Does Professional Liability Cover Subcontractors?
Possibly, if the policy’s insured-person definition or endorsement includes them and their work falls within covered professional services.
Hiring a subcontractor does not automatically make that person an insured under your E&O policy. A claim might allege that your company negligently selected, supervised, or integrated the subcontractor’s work, but definitions and exclusions determine whether your own liability is covered. A sample Hiscox form ties coverage to claims against a defined insured for wrongful acts in professional services; it is only an example. Check whether employees, temporary staff, independent contractors, subcontractors, and acquired entities are included, and whether coverage applies to their work on your behalf. Review contractual indemnity requirements and ask subcontractors for their policy details. A certificate alone does not amend either policy.
Do not assume a subcontractor’s policy protects your company or that your policy insures the subcontractor. Confirm named-insured status, additional-insured terms, and indemnity duties separately.
Related Coverage
Sources
- FAQ: Professional liability insurance. 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 2026-09-25.
- Professional Liability – US Direct Errors and Omissions Insurance. 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 2026-09-25.
