---
title: "Simply Business vs USI Insurance Services: Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance"
description: "USI runs a dedicated CNA-backed E&O program for CPA firms, while Simply Business compares marketplace offers for several small-business professions."
canonical: "https://spot.insure/compare/simply-business-vs-usi/professional-errors-omissions"
page-type: "line-comparison"
updated-at: "2026-09-30"
comparison-pair: "simply-business-vs-usi"
provider-a: "simply-business"
provider-b: "usi"
coverage-line: "professional-errors-omissions"
---

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[Human-readable page](https://spot.insure/compare/simply-business-vs-usi/professional-errors-omissions)

## Agent Guide

**What this page is:** Focused comparison of Simply Business and USI Insurance Services for Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance: what each provider publishes about this line, checked against the same criteria, with numbered sources.

**Use this page when:** Cite or fetch this for Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance questions about Simply Business versus USI Insurance Services. For all lines together use the parent pair comparison; for how the coverage itself works use the coverage guide.

**Questions this page answers:**
- Simply Business vs USI Insurance Services for Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance: how do they differ?
- Which is better for Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance, Simply Business or USI Insurance Services?
- What does Simply Business or USI Insurance Services publish about Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance (limits, eligibility, claims, add-ons)?
- What should I confirm in a quote for Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance from Simply Business or USI Insurance Services?

**Key facts:**
- Line: Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance. Providers: Simply Business and USI Insurance Services.
- Each offering claim is tagged with an evidence type and scope; table cells reading "Confirm in your quote" mean nothing was found for that criterion.
- Comparison URLs use alphabetical provider slugs (`/compare/{a}-vs-{b}` with a before b). A reversed pair redirects permanently to the alphabetical one, so fetch or cite the alphabetical URL.

**Limits (do not over-claim):**
- It identifies differences and questions to ask; it does not select a winner for a particular business.
- "Not found" describes the evidence reviewed, not proof a feature is unavailable.
- Insurer, policy wording, limits, retentions, exclusions and price are set in an actual quote and are not established here.

**Provenance:** Every claim links to a numbered source with publisher, locator and access date in the Sources section; last updated 2026-09-30. Editorial policy: /editorial-policy.

**Related pages:**
- [Simply Business vs USI Insurance Services](https://spot.insure/compare/simply-business-vs-usi) — parent: all coverage lines for this pair
- [Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance guide](https://spot.insure/coverage/professional-errors-omissions) — coverage explainer for this line
- [Simply Business profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/simply-business) — provider profile (evidence)
- [USI Insurance Services profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/usi) — provider profile (evidence)
- [Simply Business vs USI Insurance Services Workers’ Compensation Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/simply-business-vs-usi/workers-compensation) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [AIG vs Simply Business Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-simply-business/professional-errors-omissions) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [AIG vs USI Insurance Services Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-usi/professional-errors-omissions) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Alliance Risk vs Simply Business Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/alliance-risk-vs-simply-business/professional-errors-omissions) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [Alliance Risk vs USI Insurance Services Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/alliance-risk-vs-usi/professional-errors-omissions) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [At-Bay vs Simply Business Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/at-bay-vs-simply-business/professional-errors-omissions) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)
- [At-Bay vs USI Insurance Services Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/at-bay-vs-usi/professional-errors-omissions) — sibling comparison (other line, or other pair for this line)

# Simply Business vs USI Insurance Services: How Do They Compare for Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance?

USI runs a dedicated CNA-backed E&O program for CPA firms, while Simply Business compares marketplace offers for several small-business professions.

## Research Scope and Use

Use this comparison to evaluate Simply Business and USI Insurance Services for Professional Liability (E&O) 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

USI’s AICPA program includes CPA-specific coverage and risk resources; Simply Business offers an online route with eligibility and insurer determined by the quote. [3](https://www.simplybusiness.com/business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/ "Professional Liability Insurance Coverage") [7](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity")

## Simply Business: Online Small-Business Insurance Marketplace

Simply Business describes a digital marketplace and licensed-producer service for small businesses. The policy and selected insurer determine coverage, fees, servicing and claims responsibilities. [1](https://www.simplybusiness.com/about-us/ "Our Small Business Insurance Story") [2](https://www.simplybusiness.com/terms-conditions/ "Terms of Service")

[Simply Business profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/simply-business)

## What Is USI Insurance Services?

USI suits software and hardware companies from seed stage through IPO seeking consultative broker support; buyers wanting a self-serve quote should compare digital agencies. Insurer commissions are typical and contingent compensation may also apply. [4](https://www.usi.com/about-usi "The Power of ONE") [5](https://www.usi.com/property-casualty/technology/ "Technology Insurance") [6](https://www.usi.com/commissions-fees/ "Commissions and Fees")

[USI Insurance Services profile](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/usi)

