Fidelity bonds for consultants

If one of your employees commits a crime against a client, your consulting firm could be held responsible. A fidelity bond, which falls under commercial crime insurance, provides compensation when an employee steals from your business or from a client. Unlike insurance, you will be required to reimburse your insurer for any claims paid.

Your clients might request that your consulting firm secure this coverage before they'll hire you. It may also give prospective customers peace of mind to know they're protected.

This policy provides coverage related to:

• Theft or fraud
• Electronic funds transfer
• Unlawful data access

There are two kinds of fidelity bonds: first-party and third-party. You might also see fidelity bonds called employee dishonesty coverage.

First-party fidelity bonds protect your business property and assets from dishonest employees. They can cover expenses related to:

• An employee who steals or embezzles from your company
• An employee who commits fraud against your company
• Employee forgery that affects your company

Third-party fidelity bonds protect your clients from dishonest employees. They can reimburse your client for the following crimes:

• An employee steals from a client
• An employee commits fraud against a client
• Employee forgery that affects a client

Consultants often need third-party fidelity bonds to satisfy the requirements of a client contract, especially when they work with clients in the financial services industry. When this bond protects clients against employees who enter their property, it's called a business service bond.

Fidelity bonds protect against employee dishonesty, but they don't provide financial protection for bodily injuries, property damage, and other common risks. Other recommended policies for consultants include:

Professional liability insurance: This policy covers legal costs related to business mistakes or decisions that resulted in revenue loss and legal action by a client. It's sometimes referred to as errors and omissions insurance (E&O).

General liability insurance: This policy covers expenses related to common accidents, including third-party injuries, accidental damage to client property, and advertising injuries.

Business owner’s policy (BOP): A BOP bundles general liability coverage with commercial property insurance, typically at a lower rate than if the policies were purchased separately.

Workers' compensation insurance: Workers' comp covers medical costs if a consultant suffers a work-related injury, such as tripping in the office and breaking a wrist. Most states require this coverage for businesses with employees.

Cyber liability insurance: This policy is important for businesses that handle personal information. It helps consulting firms recover from costly data breaches and cyberattacks.

Commercial auto insurance: This policy covers costs in the event of an accident involving your consulting business's vehicle. Most states require this coverage for vehicles owned by a business.

Are you ready to protect your consulting company with a fidelity bond or another type of coverage? Complete Insureon’s easy online application today. Once you find a policy that fits your needs, coverage can begin in less than 24 hours.