Bookkeeper Insurance

Bookkeeper
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Why do bookkeepers need insurance?

A data entry error, accusation of fraud, or work injury could result in tremendous financial losses. Bookkeeping insurance protects against lawsuits, injuries, and accidents that could financially cripple your business.

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Find the right coverage

Insureon helps bookkeepers find insurance quotes that match their unique risks.

Get free expert advice and peace of mind knowing you have the right property and liability coverage for your small business.

What types of business insurance do bookkeepers need?

These insurance policies cover the most common bookkeeping risks.

Errors and omissions insurance icon

Errors and omissions insurance

E&O insurance, also known as professional liability insurance, is common for bookkeepers and other professional services. It can cover legal fees related to work performance.

BEST FOR
  • Bookkeeping errors
  • Claims of negligence
  • Oversights that lead to a lawsuit
General liability insurance icon

General liability insurance

A commercial general liability policy covers third-party claims, including slip-and-fall injuries in your office. Bundle it with property insurance for savings in a business owner’s policy.

BEST FOR
  • Customer bodily injuries
  • Damaged customer property
  • Libel and other advertising injuries
Business owner’s policy icon

Business owner's policy

A business owner's policy, or BOP, is a cost-effective way for bookkeepers to purchase general liability coverage and commercial property insurance together.

BEST FOR
  • Slip-and-fall accidents
  • Accidental damage to client property
  • Stolen or damaged business property
Workers’ compensation insurance icon

Workers’ compensation insurance

Most states require workers' comp for bookkeeping businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.

BEST FOR
  • Employee medical expenses
  • Disability benefits
  • Legal costs from employee injuries
Cyber insurance icon

Cyber insurance

Cyber liability insurance helps small business owners survive data breaches and cyberattacks. It can pay for data recovery expenses, client notification costs, and more.

BEST FOR
  • Data breach lawsuits
  • Customer notification expenses
  • Fraud monitoring costs
Commercial auto insurance icon

Commercial auto insurance

Commercial auto insurance covers costs if a bookkeeper's vehicle is involved in an accident. Most states require this coverage for vehicles owned by a business.

BEST FOR
  • Property damage caused by your vehicle
  • Auto accident injuries
  • Vehicle theft and vandalism
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.

How much does bookkeeper insurance cost?

Finance professional calculating costs.

A small bookkeeping business will pay less for commercial insurance than a larger company.

Factors that affect the cost of bookkeeper business insurance during underwriting include:

  • Bookkeeping services offered
  • Business property and equipment
  • Business operations and income
  • Claims history
  • Types of insurance purchased
  • Coverage limits and deductibles

How do I get bookkeeping insurance?

It's easy to get business insurance for bookkeepers, accountants, and tax preparers if you have your company information on hand. Our application will ask for basic facts about your business, such as financial data and number of employees. You can buy a policy online and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:

  1. Complete a free online application.
  2. Compare insurance quotes and choose policies.
  3. Pay for your policy and download a certificate.

Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated U.S. insurance companies to find the right insurance coverage and fidelity bonds for your bookkeeping business, whether you work independently or hire employees.

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FAQs about business insurance for bookkeepers

Review answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about bookkeeping insurance and more.

Do bookkeepers need professional liability insurance?

Professional liability insurance isn’t usually required by law for bookkeepers, but it’s strongly recommended due to the financial risks tied to the services you provide. In bookkeeping, this coverage is more commonly known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.

E&O insurance helps protect bookkeepers if a client claims your work caused them a financial loss, such as due to a data entry mistake, missed deadline, or reporting error. Even if you did nothing wrong, defending against a lawsuit can be costly and time-consuming.

For many bookkeepers, carrying errors and omissions insurance is also a credibility booster. Some clients may require proof of coverage before hiring you, especially as their businesses grow or their finances become more complex.

While it may not be mandatory, errors and omissions insurance is an important safeguard for protecting both your income and your reputation.

What certification do I need for bookkeeping?

Bookkeeping certifications aren’t always legally required, but they’re among the most common credentials clients and employers look for when hiring a bookkeeper. Two widely recognized options are the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) designation and the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) certification.

While you can technically offer bookkeeping services without a certification, having one can make it much easier to land clients, justify higher rates, and build trust—especially if you’re a newer business owner. Many small businesses prefer certified bookkeepers because the credentials signal verified skills, professionalism, and adherence to industry standards.

In short, certification may not be mandatory, but it’s often a practical requirement if you want consistent work and credibility in a competitive market.

Does my business structure affect my insurance needs as a bookkeeper?

Yes, your business structure—such as operating as a sole proprietor or forming a limited liability company (LLC)—can affect your level of financial risk, but it doesn’t replace the need for business insurance.

For example, an LLC can help separate your personal assets from your business’s debts and liabilities. However, it doesn't cover the cost of legal defense, settlements, or judgments if a client sues you over your services. That’s where insurance comes in.

Whether you’re a sole proprietor or an LLC, insurance is typically the most practical way to protect your income and business against lawsuits. Many claims focus on alleged mistakes in services provided, and defending yourself can be expensive even if you did nothing wrong.

In short, your business structure may offer some legal protection, but insurance is what helps pay for real-world risks like attorney fees, court costs, and claims related to your work.

What other types of insurance should a bookkeeper consider?

In addition to errors and omissions insurance, bookkeepers may want to consider several other types of coverage depending on how their business operates and the risks they face.

Commercial property insurance can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing business-owned equipment, such as computers, printers, and office furniture, if they’re damaged by events like fire, theft, or vandalism.

Business interruption insurance can help replace lost income if a covered event forces you to temporarily stop working. For example, if a natural disaster prevents you from accessing your office or essential equipment. This coverage is also called business income insurance.

Employee dishonesty insurance, sometimes referring to fidelity bonds, can provide protection if an employee steals money or commits fraud, which is especially important for bookkeepers who handle sensitive financial information.

Together, these policies can help create a more complete safety net, allowing bookkeepers to focus on serving clients without worrying about unexpected financial setbacks.

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