Directors & Officers Insurance
Personal liability protection for company directors and officers. Defend your personal assets against claims arising from your official duties.
What D&O Insurance Covers
Comprehensive protection for directors and officers against personal liability arising from their official duties.
Personal Asset Protection
Protects directors' and officers' personal assets against claims arising from their official duties.
Wrongful Act Defence
Cover for legal costs defending claims of wrongful acts committed in their official capacity.
Regulatory Investigations
Protection against costs of investigations by regulatory bodies and government agencies.
Employment Claims
Cover for claims from employees alleging wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment.
Legal Defence Costs
Cover for legal fees and court costs when defending claims, even if unfounded.
Company Reimbursement
Cover for the company's obligation to reimburse directors for defence costs.
The Director\'s Liability Landscape
Understanding why D&O insurance is essential protection for company directors and officers.
Regulatory Environment
Directors face increasing regulatory scrutiny from FCA, ICO, CMA, and other bodies.
Personal Liability
Directors can be held personally liable for company actions, even with limited company protection.
Employment Claims
Employment-related claims are increasingly common and can be costly to defend.
Types of D&O Claims
Directors and officers can face claims arising from various aspects of their official duties:
- Allegations of breach of fiduciary duty
- Claims of mismanagement or negligence
- Employment-related claims (wrongful dismissal, discrimination)
- Regulatory investigations (FCA, ICO, etc.)
- Claims arising from company insolvency
- Shareholder disputes and derivative actions
- Environmental or health & safety violations
- Intellectual property disputes
Key Facts
Limited company protection is limited. While limited companies provide some protection, directors can still be held personally liable in many circumstances.
Defence costs are substantial. Even defending an unfounded claim can cost £50,000-£200,000+ in legal fees.
Insurance is often required. Many investors, lenders, and business partners require D&O insurance as a condition of engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs Directors & Officers insurance?
Any company with directors or officers should consider D&O insurance. This includes private companies, charities, not-for-profits, and social enterprises. Many investors and lenders require D&O insurance as a condition of investment or lending.
What's the difference between D&O insurance and company liability insurance?
Company liability insurance (public liability, employers liability) protects the company. D&O insurance protects the directors and officers personally against claims arising from their official duties. Both are important for comprehensive protection.
Does D&O insurance cover criminal acts?
No. D&O insurance does not cover intentional dishonesty, fraud, or criminal acts. It protects against claims of wrongful acts, negligence, and breach of duty in the course of official duties.
What about regulatory investigations?
Many D&O policies include cover for legal costs in defending regulatory investigations. However, cover varies between policies. We can advise on policies with comprehensive regulatory defence cover.
Can the company claim under D&O insurance?
Yes. Most D&O policies include cover for the company's obligation to reimburse directors for defence costs. This is called "company reimbursement" cover.
Get Your D&O Insurance Quote
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