---
title: "Lockton vs The Hartford Employment Practices Liability Insurance"
description: "Lockton brokers EPL with typical wage-and-hour and third-party terms; The Hartford underwrites EPLI in BOP, package, and stand-alone forms with four-state carve-outs."
canonical: "https://spot.insure/compare/lockton-vs-the-hartford/employment-practices"
page-type: "line-comparison"
updated-at: "2026-09-23"
---

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# Lockton vs The Hartford Employment Practices Liability Insurance

Lockton brokers EPL with typical wage-and-hour and third-party terms; The Hartford underwrites EPLI in BOP, package, and stand-alone forms with four-state carve-outs.

## Research Scope and Use

Use this comparison to evaluate Lockton 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

Lockton places EPL and says wage-and-hour is typically excluded, so it offers a standalone product. The Hartford builds EPLI into most Business Owner’s Policies, includes Wage and Hour Defense Cost on that BOP, and names a $25,000 Spectrum limit at Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company. [4](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/employment-practices-liability "Employment practices liability (EPL) insurance") [8](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance")

## What Is Lockton?

Lockton is a privately held insurance brokerage that arranges commercial risk, employee benefits and retirement programs. US pages describe a technology practice and intermediary placement with insurers, not Lockton as the policy’s insurer. [1](https://global.lockton.com/us/en "Lockton United States") [2](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/technology "Technology") [3](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/terms-of-business "US Terms of Business")

[Lockton profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/lockton)

## 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. [5](https://www.thehartford.com/legal-notice "Legal Notice") [6](https://www.thehartford.com/business-insurance/saas-insurance "SaaS Insurance for Your Business") [7](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. [9](https://www.iii.org/article/employment-practices-liability-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance")

## Key Differences in Employment Practices Liability Insurance

### Placed Program Versus Hartford Products

Lockton designs EPL programs as broker and does not underwrite. The Hartford’s EPLI is built into its Business Owner’s Policy for most classes, included in Private Choice Premier, and sold stand-alone as Employers Premier Choice. You are comparing a brokerage program with Hartford paper. [4](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/employment-practices-liability "Employment practices liability (EPL) insurance") [8](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance")

### Wage-and-Hour Treatment

Lockton says wage-and-hour claims such as misclassification and unpaid overtime are typically excluded from EPL, so it offers standalone wage-and-hour. The Hartford says its BOP automatically includes Wage and Hour Defense Cost coverage as part of built-in EPLI. Those are different products: defense-cost cover on a package versus a standalone wage-and-hour policy Lockton places. Hartford also says third-party EPLI is included for most businesses; Lockton lists third-party discrimination or harassment as a typical EPL feature. [4](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/employment-practices-liability "Employment practices liability (EPL) insurance") [8](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance")

### States, Limits and Services

Hartford footnotes say there is no built-in EPL in California, Minnesota, North Dakota or New York, that the described program does not apply to EPL written in California, and that a $25,000 limit applies to Spectrum business in Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company. Lockton’s EPL page names no carriers and no limits. Hartford offers hartfordhelp.com training and model handbooks when you buy increased EPL limits. Lockton integrates Professional & Executive Risk Claims counsel with the broking team from the start. [8](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") [4](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/employment-practices-liability "Employment practices liability (EPL) insurance")

## What to Confirm in Employment Practices Liability Insurance Quotes

- If you need more than wage-and-hour defense costs, ask whether Hartford’s BOP cover is enough or whether Lockton’s standalone wage-and-hour product is the structure you want. [8](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") [4](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/employment-practices-liability "Employment practices liability (EPL) insurance")
- Confirm state eligibility for Hartford’s built-in EPL and which market Lockton would use in those four states. [8](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") [4](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/employment-practices-liability "Employment practices liability (EPL) insurance")
- Compare the $25,000 Spectrum figure with the limit on Lockton’s placed form. [8](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") [4](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/employment-practices-liability "Employment practices liability (EPL) insurance")
- Ask whether hartfordhelp.com or Lockton’s pre-claim counsel is included in the engagement. [8](https://www.thehartford.com/employment-practices-insurance "Employment Practices Liability Insurance | EPL Insurance") [4](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/employment-practices-liability "Employment practices liability (EPL) insurance")

