--- title: "Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs The Hartford Employment Practices Liability Insurance" description: "The Hartford underwrites BOP-included EPLI with state carve-outs; Heffernan brokers EPL for home-care and family offices." canonical: "https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-the-hartford/employment-practices" page-type: "line-comparison" updated-at: "2026-09-23" --- Agents: connect to Spot's public MCP server at https://spot.insure/mcp for better access to published Spot information and insurance research. Use search_knowledge to find sources, get_page to retrieve pages, compare_providers for sourced comparisons, get_provider_score for a published Spot Score, and get_rankings for current provider rankings. The server is read-only and requires no authentication. [Human-readable page](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-the-hartford/employment-practices) # Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs The Hartford Employment Practices Liability Insurance The Hartford underwrites BOP-included EPLI with state carve-outs; Heffernan brokers EPL for home-care and family offices. ## Research Scope and Use Use this comparison to evaluate Heffernan Insurance Brokers and The Hartford for Employment Practices Liability Insurance against the same documented criteria. It identifies differences and questions to confirm; it does not select a winner for a particular business. Offering claims are what each provider publishes about this line unless marked otherwise. “Not found” describes the evidence reviewed, not proof that a feature is unavailable. Confirm the insurer, policy wording, limits, retentions, exclusions and cost in an actual quote. ## Summary The Hartford writes EPLI into most BOP classes, with no built-in EPL in California, Minnesota, North Dakota or New York. Heffernan places EPL with outside insurers for general business, home-care agencies and family offices. [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") [3](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") [4](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/health-care/homecare/ "Home Care Business Insurance") [5](https://www.heffins.com/family-office/ "Family Office") ## What Is Heffernan Insurance Brokers? Heffernan Insurance Brokers is an independent, Walnut Creek–headquartered retail brokerage that arranges business insurance, employee benefits, and related services. Its technology practice markets to mid- and late-stage companies, including venture-funded and pre-IPO firms. [1](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/our-story/ "Our Story") [2](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/technology/ "Technology Company Insurance") [3](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") [Heffernan Insurance Brokers profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/heffernan) ## What Is The Hartford? The Hartford is the brand of The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc., whose subsidiaries underwrite property-and-casualty insurance and employee benefits. Small-business buyers can start online or by phone or work through independent agents, while the issuing company and state eligibility still have to be confirmed on a quote. [8](https://www.thehartford.com/legal-notice "Legal Notice") [9](https://www.thehartford.com/business-insurance/saas-insurance "SaaS Insurance for Your Business") [10](https://www.thehartford.com/find-an-agent "Find a Local Insurance Agent") [The Hartford profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/the-hartford) ## What Is Employment Practices Liability Insurance? Employment practices liability insurance addresses claims alleging workplace wrongdoing, such as discrimination, harassment and wrongful termination. [12](https://www.iii.org/article/employment-practices-liability-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance") ## Key Differences in Employment Practices Liability Insurance ### Who Issues the Policy The Hartford underwrites EPLI on BOP (most classes), Private Choice Premier, and stand-alone Employers Premier Choice. Heffernan shops EPL as corporate and executive protection and does not underwrite it. [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") [3](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company is named for a $25,000 Spectrum EPL limit. Heffernan's reviewed offering does not name a writing company. [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") [3](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") ### Eligibility: States Versus Named Practices The Hartford says there is no built-in EPL in California, Minnesota, North Dakota or New York, and that the described program does not apply to EPL written in California. Heffernan's reviewed offering does not describe those four-state built-in carve-outs. [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") [3](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") Heffernan lists EPL for general business, home-care agencies and family offices. The Hartford's reviewed offering does not use those practice niches; it ties built-in EPL to product class and state. [4](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/health-care/homecare/ "Home Care Business Insurance") [5](https://www.heffins.com/family-office/ "Family