Business Insurance for Recruiters and Headhunters

Recruiting
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Why do recruiters and headhunters need insurance?

Your work affects individual careers and broader business outcomes, so the stakes are high. In the event of a lawsuit, insurance will help a recruitment agency pay for the cost of hiring a lawyer, a court-ordered judgment, or a settlement. It also covers unexpected losses such as a fire, theft, or injury.

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One application, multiple quotes

Insureon helps recruiters and headhunters compare small business insurance quotes from top U.S. carriers online.

Get several quotes with one easy application.

What types of business insurance do recruiters and headhunters need?

These insurance policies cover the most common risks of talent acquisition.

Business owner’s policy icon

Business owner’s policy

A business owner's policy, or BOP, is a cost-effective way for recruiters and recruitment agencies to buy general liability coverage and commercial property insurance together.

BEST FOR
  • Customer injuries
  • Damaged business property
  • Business interruption incidents
General liability insurance icon

General liability insurance

This policy covers basic business risks, such as a client tripping on the front step of your agency. Bundle it with commercial property insurance for savings in a business owner’s policy.

BEST FOR
  • Client property damage
  • Client injuries
  • Defamation and copyright lawsuits
Professional liability insurance icon

Professional liability insurance

A professional liability policy covers legal fees when a recruiting firm or headhunter is sued for unsatisfactory work. It's sometimes referred to as errors and omissions insurance (E&O).

BEST FOR
  • Accusations of negligence
  • Failure to fill a position on time
  • Work mistakes or oversights
Workers’ compensation insurance icon

Workers’ compensation insurance

Most states require workers' comp for recruiting 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
  • Employee injury lawsuits
Commercial auto insurance icon

Commercial auto insurance

This type of insurance covers financial losses when a recruitment agency's vehicle is involved in an accident. Most states require this coverage for vehicles registered to a business.

BEST FOR
  • Property damage caused by your vehicle
  • Third-party injuries from an auto accident
  • Vehicle theft and vandalism
Cyber insurance icon

Cyber insurance

This policy helps freelance recruiters and other recruiting professionals survive data breaches and cyberattacks by paying for customer notification costs and other expenses.

BEST FOR
  • Client notification costs
  • Data recovery costs
  • Fraud monitoring services
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.

How much does insurance cost for professional service businesses?

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A recruiter or headhunter who works independently will pay less for insurance than an agency.

Factors that affect premiums include:

  • Recruitment services offered
  • Business property and equipment
  • Business income
  • Types of insurance purchased
  • Policy limits and deductibles
View Costs

How do I get recruitment agency insurance?

It's easy to get insurance for recruiters and staffing agencies 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:

  1. Complete a free online application
  2. Compare insurance quotes and choose policies
  3. Pay for your policy and download a certificate

Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated U.S. providers to find the right insurance coverage for recruiters and staffing firms, whether you work independently or hire employees.

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Common questions about recruiters insurance

Answers to frequently asked questions about recruitment company insurance.

Are self-employed headhunters required to get business insurance?

Headhunters and recruiters may not be required by state law to carry business insurance because of their industry, but it is strongly encouraged to consider several policies to manage financial risks and attract potential human resource contracts.

Professional liability insurance (also called errors and omissions, or E&O) is required in some states, as well as by some sourcing and recruiting teams. This policy covers you in the event that someone, such as a client or a job seeker, accuses you of a missed deadline, negligence, or breach of contract.

Additionally, if your company has business-owned vehicles, you'll need a commercial auto policy. Auto insurance is required in most states, and personal auto insurance will not cover business vehicles.

Sole proprietors, independent contractors, and limited liability companies (LLCs) should consider purchasing workers' compensation insurance, even if the business does not have employees. A workers' comp policy could financially cover you in the event of a work-related incident or injury.

What other kinds of insurance policies should recruiting businesses carry?

As a recruiter, you're busy using your industry knowledge to find the top talent and best cultural fit for your clients. Consider these other important policies for recruiters to keep you protected while you engage in the recruitment process:

  • Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) protects your business in the event that an employee sues over what they claim is wrongful termination or other employee rights violations.
  • Hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) insurance covers accidents that take place in a leased, rented, or personal car that is not specifically owned by the business. Commercial auto insurance will not cover any vehicle that isn't company-owned, making HNOA a must-have for some businesses.
  • Directors & officers (D&O) insurance will protect your board of directors and other business advisors and officers should their decisions be challenged legally.
  • Commercial umbrella insurance provides additional financial support if you're faced with an exceptionally expensive accident or lawsuit and need coverage past your other policy limits.
  • Hold harmless agreements protect business owners if a third party gets injured on your business property. While not an insurance policy per se, a hold harmless agreement is an indemnity to protect your business against lawsuits should someone become harmed or injured while doing business in your establishment.

If you have questions about the best types of insurance recruiters should carry while supporting qualified candidates through the hiring process, contact one of Insureon's licensed insurance professionals.

Whether you're in Chicago, New York City, or elsewhere around the country, we will work with you to assess your needs and connect you with the top insurance companies in the nation.

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