriers have not adopted universal coverage forms.
Though just a fraction of small firms purchase the coverage, nearly all larger entities address the risk of employment-related lawsuits with some form of insurance. Even employers who treat employees generously and maintain organized and deliberate hiring and disciplinary procedures can face lawsuits from current or former employees. Compensable damages can vary widely, with the cost of legal defense severe, even when the employer’s wrongdoing is later disproved.
Minimum Annual Premiums are typically $1,000, with deductibles (retentions) ranging from $500 to $10,000. In recent years, additional carriers, along with stronger coverage enhancements, make purchasing coverage affordable event for firms with fewer than 25 employees.
Additional Hill & Usher resources on EPL Coverage:
- Why Should Companies Purchase Employment Practices Liability?
- Common Sources of Employment Practices Liability Claims
- Sample Employment Practices Liability Claims & Scenarios
- Significant Employment Statutes
- Common Employment Practices Liability Exclusions
Disclaimer: The information presented on this website is for illustrative purposes only. Hill & Usher does not intend to provide legal advice. Every claim is unique and available coverage is determined by all terms, conditions, declarations, exclusions, and endorsements specific to each Insured’s policy.