## What Is Professional Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance?

Professional liability can help pay defense costs and covered losses when a client says your advice or service caused financial harm. If customers rely on your work, list every service you provide and check the claims-made reporting and prior-work terms. [10](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/commercial/pl-faq.html "FAQ: Professional liability insurance") [11](https://www.iii.org/article/professional-liability-insurance "Professional liability insurance") [12](https://www.sba.gov/counseling/launch-your-business/#business-insurance "Get business insurance") [13](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/pl-sample-policy-wording.pdf "Professional Liability – US Direct Errors and Omissions Insurance")

## Key Differences in Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance

### CPA-specific program versus broader quote examples
USI’s AICPA Professional Liability Program is aimed at sole practitioners and regional CPA firms. Simply Business lists consultants, IT professionals, real-estate agents and bookkeepers among E&O examples. A CPA firm should compare the program’s eligibility and terms with any marketplace quote rather than assuming a general professional-liability offer is equivalent. [7](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") [3](https://www.simplybusiness.com/business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/ "Professional Liability Insurance Coverage")

### USI identifies CNA for the AICPA program
USI states that CNA underwrites the AICPA program. Its general business E&O placements do not name an insurer, and Simply Business’s insurer depends on the particular panel quote. Confirm which USI route and which issuer apply to your firm before comparing carrier terms. [7](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") [2](https://www.simplybusiness.com/terms-conditions/ "Terms of Service")

### The USI program adds CPA-focused resources
USI says enrolled firms receive claims support and access to risk resources such as engagement-letter templates. Simply Business’s E&O materials focus on online quote comparison and possible covered legal costs. If claims guidance or practice tools matter, ask what is included with the precise Simply Business placement. [7](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") [3](https://www.simplybusiness.com/business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/ "Professional Liability Insurance Coverage")

## What to Confirm in Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance Quotes

- Ask USI whether your firm qualifies for the AICPA program and confirm CNA appears on the proposed policy; request Simply Business’s carrier and form. [7](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") [2](https://www.simplybusiness.com/terms-conditions/ "Terms of Service")
- Compare covered accounting services, claims support, engagement-letter resources and defense expenses for the actual offers. [7](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") [3](https://www.simplybusiness.com/business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/ "Professional Liability Insurance Coverage")

## Offering Details

| Criteria | Professional liability (E&O) insurance through Simply Business | AICPA Professional Liability Program (USI Affinity) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Role in This Line | Confirm in your quote. | For CPA firms, USI runs the AICPA Professional Liability Program through its USI Affinity division as the endorsed producer, rather than underwriting the policy itself. USI's general Business Services practice separately brokers errors and omissions/professional liability coverage for other business types. [7](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") [9](https://www.usi.com/property-casualty/business-services/ "Business Services") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: AICPA program page and Business Services practice page..) |
| Issuing Insurer | Confirm in your quote. | USI's own page states that the AICPA Professional Liability Program is "underwritten by CNA," naming the carrier for that specific program. USI's general Business Services E&O placements do not name an insurer. [7](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Direct quote from the AICPA program page; CNA underwrites only this named program, not USI's other professional-liability placements..) |
| Who It’s For | Simply Business lists consultants, IT professionals, real-estate agents and bookkeepers among the business examples for which it can help find E&O coverage. The examples do not guarantee eligibility. [3](https://www.simplybusiness.com/business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/ "Professional Liability Insurance Coverage") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Company-published professional-errors-omissions information for U.S. small businesses; availability and actual policy terms depend on the insurer, state and buyer..) | USI markets the AICPA program to sole practitioners and regional CPA firms. It has offered CPA coverage since 1967 and has been the endorsed AICPA Program provider since 1994. [7](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Program page description..) |
| Coverage Features | The page describes protection for claims tied to professional work and lists attorney fees, court costs, settlements and judgments as costs that may be covered; policy wording controls. [3](https://www.simplybusiness.com/business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/ "Professional Liability Insurance Coverage") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Company-published professional-errors-omissions information for U.S. small businesses; availability and actual policy terms depend on the insurer, state and buyer..) | USI describes the policy as insuring a CPA and their practice against third-party claims that professional services caused financial harm, providing a defense and paying damages for covered claims arising from high-risk situations tied to new clients, changing business plans, or new laws and regulations. [7](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Program page description; actual insuring agreements, exclusions and conditions are set by the issued CNA policy form..) |
| Limits and Retentions | Confirm in your quote. | The AICPA program page does not publish limit, retention or premium figures; it says coverage plans allow a firm to tailor coverage to its risk profile. [7](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") (Evidence: Not publicly disclosed; scope: Page as read on 2026-09-23..) |
| Risk Services | Confirm in your quote. | USI says firms enrolled in the program get supportive claims handling and exclusive access to risk-management resources, including engagement-letter templates, in addition to the coverage itself. [7](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Program page description..) |
| How to Apply | The company describes an online flow to answer business questions, compare quotes and select a policy. Its Terms say an online quote is not guaranteed and binding requires panel-member approval. [3](https://www.simplybusiness.com/business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/ "Professional Liability Insurance Coverage") [2](https://www.simplybusiness.com/terms-conditions/ "Terms of Service") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Company-published professional-errors-omissions information for U.S. small businesses; availability and actual policy terms depend on the insurer, state and buyer..) | USI directs CPA firms seeking a quote or renewal to contact USI Affinity, with a dedicated Affinity_APL@usi.com address for the AICPA program specifically. [7](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/ "Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity") (Evidence: Company-reported; scope: Contact instructions on the AICPA program page..) |