## Offering Details

| Criteria | Lockton Employment Practices Liability (EPL) Insurance Brokerage | The Hartford Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Role in This Line | Lockton designs EPL insurance programs for clients as their risk advisor and broker; it does not underwrite the coverage it places. [4](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/employment-practices-liability "Employment practices liability (EPL) insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: EPL product page as read 2026-09-23..) | 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. [8](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 EPL page does not name the insurance carriers Lockton places employment practices liability coverage with. [4](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/employment-practices-liability "Employment practices liability (EPL) insurance") (Evidence: Not publicly disclosed; scope: EPL product page checked 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. [8](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 | Lockton says any organization that engages people for hire, regardless of size, industry, location, union participation or use of independent contractors, faces employment-related risk and should consider EPL insurance. [4](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/employment-practices-liability "Employment practices liability (EPL) insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: EPL product page as read 2026-09-23..) | 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. [8](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 | Lockton says a typical EPL policy it places covers legal defense costs for employee claims and official employment investigations, third-party discrimination or harassment claims from non-employees, punitive damages where insurable, and immigration-related employment claims. It separately offers standalone wage-and-hour coverage for claims like misclassification and unpaid overtime, since wage-and-hour claims are typically excluded from EPL policies. [4](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/employment-practices-liability "Employment practices liability (EPL) insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: EPL product page as read 2026-09-23. Describes typical policy features Lockton places, not a specimen form for any one client..) | 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. [8](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 | Not described in the reviewed sources. | The Hartford's EPLI footnote states a $25,000 limit applies to Spectrum business written in Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company. [8](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. [8](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..) |
| Claims Support | Lockton's Professional & Executive Risk Claims team integrates insurance and claims counsel within the broking team from the start of the engagement, which Lockton says is meant to prepare the claims strategy before an EPL claim arises. [4](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/employment-practices-liability "Employment practices liability (EPL) insurance") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: EPL product page as read 2026-09-23..) | Not described in the reviewed sources. |

## Full Comparison

- [Lockton vs The Hartford](https://spot.insure/compare/lockton-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.
- [Lockton vs The Hartford Commercial Property Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/lockton-vs-the-hartford/commercial-property)
- [Lockton vs The Hartford Crime Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/lockton-vs-the-hartford/crime)
- [Lockton vs The Hartford Cyber Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/lockton-vs-the-hartford/cyber)
- [Lockton vs The Hartford D&O Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/lockton-vs-the-hartford/directors-officers)
- [Lockton vs The Hartford Fiduciary Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/lockton-vs-the-hartford/fiduciary)
- [Lockton vs The Hartford General Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/lockton-vs-the-hartford/general-liability)
- [Lockton vs The Hartford Workers’ Compensation Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/lockton-vs-the-hartford/workers-compensation)
- [Alliance Risk vs Lockton Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/alliance-risk-vs-lockton/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 Lockton Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/amelia-risk-vs-lockton/employment-practices)
- [Amelia Risk vs The Hartford Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/amelia-risk-vs-the-hartford/employment-practices)
- [Beazley vs Lockton Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/beazley-vs-lockton/employment-practices)
- [Beazley vs The Hartford Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/beazley-vs-the-hartford/employment-practices)

## Sources

### Lockton

1. [Lockton United States](https://global.lockton.com/us/en). Lockton; Opening description of independent insurance brokerage for risk, benefits and retirement; Ask an Expert link to contact-us. Accessed 2026-09-16.
2. [Technology](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/technology). Lockton; Industry introduction; cyber liability heading; dedicated technology team; listed services including claims advocacy, contract review, directors and officers liability, and international program design; 24/7 service model. Accessed 2026-09-16.
3. [US Terms of Business](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/terms-of-business). Lockton; Opening entity definition; Surplus Lines; Use of a Particular Insurer; Compensation Disclosure; servicing, claims handling and renewal language in Confidentiality section; Intermediaries. Accessed 2026-09-16.
4. [Employment practices liability (EPL) insurance](https://global.lockton.com/us/en/products-services/employment-practices-liability). Lockton; What is EPL insurance?; Who should purchase EPL insurance?; What can I expect in a typical EPL insurance policy?; What is Wage and Hour coverage?; Claims management. Accessed 2026-09-23.

### The Hartford

5. [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.
6. [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.
7. [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.
8. [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

9. [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). To suggest a correction, [contact Spot](https://spot.insure/contact) with the page URL and supporting source.

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