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Notary Insurance
Business coverage tailored to notaries public
This coverage provided and serviced by affiliated and third-party insurers.. Read more
Specialized insurance coverage for notary business needs
Notaries handle a variety of responsibilities, like verifying identities and certifying signatures on important documents. Each appointment carries its own set of details, deadlines, and expectations. And people count on you to get it right every time.
Notary insurance supports the work you do by offering financial protection if mistakes, accidents, or disputes disrupt your operations. With the right coverage, you can focus on serving your clients confidently and professionally.
What is notary insurance?
Notary insurance is business insurance customized to meet the needs of notaries public. It can include coverage for lawsuits and claims related to errors, third-party injuries, property damage, and other incidents that can affect your work. These policies are designed to give notaries a clear way to manage the financial risks that come with offering a public service, whether you review documents on the side or full time.
Progressive Commercial can connect you with flexible coverage options and notary insurance that's right for you. Start a quote online or call us to speak to a licensed agent. We'll help you build a policy that receives your stamp of approval.
Why insurance for notaries is important
Witnessing and certifying documents is an important job, but it comes with risks. Having the right coverage, especially errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, helps you handle those risks without carrying the full cost yourself. In other words, it allows you to share responsibility with your insurer. If something unexpected happens, your notary insurance can help pay to make things right, minimizing the cost to your business and safeguarding your reputation.
Is notary insurance required?
It depends on where you operate. According to the National Notary Association (NNA), notary E&O insurance isn't required in most states. However, some do have rules for specific types of notarial work. For example, online notaries in Florida must carry E&O. Even if it's not required where you live, the NNA recommends this insurance for all notaries because it can help handle expensive claims.
You may also need other types of insurance, depending on how your business is set up. For instance, you could have to carry workers' compensation if you have employees. Review workers' comp rules by state to check the laws where you live.
Some clients and professional organizations might require notaries to have insurance, too. Contracts may ask for proof of insurance before you take on an assignment, and some professional associations can make it a condition of membership. Having coverage can help you meet these expectations and show you're committed to responsible service.
Getting a certificate of insurance (COI) from your insurer shows you have the protections you need. This document provides details of your policy, like coverage limits and exclusions.
Who needs notary insurance?
If you need to build trust and maintain a strong reputation, you'll probably want a policy that's tailored to your business's risks. Notary insurance is a good fit for many public officials and professionals who handle documents, such as:
- Notaries
- Court clerks
- Records clerks
- Bookkeepers
- Paralegals
- Escrow officers
Whether you run an LLC, a sole proprietorship, or a startup, Progressive Commercial can help you grow your business with confidence.
Types of insurance for notaries
Notary businesses provide a unique and important service to clients of all types. A customized policy can help you get the protection you need. Consider these important coverages for notaries when you get a quote.
General liability (GL)
Protects you from third-party injury and property damage
General liability (GL)
Protects you from third-party injury and property damage
General liability insurance pays for accidental injury and damage to others. It also includes personal and advertising injury, which covers claims like libel, slander, and copyright infringement. Learn more about the benefits of general liability and how much GL costs.
Example: A customer needs you to witness their signature on a loan document. They come to your office and fall down newly mopped stairs. Your general liability policy can pay their medical bills and your legal defense costs if they sue.
Business owners policy (BOP)
Combines liability and property coverage in one flexible policy
Business owners policy (BOP)
Combines liability and property coverage in one flexible policy
A BOP packages liability with commercial property protection, which can cover your business's assets, computers, furniture, and buildings. These policies are easy to manage, and you can add optional BOP coverages to create a more customized solution.
Example: A faulty electrical wire causes a fire that damages your office. Your BOP's commercial property coverage can help pay for repairs to your office and cover lost revenue if you're forced to close temporarily.
Errors and omissions (E&O)
Protects against claims of negligence and bad advice
Errors and omissions (E&O)
Protects against claims of negligence and bad advice
For a notary, E&O insurance, also called professional liability, is fundamental. This coverage pays to defend yourself if a client claims you made a mistake or acted negligently. It can cover legal fees, court costs, settlements, and claims against your surety bond.
Example: You notarize a real estate transaction, and your client claims you made a mistake that caused them a financial loss. Notary E&O insurance can pay for your defense, regardless of whether you made an error.
Workers' compensation
Safeguards employees hurt on the job
Workers' compensation
Safeguards employees hurt on the job
Most businesses need workers' compensation insurance to protect employees against injury on the job. Learn more about the cost of workers' comp.
Example: You send an employee to a client appointment, and they twist their ankle when stepping out of their car. Workers' comp could pay their doctor bills and any rehab expenses.
Cyber
Protects your data and software systems
Cyber
Protects your data and software systems
Businesses that handle and store sensitive information, like customer names and addresses, should consider cyber insurance. This coverage helps you handle from a breach or cyber attack and pays for things like data recovery and investigative services.
Example: Hackers steal sensitive information from your computer database. Your cyber policy can cover the costs of investigating the theft, notifying customers, and recovering your information.
Commercial auto
Protects the vehicles you use for work
Commercial auto
Protects the vehicles you use for work
If you regularly use a car for work, you might need commercial auto insurance. It can pay for damage you cause others if you're at fault in an accident. Liability coverage is required, and states set these insurance minimums. You can also get additional commercial auto coverage to protect your vehicle, drivers, and passengers from collisions and other events.
Example: While driving to a client meeting, you accidentally rear-end another car. Your auto liability insurance could cover the other driver's injuries and pay to repair or replace their vehicle.
Surety bonds and E&O insurance for notaries
A surety bond protects the public, while E&O insurance protects you. The bond company pays the client, and you reimburse it. By contrast, E&O covers your defense costs and certain damages. Having both gives you well-rounded protection if someone makes a claim.
How much does notary insurance cost?
The cost of notary insurance depends on the risks your business faces. For example, an individual who notarizes a few documents a month as a side job will have a different premium than an incorporated notary business with multiple employees and a higher volume of work.
Your risk level is determined by factors like:
- Location
- Size of your business
- Number of employees
- Years in business
- Claims history
- Business property
- Coverages and limits
- Deductibles
If you need an auto policy for your work vehicles, consider the cost of commercial auto insurance in your budget. Progressive Commercial can help you save with multi-product insurance discounts.
Getting insurance for notaries through Progressive Commercial
Progressive Commercial has been insuring small businesses for over 50 years. Today, we're trusted by more than 1.2 million policyholders. Our knowledgeable agents, exceptional support, and flexible options make it easy to build the policy you want and get advice when you need it.
Give us a call or start an online quote. We'll help you seal the deal on tailored notary insurance you can feel confident about.
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