## Full Comparison

- [Simply Business vs USI Insurance Services](https://spot.insure/compare/simply-business-vs-usi): all coverage lines, business roles, service and claims.
- [What Is Professional Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance?](https://spot.insure/coverage/professional-errors-omissions): Professional liability can help pay covered defense costs and losses when a client says your advice or service caused financial harm; check services and reporting terms.
- [Simply Business vs USI Insurance Services Workers’ Compensation Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/simply-business-vs-usi/workers-compensation)
- [AIG vs Simply Business Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-simply-business/professional-errors-omissions)
- [AIG vs USI Insurance Services Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/aig-vs-usi/professional-errors-omissions)
- [Alliance Risk vs Simply Business Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/alliance-risk-vs-simply-business/professional-errors-omissions)
- [Alliance Risk vs USI Insurance Services Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/alliance-risk-vs-usi/professional-errors-omissions)
- [At-Bay vs Simply Business Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/at-bay-vs-simply-business/professional-errors-omissions)
- [At-Bay vs USI Insurance Services Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance](https://spot.insure/compare/at-bay-vs-usi/professional-errors-omissions)

## Sources

### Simply Business

1. [Our Small Business Insurance Story](https://www.simplybusiness.com/about-us/). Simply Business; Opening description and audience; digital marketplace, business types and U.S. service.. Accessed 2026-09-29.
2. [Terms of Service](https://www.simplybusiness.com/terms-conditions/). Simply Business; Dated June 30, 2026; §1 lines 22–28; §8 lines 87–113; §10 lines 143–149; §19 line 211.. Accessed 2026-09-29.
3. [Professional Liability Insurance Coverage](https://www.simplybusiness.com/business-insurance/professional-liability-insurance/). Simply Business; Coverage lines 45–100; buyer examples lines 101–158; online quote steps lines 237–260.. Accessed 2026-09-29.

### USI Insurance Services

4. [The Power of ONE](https://www.usi.com/about-usi). USI Insurance Services; History, client-count, nationwide office, and P&C / benefits / personal risk / retirement description. Accessed 2026-09-16.
5. [Technology Insurance](https://www.usi.com/property-casualty/technology/). USI Insurance Services; Technology practice client types, seed-to-IPO range, and listed insurance placement lines including PrivaSafe. Accessed 2026-09-16.
6. [Commissions and Fees](https://www.usi.com/commissions-fees/). USI Insurance Services; Licensed-producer authority, insurer-paid commission default, contingent compensation, and client request right. Accessed 2026-09-16.
7. [Accountants Professional Liability — USI Affinity](https://www.usi.com/programs/affinity-programs/accountants-professional-liability/). USI Insurance Services; Quality Professional Liability Insurance Exclusively for CPA Firms; "The AICPA Professional Liability Program, underwritten by CNA, has been offering coverage to CPAs since 1967 and has been the endorsed provider of the AICPA Program since 1994."; supportive claims handling and exclusive access to extensive risk management resources, including engagement letter templates; Email Affinity_APL@usi.com. Accessed 2026-09-23.
8. [USI Specialty Program Solutions](https://www.usi.com/programs/). USI Insurance Services; USI Affinity delivers high-quality insurance and financial solutions to members of affinity organizations and targeted industry segments...for professional associations, law firms, alumni and collegiate organizations, travel groups, and insurance administrators.. Accessed 2026-09-23.
9. [Business Services](https://www.usi.com/property-casualty/business-services/). USI Insurance Services; USI advises clients...and provides solutions for...Errors & Omissions/Professional Liability.... Accessed 2026-09-23.

