Professional Liability Insurance for Calgary Social Workers & Social Service Professionals
Calgary social workers are exposed to professional risks from client interactions, counseling, and case management. Professional liability (E&O) insurance helps protect against claims tied to your professional judgment and guidance.
Errors and omissions insurance for social service professionals in Calgary
As a social services professional, your work is incredibly important to Calgarians. Your work provides critical advice and support to people from all walks of life who are dealing with complex issues or situation. Unfortunately, this can put you at risk of being sued.
This is where EasyCover’s professionally liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions or E&O, will step in to help cover your legal defense costs if a client sues for claims of negligence that caused financial damages.
Interested in purchasing your professional liability online in minutes?
Acera Insurance offers EasyCover where you can get a quote, bind your policy and pay online in only a few short minutes. Get comprehensive coverage and affordable rates quickly and easily.
Here are some of the benefits of EasyCover:
- Get free online quotes 24/7
- No long, confusing applications to fill out
- Purchase and manage your policy online
- Support by phone, email or chat
- Option to bundle with other coverages
What does social services professional liability insurance cover?
In your work helping others, even the best intentions can lead to unexpected claims. Professional liability insurance protects Calgary social service providers if a client alleges financial loss due to your advice or services.
For instance, a client could demand reimbursement if they believe your counselling wasn’t effective, or they might sue for lost benefits if a report wasn’t filed on time. Even unfounded claims require you to defend yourself and legal fees, settlements and judgments can quickly add up.
With professional liability insurance, you won’t be left paying these expenses out of pocket. Instead, you’ll have support for costs like hiring a lawyer or court-awarded damages, giving you peace of mind to focus on your clients.
How much professional liability coverage does a social services professional in Calgary need?
At EasyCover we offer three levels of protection for Calgary-based social services professionals:
- $1 million
- $2 million
- $5 million
It’s important to note that this is the maximum amount that will be paid by your professional liability insurance over your 12-month policy term, regardless of the number of claims. You should choose the amount based on your contractual requirements, the likelihood of a lawsuit and the expected cost of a lawsuit. This protection does not cover bodily injury, property damage or criminal acts.
Legal costs for defending yourself can climb quickly which is why our EasyCover advisors recommend carrying a minimum of $2 million in professional liability insurance.
EasyCover by Acera Insurance can help you protect yourself financially. We make it easy to get covered. Get a quote today.
E&O insurance for social services professionals in Calgary
EasyCover offers professional liability insurance to social service providers who specialize in the following:
- Adult and senior care
- Child and family wellbeing
- Drugs and alcohol addiction
- Mental health
- Occupational therapy
- Probation
- Youth offenders
We know that the social services field covers many unique roles and areas of expertise. If you don’t see your specialty listed above, contact an EasyCover advisor to help you get a quote.
Calgary social services E&O claims examples
Breach of confidentiality
In your work as a correctional facility caseworker, you accidentally share sensitive client information with the wrong party. The client files a lawsuit against you for damages, citing emotional distress and harm caused by the breach of privacy.
Missed filing deadline
You are a social worker who forgets to submit a critical benefits application. The client is denied financial support and sues you to recover the lost income they would have received.
Counselling outcome dispute
A client alleges that your counselling sessions were ineffective and sues for reimbursement of the service fees they paid, claiming you failed to deliver the expected professional standard of care.
What factors influence social services professional liability insurance rates?
Insurance premiums for social service professionals aren’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors come into play, such as:
- The type of work you do
Your specific field or practice area can influence your rates. - Your business size and revenue
The number of staff you employ and your yearly earnings both affect the cost. For example, EasyCover policies are available to Calgary social service providers earning up to $2 million annually, with coverage extending to a maximum of two employees. - Your coverage limits
Choosing the right protection level is crucial. Remember, your limit is the maximum amount your policy will cover for all approved claims in a given year.
With these factors in mind, Calgary professionals can select coverage that best aligns with their practice and budget.
How much does E&O insurance for Calgary social services professionals cost?
Here are a few examples of what social service professionals in Calgary could expect to pay for E&O insurance:
- A mental health counsellor who makes $92,000 a year may pay $660 per year for a $2 million professional liability insurance policy.
- A care manager in Calgary that makes $130,000 a year with one employee would pay approximately $858 for $2 million of professional liability insurance annually. They could also add a commercial general liability policy for $275 to bring their annual insurance costs up to $1133.
- A senior occupational therapist who makes $125,000 a year may pay $858 annually for a basic $2 million professional liability insurance policy. There is also the option to add a commercial general liability policy for $220 and cyber liability policy for $150.
Risk management strategies for Calgary social services professionals
The best way for a social services professional to avoid a claim is to implement risk management strategies that include:
Set Professional Boundaries
Establishing clear professional boundaries and policies with clients, volunteers and staff. Having written policies on confidentiality, conflict of interest and conduct help to reduce misunderstandings and protect your clients, staff and you.
Prioritize Workplace Safety
Prioritizing workplace safety by establishing safety protocols for staff and clients. This includes emergency procedures, risk assessments for off-site visits and ensuring meeting and office spaces are accessible and hazard-free.
Enhance Cyber Security
Implementing cyber security safeguards to manage sensitive personal data. Use secure systems, multi-factor authentication, encryptions and regular backups to protect against breaches.
Maintain Detailed Records
Maintaining detailed documentation with thorough case notes, consent forms and client communications. This supports continuity of care and helps defend against liability claims.
Additional liability coverage options for social services professionals in Calgary
EasyCover also has three optional coverages to add alongside your professional liability insurance.
Commercial General Liability Insurance (CGL)
For social service providers in Calgary, CGL insurance offers vital protection. It responds to claims if a client, volunteer or visitor is injured or suffers property damage while interacting with your services. For example, if a client slips and falls during an in-person session at your office, or if you accidentally damage a community centre’s property while running a program, you could face expensive liability claims. EasyCover’s CGL policies begin at $1 million of coverage, with higher limits available for added security.
Cyber Liability Insurance
Social service professionals often store sensitive client data such as case notes, reports and personal information electronically. If that information is exposed due to a cyberattack, phishing scam or system breach, the costs can be substantial. Cyber liability insurance helps cover expenses that include investigating the breach, restoring digital files, notifying and compensating affected clients and addressing legal or regulatory fallout.
Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability Insurance
Board membership in the social services sector carries personal risk. Directors and officers may be held liable if they’re accused of mismanagement, negligence or acting against the organization’s best interests. D&O insurance helps protect leadership by covering legal defence costs from claims brought by regulators, employees, donors or clients. However, losses tied to criminal acts or fines cannot be insured.
Why social services professionals in Calgary trust EasyCover for their E&O coverage
Calgary social service consultants trust EasyCover to secure their professional liability insurance because we offer:
- Robust coverage.
- Competitive prices.
- Quick and convenient quotes.
- Secure online policy purchasing.
We’re one of the few digital options in Canada – you don’t need to speak to a broker to get insured! EasyCover by Acera Insurance provides the professional liability insurance that social workers in Calgary need. Plus, we make it easy.
Ready to get your free social services professional liability insurance quote?
Simple answer a few questions to immediately receive a quote, bind your policy and pay online in only a few short minutes.