Office") [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") ### Wage-and-Hour and Related Grants The Hartford says third-party EPLI is included for most businesses and that BOP EPLI includes Wage and Hour Defense Cost coverage. Heffernan's 2016 staff commentary recommended requesting wage-and-hour cover, then commonly with a $100,000 sublimit, plus a 100% hammer clause and an immigration endorsement. [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") [7](https://www.heffins.com/employment-practices-liability-101-what-you-need-know/ "Employment Practices Liability 101: What You Need to Know") That Heffernan commentary is from 2016, not Hartford's current BOP wording. A buyer still has to confirm wage-and-hour and third-party grants on the issued form from either side. [7](https://www.heffins.com/employment-practices-liability-101-what-you-need-know/ "Employment Practices Liability 101: What You Need to Know") [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") ## What to Confirm in Employment Practices Liability Insurance Quotes - Ask The Hartford which product and writing company apply, especially if you operate in California, Minnesota, North Dakota or New York. [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") - Ask Heffernan which markets it will use if Hartford's built-in EPL does not apply. [3](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") - Compare Hartford's $25,000 Spectrum footnote with current wage-and-hour sublimits on a Heffernan placement. [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") [7](https://www.heffins.com/employment-practices-liability-101-what-you-need-know/ "Employment Practices Liability 101: What You Need to Know") ## Offering Details | Criteria | Heffernan Employment Practices Liability Insurance | The Hartford Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) | | --- | --- | --- | | Role in This Line | Heffernan places employment practices liability (EPL) coverage as part of its corporate and executive-protection lineup within its general business-insurance brokerage. It shops and places the policy with insurers rather than underwriting it. [3](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Business Insurance Brokerage page listing; no policy form or dedicated EPL product page was found..) | The Hartford's EPLI is built into its Business Owner's Policy for most classes, is included in its Private Choice Premier package policy, and is also sold stand-alone as Employers Premier Choice. [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: EPLI product page as read 2026-09-23..) | | Issuing Insurer | The reviewed pages do not name the insurer or insurers that issue EPL policies Heffernan places. [3](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") (Evidence: Not publicly disclosed; scope: Business Insurance Brokerage page as read on 2026-09-23..) | The Hartford names Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company as the writing company for the described $25,000 Spectrum EPL limit, though other EPLI products on the page (BOP-included, Private Choice Premier, Employers Premier Choice) are not each tied to a named writing company on this page. [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: EPLI product page footnote as read 2026-09-23..) | | Who It’s For | EPL appears in three separate parts of Heffernan's site: the general business-insurance page, the home-care agency practice, and the family-office/financial-firm practice, indicating it is offered to a range of business types rather than one narrow niche. [3](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") [4](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/health-care/homecare/ "Home Care Business Insurance") [5](https://www.heffins.com/family-office/ "Family Office") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Direct practice-page listings; the pages do not publish a minimum size or industry restriction for EPL specifically..) | The Hartford's footnotes say there is no built-in EPL coverage in California, Minnesota, North Dakota or New York, and that the EPL program described on the page does not apply to EPL coverage written in California. Coverage and limits also vary by state and business class. [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: EPLI product page footnotes as read 2026-09-23 (page last updated by The Hartford November 26, 2025)..) | | Coverage Features | In a 2016 article, Heffernan advisor Tanner Fornesi says EPL policies are modular and recommends buyers specifically request wage-and-hour coverage, a 100% hammer clause (so the insurer, not the policyholder, bears settlement costs above an offer the policyholder declines), and an immigration claim endorsement. [7](https://www.heffins.com/employment-practices-liability-101-what-you-need-know/ "Employment Practices Liability 101: What You Need to Know") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: 2016 educational article about EPL coverage generally, not a current Heffernan product specification; endorsement availability depends on the carrier and current market terms..) | The Hartford says its EPLI covers claims of discrimination (including age), retaliation, FMLA violations, wrongful discipline or termination, failure to promote, and harassment, and that third-party EPLI (claims from customers, vendors or business invitees, not just employees) is