The Increasing Need for Employment Practices Liability Insurance

If you ask most business owners if they have Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI), chances are they’ll tell you they’re not sure if they do. Its most certainly not for lack of being interested in how their business is being protected – but most likely, because they aren’t aware of what EPLI is and the coverage it affords them. 


What is EPLI?

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) is an investment that is highly recommended to businesses due to a variety of reasons, including:


  • Increasing Settlement Costs: With the higher frequency of lawsuits being filed, the cost to settle a lawsuit has also increased, with the average cost being approximately $70,000. This cost fluctuates on a case-by-case basis, but most businesses cannot afford to settle without proper insurance policies to help.


  • Increase in Lawsuits: More employees are filing claims of harassment and discrimination, and the frequency of lawsuits has increased steadily over the years. Having proper insurance in place can prepare your business before such a case is filed against you.


  • All Company Sizes Can Be Affected: No matter the size of your business, such lawsuits can hit your business and increase the risk of your business struggling financially afterward. EPLI is essential in keeping companies of all sizes protected. 


Some business owner’s policies offer a limited amount of EPLI coverage. But once those limits are met for defense against a lawsuit or paying a claim, the business owner is responsible for any costs that exceed that allotted amount. It is for this reason, that it does not hurt for a business owner to consider having an additional EPLI policy for their business.


Our business insurance firm provides commercial insurance and commercial auto insurance to protect companies throughout Goshen, Middletown, and Warwick, NY


What Does EPLI Cover?

EPLI covers claims made by current, former, and prospective employees, as well as customers and vendors that work with your business.


First-party claims are made by employees against their employers for reasons including, but not limited to:


  • Harassment of any type
  • Wrongful termination
  • Discrimination based on age, sex, race, pregnancy, disabilities, etc.
  • Denial of sick leave or adjustments in an employee’s duties
  • Guidelines listed under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Third-party claims are made by a customer or vendor of your business, who have alleged one of your employees has discriminated against them in some way. 


This includes alleged violations of the guidelines established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Federal Housing Act (FHA).


What Type of Business Needs EPLI?

While this might sound like the kind of coverage only a large business needs, insurance companies report* increasingly more need for small to medium sized businesses to carry EPLI based on the amount of claims they receive. 


Some businesses that commonly benefit from carrying additional EPLI include, but are not limited to:


  • Restaurants
  • Retail shops
  • Contractors
  • Professional offices


Is EPLI Right for Your Business?

You don’t have to evaluate your exposure to this type of risk alone. Don’t hesitate to call our team at J. Hoffman Insurance to discuss your business and get a review of your current coverage. We would be happy to walk you through what your policy currently entails and guide you on what would be in your best interest moving forward. You can reach us our Commercial Lines team at (845) 239-4787 or Jason@jhoffmaninsurance.com


*Source: Nationwide® Insurance

https://static.nationwide.com/media/epli-employee-lawsuits-accessible_tcm826-259059.pdf?r=14

December 19, 2025
Running a successful business requires more than strong sales and day-to-day operations. It takes thoughtful planning, risk awareness, and financial discipline. Two of the most important professional relationships a business owner can have are with their insurance advisor and their Certified Public Accountant (CPA). When these two roles work together, the result is stronger protection, smarter financial decisions, and long-term stability. Here are five key ways business insurance and working with a CPA are closely connected—and why aligning the two matters. 1. Risk Management and Financial Planning Business insurance is designed to protect your company from unexpected risks such as lawsuits, property damage, accidents, or liability claims. A CPA, on the other hand, helps you plan financially for both known and unknown risks. Together, they form the foundation of a strong risk management strategy. Insurance transfers risk, while a CPA helps you understand how those risks impact your balance sheet, cash reserves, and overall financial health. When both are aligned, your business is better positioned to withstand disruptions and recover quickly when the unexpected happens. 2. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements Many businesses operate in industries that require specific types of insurance coverage, such as workers’ compensation, professional liability, or commercial auto insurance. Failing to carry the proper coverage can lead to fines, penalties, or even business shutdowns. At the same time, CPAs help ensure compliance with tax laws, payroll regulations, and financial reporting requirements. Insurance and accounting compliance often overlap—especially when it comes to payroll, employee classifications, and industry regulations. Working with both professionals ensures your business remains compliant on all fronts. 3. Tax Deductibility of Insurance Premiums One often overlooked benefit of business insurance is that many premiums may be tax-deductible. Policies such as general liability, professional liability, property insurance, and workers’ compensation are commonly considered legitimate business expenses. A CPA plays a critical role in making sure these premiums are properly categorized and documented, helping maximize allowable deductions while staying within IRS guidelines. When your CPA understands your insurance program, you’re more likely to capture every tax advantage available to your business. 4. Cash Flow and Budgeting Insurance premiums are a recurring expense and can have a meaningful impact on cash flow, especially for growing businesses. A CPA helps forecast expenses, plan for renewals, and ensure insurance costs fit within your broader financial strategy. By coordinating insurance coverage with budgeting and financial projections, businesses can strike the right balance between adequate protection and affordability. This collaboration helps avoid being underinsured—or overspending on coverage that doesn’t align with actual risk exposure. 5. Business Continuity and Succession Planning No business owner likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but planning for them is essential. Insurance products such as business interruption coverage, key person insurance, and buy-sell funding play a major role in keeping a business running during a crisis. CPAs incorporate these protections into long-term financial planning and succession strategies. Whether it’s preparing for the loss of a key employee, an extended shutdown, or an ownership transition, insurance and accounting together help ensure the business can survive and thrive beyond any single event. Bringing It All Together Business insurance and CPA services are not separate silos—they are complementary tools that work best when aligned. Insurance protects what you’ve built, while a CPA helps you grow and sustain it financially. When these professionals collaborate, business owners gain clearer insight, stronger protection, and greater confidence in the future. If you want your business to be resilient, compliant, and financially sound, make sure your insurance strategy and your CPA are working together—not independently. For a review of your business’ insurance coverage, contact Vicki Hoffman, J. Hoffman Insurance, at 845-239-4787 or vicki@jhoffmaninsurance.com . Want to learn more about how working with a CPA can benefit your business? Contact John Pacos, CPA at 845-694-5703 or john@jpacoscpa.com .
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