Why do notaries need insurance?
From divorces to business transactions, people rely on you to perform your duties professionally. But if a document is rejected, it could results in delays and fines for a client. Business insurance covers legal defense costs if you're sued for an error or negligence. It can also pay for medical bills, property repairs, and the cost of recovering from a data breach or cyberattack.
Find affordable coverage
Notaries public can save money on insurance by comparing quotes from top-rated providers.
Fill out Insureon's easy online application to get free quotes and advice from a licensed agent.
What types of business insurance do notaries need?
These insurance policies cover the most common notary public risks.
Business owner’s policy
A BOP bundles commercial property insurance and general liability insurance to cover property damage and third-party legal fees, such as a delivery driver who sues after slipping on an icy step.
- Customer injuries
- Damaged customer property
- Damaged or stolen notary supplies
General liability insurance
This policy covers basic business risks, such as accidental damage to a customer's property. Bundle it with commercial property insurance for savings in a business owner’s policy.
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Customer property damage
- Libel and other advertising injuries
Errors and omissions insurance
Notary E&O insurance, also called professional liability insurance, can cover court costs and other legal expenses if a notary public is sued for an unintentional error or oversight.
- Missed deadlines for a document
- Accusations of negligence
- Notary errors
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers' comp for notary businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Employee injury lawsuits
Commercial auto insurance
Commercial auto insurance covers financial losses when a notary public's vehicle is involved in an accident. It's required for vehicles registered to a business.
- Property damage caused by your vehicle
- Bodily injuries from an auto accident
- Vehicle theft and vandalism
Cyber insurance
This policy helps notaries survive data breaches and cyberattacks by paying for data recovery, client notification, and other costs related to cyber risks.
- Data breach lawsuits
- Client notification expenses
- Fraud monitoring costs
How much does insurance cost for notaries public?
A notary public who works from home will pay less for insurance than a larger company.
Factors that affect notary public premiums include:
- Services offered, such as notarization of marriage certificates or car titles
- Business property and equipment
- Business income
- Types of insurance purchased
- Policy limits and deductibles
How do I get notary public insurance?
It's easy to get notary public business insurance and a notary surety bond if you have your company information on hand. Our application will ask for basic facts about your business, such as revenue and number of employees. You can buy a policy online and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:
- Complete a free online application
- Compare insurance quotes and choose policies
- Pay for your policy and download a certificate
Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated U.S. providers to find the right insurance coverage and notary bond for your business, whether you work independently or hire employees.
Do you need E&O insurance and a notary bond?
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MALE VOICEOVER: As a notary public, or a loan signing agent, a notary bond might be required to do your job. But does it actually protect you if a client sues you?
Let's look at the types of notary insurance that you should know about.
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Errors and omissions insurance, also called E&O or professional liability insurance, helps protect you if a client accuses you of making a professional mistake or being negligent.
For example, if you accidentally miss a required signature or fail to submit a notarized document on time to meet a deadline, a client could claim that your mistake caused financial harm.
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An E&O policy helps cover legal defense costs and any court-ordered settlements or judgments, up to your policy limits.
That’s E&O insurance, but how is a notary bond different?
A notary surety bond is often required by state law. It protects your clients if you cause financial harm through certain errors or misconduct. However, unlike insurance, you generally have to repay the claim amount to the bond company.
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E&O insurance works differently. It helps protect you and your business from covered professional liability claims.
So having a notary bond doesn't necessarily mean that you're fully protected. Even when it's not required, carrying E&O coverage can be an important part of managing your business risks.
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If you're a notary signing agent who handles real estate or loan signings, you may need additional protection.
A standard notary E&O policy typically focuses on your acts as a notary, while signing agent E&O may cover additional errors involving loan documents and the signing process.
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Not sure which coverage is right for you? Insureon makes it easy to compare 100-plus coverage options that work best for your notary business.
Complete one online application, review quotes from multiple insurance companies, and choose the coverage that best fits your business risks.
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Tap the link to get small business insurance that you can count on.
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