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Why do school counselors need business insurance?
Your impact on students' lives is what makes your job worth doing, but it opens you to risks. School counselor liability insurance covers the cost of accidental injuries, lawsuits from parents or students, and claims of reputational harm.
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School guidance counselors can save money on insurance by comparing quotes from top-rated providers.
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What types of business insurance do school counselors need?
These insurance policies cover the most common risks of student counseling.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy covers costs in the event of an accidental injury or damage to student property. Bundle it with commercial property insurance for savings in a business owner’s policy.
BEST FOR
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Damaged student property
- Defamation lawsuits
Business owner's policy
A business owner’s policy, or BOP, bundles commercial property insurance and general liability coverage at a discount. It protects against common accidents and property damage.
BEST FOR
- Accidental student injuries
- Stolen or damaged business property
- Business interruption incidents
Professional liability / medical malpractice
Professional liability coverage pays for legal costs related to unsatisfactory work, such as failure to resolve a conflict that leads to a student's injury. It's sometimes called malpractice insurance.
BEST FOR
- Accusations of negligence
- Failure to refer to a specialist
- Counseling mistakes or oversights
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers' comp for school counseling 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
- Lawsuits from employee injuries
Cyber insurance
This policy covers financial losses from data breaches and cyberattacks. It's strongly recommended for school counseling practices that store personal information.
BEST FOR
- Client notification costs
- Fraud monitoring services
- Data breach investigations
Commercial auto insurance
Commercial auto insurance covers the cost of an accident involving a vehicle owned by a school counseling center. 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 school counselor insurance cost?
A school counselor who works independently will pay less for insurance coverage than a larger business.
Factors that affect insurance premiums include:
- Therapy and counseling services offered
- Business property and equipment
- Business income
- Types of insurance purchased
- Policy limits and deductibles, such as aggregate limits
How do I get school counselor insurance?
It's easy to get school counseling business insurance 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 liability protection for your guidance counselor business, whether you work independently or hire employees.
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FAQs about business insurance for school counselors
Review answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about school counselor insurance and more.
How do you become a licensed school counselor?
To become a licensed school counselor, you typically need to:
- Earn a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited program.
- Complete supervised practicum and internship hours in a K–12 school setting.
- Meet your state’s licensing or certification requirements, which often include passing an exam and submitting transcripts and experience verification.
- Uphold American School Counselor Association (ASCA) ethical standards for school counselors, as well as professional standards and competencies.
- Apply for and maintain your licensure through your state’s department of education licensing board.
Most public schools require counselors to be state-licensed or certified before they can be hired since your education, internship experience, and license prove you’re qualified to work with students.
Additionally, school counselors are generally covered by their school district’s liability insurance. However, many also carry professional liability insurance through a professional association or a private policy for extra protection—especially if they work as contractors or outside a school setting.
Do school counselors need their own insurance policy?
It depends on your unique needs and risk concerns, but generally having your own policy is often a smart idea.
Most school counselors are covered under their school district’s insurance, but that coverage is designed to protect the school first, not always the individual counselor. In some situations—such as lawsuits, licensing complaints, or work outside the school—district coverage may provide little to no coverage for individuals.
That’s why many counselors carry their own professional liability (malpractice) insurance. An individual policy helps protect you personally if a malpractice lawsuit is issued about your professional services, decisions, or conduct.
Even if your school provides coverage, having your own policy adds an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.
What other types of insurance should a school counselor consider?
In addition to professional liability insurance, school counselors may benefit from extra coverage for risks that fall outside standard school district policies, especially if they offer telehealth, private mental health services, or contract work.
- Telehealth coverage: Extends your professional liability protection to any virtual counseling sessions and remote services you offer to your school's student members.
- License defense coverage: Helps pay for legal fees and related costs if your counseling license is investigated or challenged by a board or regulator.
- HIPAA coverage: Provides protection for HIPAA claims, fines, and penalties tied to patient privacy violations and data breaches.
- Sexual misconduct defense coverage: Helps cover legal defense costs if you’re accused of crossing professional boundaries, even if the claim is unfounded.
These coverages help protect your career, finances, and reputation—especially if you work independently, offer virtual care, or take on clients outside a traditional school district role.