What is Employment Practices Liability (EPL)?

Employment Practices Liability (EPL) protects small businesses from people-related legal claims that can arise during hiring, managing, or separating employees. It complements General Liability Insurance by addressing employee and applicant allegations.

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Employment Practices Liability typically covers

Discrimination & harassment
- Age, gender, race, religion, disability
- Hostile work environment
- Sexual harassment
Third‑party claims
- Customer or vendor allegations
- Applicant claims
- People outside the organization
Defense & settlement
- Legal defense costs
- Settlements & judgments
- Reputation protection

Employment decisions
- Wrongful termination
- Failure to promote or wrongful demotion
- Unjust discipline
Retaliation
- Whistle‑blower complaints
- Protected leave
- Safety reports
Contracts & torts
- Breach of employment contract
- Implied contract
- Invasion of privacy, emotional distress

Why EPL matters for small businesses

Small businesses are often the most exposed and the least resourced.

Cost protection

One employment claim can cost thousands in legal fees. Even if the business did nothing wrong, EPLI helps absorb the shock.

Reputation protection

Lawsuits affect how customers and candidates see a brand. Coverage helps support continuity and trust.

Confidence to lead

Owners can make people decisions with more confidence knowing they’ve addressed a critical risk area.

Small business insurance without the hassle.

Spending time answering question after question about your business just to obtain the insurance you need is simply a waste of time. That’s why we’ve made this process both seamless and stress-free. Coterie offers EPLI coverage for small businesses that can be purchased on a monthly, or annual basis.

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Common questions about Employee Practices Liability

EPL coverage provides small business owners peace of mind when it comes to bringing on new employees and handling internal conflict that may arise.

Let’s break down some common questions about EPL coverage.

How does EPL work at Coterie?

The Coterie platform offers Employment Practices Liability as an endorsement on General Liability or Business Owners policies. Agents and brokers can add this coverage under the endorsement tab during a quote in Dashboard.

Why do small businesses need EPL?

Your small business clients don’t need a large HR department to face employment-related risks. Most small businesses lack formal policies or legal teams, leaving them vulnerable to employment practices liability exposures . EPL protects you:

Cover legal defense costs
Pay settlements or judgements awarded to claimants
Protect your business reputation and financial stability

Can I purchase Employee Practices Liability as a standalone product?

No, at this time Coterie offers EPL as an additional coverage endorsement for our BOP and GL policies only.

Are there any exclusions or terms and conditions for EPL?

Exclusions
– Prior known claims or circumstances
– Bodily injury or property damage
– Wage & hour violations (except retaliation)
– Antitrust violations (except retaliation)
– Privacy law violations (e.g., BIPA, GDPR)

Terms and Conditions
– Change of Control impacts coverage scope
– Named Insured acts as agent for all insureds
– Worldwide Coverage

How do I report an EPL claim or incident?

To report an Employment Practices Liability claim, please submit it to Coterie:

FNOL: https://claims.coterieinsurance.com/
– online FNOL portal, or, claims@coterieinsurance.com.
Claims: (855) 680-2440; https://coterieinsurance.com/claims/
Customer Experience: (855) 566-1011; https://coterieinsurance.com/support/

Once your claim is submitted, we’ll share the necessary information with Berkley for their review and recommendations. Berkley will evaluate the claim and provide feedback to Coterie. While we take their findings into strong consideration, Coterie remains responsible for the final claim decision.

What products can you add EPL endorsement to

You can add Employment Protection Liability Insurance to General Liability and Business Owners Policies.

Is EPL offered in every state?

EPL coverage is available on eligible classes of business in all states except: CA, MD, NY, and WY.

Why should agents sell EPL?

Coverage gaps can lead to E&O claims

What EPL coverage is offered?

Employment Practices Claims (e.g., discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination).

Third Party Liability Coverage:
Coverage for Third Party Claims against an Insured (e.g., harassment or discrimination by insureds against non-employees)

Definition of Employment Practices Wrongful Acts:
Broad definition includes whistleblower activity, hostile work environment, invasion of privacy, and wrongful acts that occur via social media and the internet

Broad Definition of Employee:
Definition includes Independent Contractors (only if insured agrees to indemnify in writing) and leased employees within base policy language

Definition of Loss:
Expanded definition of Loss includes diversity and sensitivity training costs and punitive damages (if insurable under the law).

Who is providing EPL coverage?

Coterie is working closely with Berkley Management Protection (a division of Berkley) which is AM Best Rated (A+ Superior).

When should you consider adding EPL to a BOP or GL policy?

You should consider EPL if your business:

Has employees or contractors
Interviews or meets with potential employees
Makes decisions related to hiring, firing or promotions
Works with third parties such as vendors or clients