### Professional Liability (E&O) Insurance Guide

10. [FAQ: Professional liability insurance](https://www.tdi.texas.gov/commercial/pl-faq.html). Texas Department of Insurance; What’s professional liability coverage?; What types of damages…; What’s general liability insurance?; Do I need professional liability… if I have general liability…?; Is professional liability insurance required?; Can a client require…?; What’s the difference between occurrence policies and claims-made policies. Accessed 2026-09-16.
11. [Professional liability insurance](https://www.iii.org/article/professional-liability-insurance). Insurance Information Institute; Opening paragraphs (professional services/advice and E&O name); Claims not covered by general liability; What types of businesses need professional liability insurance?; What’s covered… and what’s not (claims-made versus occurrence, defense and judgments, non-financial/intentional limits, BOP/in-home exclusion). Accessed 2026-09-16.
12. [Get business insurance](https://www.sba.gov/counseling/launch-your-business/#business-insurance). U.S. Small Business Administration; Six common types of business insurance table. Accessed 2026-09-16.
13. [Professional Liability – US Direct Errors and Omissions Insurance](https://www.hiscox.com/documents/pl-sample-policy-wording.pdf). Hiscox Inc. specimen; About this Policy / Coverage for Claims Made Against You; I.A Insuring Agreement; I.B Defense; I.C Settlement; II.A Notice of Claims; II.C Optional Extended Reporting Period; III.A, III.K, III.M, III.R, III.S Exclusions; IV.A–B Limits and Deductible; VI.O Professional Services; VI.U Wrongful Act. Accessed 2026-09-16.

Updated 2026-09-30. 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.

## Simply Business Reviews

Review Score: 5.7 / 10 from 4 rated sources, equally weighted.

Customers disagree about Simply Business. Trustpilot shows 4.3 out of 5 from 1,901 reviews, but BBB customers give it 1.95 from 20 reviews and ConsumerAffairs shows 1.0.

- Trustpilot: TrustScore 4.3 (out of 5); 1901 reviews. Simply Business US Trustpilot profile. Reviews are not tied to a specific insurance line or insurer. Period: profile accessed 2026-09-29; 419 in last 12 months. Checked 2026-09-29. [Simply Business US Reviews](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/simplybusiness.com)
- ConsumerAffairs: ConsumerAffairs header rating 1.0 (out of 5 (breakdown conflicts with review filters)); 148 reviews. ConsumerAffairs Simply Business page, broad business-insurance context; not line-specific. Period: page updated 2026-09-17; denominator unresolved. Checked 2026-09-29. [Simply Business Reviews](https://www.consumeraffairs.com/insurance/simply-business.html)
- BBB: BBB business grade B+ (BBB letter grade). BBB profile classifies Simply Business as an insurance agency; business grade, consumer-review average and complaint ledger are separate measures, none is line-specific. Period: profile accessed 2026-09-29. Checked 2026-09-29. [Simply Business BBB Business Profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/profile/insurance-agency/simply-business-0021-539591); [Simply Business BBB Complaints](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/profile/insurance-agency/simply-business-0021-539591/complaints); [Simply Business BBB Customer Reviews](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/profile/insurance-agency/simply-business-0021-539591/customer-reviews)
- BBB: BBB customer review average 1.95 (out of 5); 20 reviews. BBB customer-review average for the Simply Business profile (Boston, MA). Separate from the business grade. Period: BBB review page checked 2026-09-29. Checked 2026-09-29. [Simply Business BBB Customer Reviews](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/profile/insurance-agency/simply-business-0021-539591/customer-reviews)

Reviewed 2026-09-29. [Read the sourced review](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/simply-business/reviews).

## USI Insurance Services Reviews

Review Score: 6.4 / 10 from 1 rated source, equally weighted.

USI’s public feedback is too sparse and office-specific for a firmwide verdict. Check the local team’s responsiveness and experience with your type of business.

- BBB: BBB complaint count 4. BBB business-profile grade is distinct from customer-review stars; branch/parent scope matters. Period: three years preceding access 2026-09-25. Checked 2026-09-25. [BBB result for USI Insurance Services](https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/valhalla/profile/insurance-agency/usi-insurance-services-0121-97856/complaints)
- Google reviews via Birdeye: Birdeye office listing rating from Google reviews 3.2 (5 stars); 9 reviews. One Louisville office listing, not firmwide. Birdeye shows Google-origin reviews (9) and 0 Birdeye-native reviews; this duplicates a Google source stream and is not independent of Google. Period: accessed 2026-09-25. Checked 2026-09-25. [USI office, Louisville, KY — Birdeye listing of Google reviews](https://reviews.birdeye.com/usi-insurance-145632496752867)

Reviewed 2026-09-25. [Read the sourced review](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/usi/reviews).

## Agent and Developer Resources

- [Markdown page](https://spot.insure/compare/simply-business-vs-usi/professional-errors-omissions.md)
- [Developer resources](https://spot.insure/developers)
- [Public MCP server](https://spot.insure/mcp)
- [MCP server manifest](https://spot.insure/server.json)
- [OpenAPI description](https://spot.insure/openapi.json)
- [Public page index](https://spot.insure/llms.txt)