Social work is an important and essential service that helps countless individuals and families deal with various situations. Despite the selflessness involved in providing such care, like any other professional service, there are risks involved that you will need to think about. Your client could claim you made a mistake that caused them harm and sue you for damages. Such lawsuits could arise even years after you have worked with them, and whether or not you did anything wrong you could be tied up with an expensive and time-consuming legal situation that threatens you personally, the future of your organization, and your ability to raise funds. Such a lawsuit could also prevent you from performing your work. The best way to protect yourself against frivolous lawsuits, as well as legitimate claims of negligence or mistakes, is with an insurance policy specifically designed for the needs of social workers.

After reading this guide, you will have all the information you need about social worker insurance costs to make an informed decision about your own policy.

We Cover in This Guide

• How much does social worker insurance cost?

• What is social worker insurance?

• Social service organizations’ risks and exposures

• What does social worker insurance cover/not cover?

• Benefits and risks

• Types of insurance you may need

• Tips for buying

• FAQ

• Summary

How Much Does Social Worker Insurance Cost?

Social worker insurance costs range from $39 to $99 per month depending on your provider, location, revenue, clients, and experience. Below are some examples of typical policies with the key coverage most social workers need and their starting costs.

Basic (essential coverages to meet client demands): $39 per month for general liability (GL)

Standard (protect your business against service errors): $59 per month for general liability (GL) + professional liability (PL)

Pro (when you also have equipment or operate from an office): $99 per month for general liability (GL) + professional liability (PL) + business owners policy (BOP)

These policies may not provide all the coverage necessary for your practice. Most providers allow you to customize a plan with the insurance you need to meet your specific requirements.

What is Social Worker Insurance?

Like any professional or healthcare provider, social workers are vulnerable to lawsuits related to their services as well as risks from simply having an office and conducting basic operations. Even one claim can harm you financially and potentially professionally. While you can take preventative measures and be extremely careful and diligent in your work, not everything is within your control. You have to protect yourself against the worst-case scenario. The best way to do so is with social workers insurance. It will cover you against the various potential liabilities and risks involved in your profession.

Social Service Organizations’ Risks and Exposures

Social service organizations face a number of risks and exposures. They can include:

• Subpoenas when you or your clients are involved in criminal events

• Client reports claiming you or your employee failed to fulfill terms of contracted work

• An employee receiving a job-related injury or illness

• Molestation and abuse charges

• Cybersecurity breaches

• Public relations crises that negatively impact your ability to perform your services and potential fundraising

What Does Social Worker Insurance Cover/Not Cover?

As previously mentioned, the potential risks for your social work practice are vast and various. Typical social worker insurance policies cover many of these scenarios that fall into the following categories:

• Third-party bodily injury

• Third-party property damage

• Personal injury

• Products/completed operations

• Personal property

• Lost income

• Equipment breakdown or damage

• Errors resulting in bodily injury

• Medical expenses and personal injury

• Defense fees

• Coverage for you, as well as your organization

Despite the wide-ranging risks covered under most policies, typical policies do not include everything and will require additional insurance for your specific requirements. Some examples of such potential liabilities include:

• Employee injury or illness and medical costs

• Damage from auto accidents while conducting job-related business

• Data breaches revealing client personal information

Benefits and Risks

Social worker insurance offers various benefits to cover risks, including:

• Protecting your assets: Client claims can potentially wipe out your earnings and destroy your organization. Social worker insurance provides essential protection to protect you from these risks.

• Cover legal expenses: If a client, third party, or employee sues you, you are protected from the costs of fighting lawsuits and the damage if you are found liable.

• Peace of mind: ​Knowing that your social work practice is covered in the worst-case scenario allows you and your employees to focus on the well-being of your clients without being preoccupied with what could go wrong in the future.

Types of Insurance You May Need

• General Liability Insurance: Protects you against lawsuits, investigations, settlements, and damages from third-party claims of property damage, personal injury, bodily injury, and other related scenarios.

• Professional Liability Insurance: Covers the cost of defending claims and the potential damages when a client sues for professional mistakes or failure to complete work.

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Covers medical costs and lost wages for employee illness and injury.

• Commercial Auto Insurance: Protects you from property damage and liability risks for accidents involving vehicles owned by the business or organization.

Tips For Buying

When considering social worker insurance cost, keep the following in mind before signing a contract:

• Work with an independent agent: An independent insurance agent will help direct you toward providers with the best rates and the most experience covering social workers and related industries.

• Identify your risks: Be sure to thoroughly analyze your practice, taking into account your clients and employees, to identify potential risks.

• Compare quotes: Policy costs vary between insurers. Consider at least three quotes to find the best rates and coverage.

• Bundle policies: Providers will often provide discounted rates when you combine certain key coverages like a business owners policy (BOP) with general liability and property.

FAQ

- How do I protect myself and my employees who drive personal vehicles to meet clients?

Purchase non-owned and hired auto insurance. This policy covers damages or injuries while performing tasks in a personal vehicle.

- Do I need workers’ compensation insurance?

It may be mandatory. Most states require you to have workers’ compensation insurance if you employ at least two people. Additionally, it provides a sense of security to your employees.

- What coverage can I get to protect myself in case hackers get into my system?

Consider cyber liability insurance. It covers the costs associated with a data breach resulting in your customers’ personal information being exposed.

Summary

Social worker insurance protects you and your organization against the potential of financial ruin resulting from lawsuits relating to your work with clients.

By understanding social worker insurance costs and determining your needs, you can know that your policy covers potential risks and feel secure that you are protected.