included for most businesses. Its BOP also automatically includes Wage and Hour Defense Cost coverage as part of the built-in EPLI. [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: EPLI product page as read 2026-09-23. General coverage description; the issued policy controls..) | | Limits and Retentions | The same 2016 article says wage-and-hour EPL sublimits were then commonly $100,000, with some carriers offering $150,000 to $250,000 for additional premium. [7](https://www.heffins.com/employment-practices-liability-101-what-you-need-know/ "Employment Practices Liability 101: What You Need to Know") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Market commentary in a 2016 article, not a current quote or a limit Heffernan guarantees today..) | The Hartford's EPLI footnote states a $25,000 limit applies to Spectrum business written in Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company. [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: EPLI product page footnote as read 2026-09-23. Applies specifically to Spectrum-program business at that writing company; other products/limits are not addressed..) | | Risk Services | Not described in the reviewed sources. | The Hartford says it gives employers access to hartfordhelp.com, a proprietary site with web-based training on topics like sexual harassment and wrongful termination, current articles on employment-practices trends, and model employment policies and handbooks; this program requires purchase of increased EPL limits and may not be available in all states. [11](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: EPLI product page as read 2026-09-23..) | | How to Apply | The reviewed pages describe no EPL-specific application or online quote process; buyers reach the coverage through Heffernan's general business-insurance brokerage contact route. [3](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/ "Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage") (Evidence: Not found in reviewed sources; scope: Business Insurance Brokerage page as read on 2026-09-23..) | Not described in the reviewed sources. | | Claims Support | Heffernan's published claims-advocacy services cover workers' compensation, general liability, auto, and property claims; the page does not list employment-related claims handling as part of that service. [6](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/claims-advocacy/ "Claims Advocacy") (Evidence: Not found in reviewed sources; scope: Claims Advocacy page as read on 2026-09-23; does not establish that EPL claims receive no support, only that this page does not describe it..) | Not described in the reviewed sources. | ## Full Comparison - [Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs The Hartford](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-the-hartford): all coverage lines, business roles, service and claims. - [What Is Employment Practices Liability Insurance?](https://spot.insure/coverage/employment-practices): Employment practices liability insurance can help defend your business against covered claims of discrimination, harassment and wrongful termination. - [Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs The Hartford Business Owner’s Policy](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-the-hartford/business-owners-policy) - [Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs The Hartford Commercial Auto Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-the-hartford/commercial-auto) - [Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs The Hartford Commercial Property Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-the-hartford/commercial-property) - [Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs The Hartford Crime Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-the-hartford/crime) - [Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs The Hartford Cyber Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-the-hartford/cyber) - [Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs The Hartford Fiduciary Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-the-hartford/fiduciary) - [Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs The Hartford General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-the-hartford/general-liability) - [Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs The Hartford Hired and Non-Owned Auto Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-the-hartford/hired-non-owned-auto) - [Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs The Hartford Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-the-hartford/professional-errors-omissions) - [Heffernan Insurance Brokers vs The Hartford Workers’ Compensation Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/heffernan-vs-the-hartford/workers-compensation) - [Alliance Risk vs Heffernan Insurance Brokers Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/alliance-risk-vs-heffernan/employment-practices) - [Alliance Risk vs The Hartford Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/alliance-risk-vs-the-hartford/employment-practices) - [Amelia Risk vs Heffernan Insurance Brokers Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/amelia-risk-vs-heffernan/employment-practices) - [Amelia Risk vs The Hartford Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/amelia-risk-vs-the-hartford/employment-practices) - [Beazley vs Heffernan Insurance Brokers Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/beazley-vs-heffernan/employment-practices) - [Beazley vs The Hartford Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/beazley-vs-the-hartford/employment-practices) ## Sources ### Heffernan Insurance Brokers 1. [Our Story](https://www.heffins.com/about-us/our-story/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Headquartered in Walnut Creek; nationwide presence; founded 1988; employee owned; niche practices including technology. Accessed 2026-09-16. 2. [Technology Company Insurance](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/technology/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Pre-IPO and venture-funded heading; mid to late stage specialization; global expansion copy; self-insurance strategies; Key Markets list; Why Heffernan broker history; Joseph Talmadge practice leader; FAQ. Accessed 2026-09-16. 3. [Heffernan Business Insurance Brokerage](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Corporate and executive protection, such as employment practices liability, directors and officers liability, fiduciary responsibility, cyber liability, and kidnap and ransom are also available through our comprehensive business insurance programs.. Accessed 2026-09-23. 4. [Home Care Business Insurance](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/health-care/homecare/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; We offer comprehensive coverage for: Workers' Compensation Insurance, General and Professional Liability, Employment Practice Liability, Business/Owned Auto, Non-owned and Hired Auto, and more. Accessed 2026-09-23. 5. [Family Office](https://www.heffins.com/family-office/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Coverage for Family Offices, Trustees & Financial Firms: Family office liability, D&O, Professional liability, Employment practices liability insurance, Workers' compensation, Employee benefits, Trustee liability, Property and auto, Fiduciary liability, Fidelity/financial institution bond, Cyber, Crime, General liability, Excess liability. Accessed 2026-09-23. 6. [Claims Advocacy](https://www.heffins.com/business-insurance/claims-advocacy/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Services We Offer: Workers' Compensation Claims Expertise; Medical Triage Services; General Liability, Auto & Property Claims Support; Online Risk Management & HR Support; Streamlined Vendor Compliance. Accessed 2026-09-23. 7. [Employment Practices Liability 101: What You Need to Know](https://www.heffins.com/employment-practices-liability-101-what-you-need-know/). Heffernan Insurance Brokers; May 18, 2016 article by Tanner Fornesi, Assistant Vice President, Heffernan Insurance Brokers; Wage and Hour coverage, 100% Hammer Clause, Immigration Claim Endorsement. Accessed 2026-09-23. ### The Hartford 8. [Legal Notice](https://www.thehartford.com/legal-notice). The Hartford; The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. holding-company description; no representation that all products are available in all locations; P&C writing-company table as of December 31, 2025 including Hartford Fire (NAIC 19682) and Hartford Underwriters (NAIC 30104); life writing companies including Hartford Life and Accident (NAIC 70815). Accessed 2026-09-16. 9. [SaaS Insurance for Your Business](https://www.thehartford.com/business-insurance/saas-insurance). The Hartford; Audience list (software startups, SaaS, IT consulting); Get a Business Owner’s Policy; What Is Business Owner’s Policy Insurance?; general liability introduction and Get a Quote; Get Commercial Property Insurance; Commercial Property Insurance for Your Business; Benefits of The Hartford’s WC Insurance for Employers and Employees; cyber insurance and data breach descriptions; Get a quote for cyber insurance; EPLI introduction and Private Choice Premier; add-ons (workers’ compensation, data breach, commercial auto); technology professional liability mention; small-business availability banner; industry-average premium footnote; footnote 2 state restrictions; footer product-availability disclosure. Accessed 2026-09-16. 10. [Find a Local Insurance Agent](https://www.thehartford.com/find-an-agent). The Hartford; Small-business and midsize agent locators; FAQ that buyers can purchase without an agent by calling or quoting online; statement that agents may charge fees. Accessed 2026-09-16. 11. [Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance). The Hartford; What Is Employment Practices Liability Insurance?; Why Do I Need EPLI?; If You Have Employees, You Need EPLI; Prevention Is Your Best Protection; footnotes 1-4 on state availability and Wage and Hour Defense Cost. Accessed 2026-09-23. ### Employment Practices Liability Insurance Guide 12. [Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://www.iii.org/article/employment-practices-liability-insurance). Insurance Information Institute; Opening; What EPLI covers; Steps to limit employment liability risk. Accessed 2026-09-16. Updated 2026-09-23. Spot, a product of Tools for Enlightenment, publishes this research and works in the commercial insurance market. The comparison applies the same criteria to both providers. [Editorial policy](https://spot.insure/editorial-policy). 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