Skip to main content
D&O Insurance

Does an LLC need D&O insurance in India?

Liability insurance is not something that any company or business does not consider. The insurance plan is effective in many ways. As a result, most insurance providers bring several liability insurances plans for their customers. Now, the question is – whether the particular liability insurance is apt for a company. In this writing, get to know the essentiality of the D&O blog in an LLC. 

Understanding LLC

Before getting into the deep discussion on D&O necessities, understand the concept of LLC. LLC stands for a limited liability company. It is a business structure and is useful for private companies. In an LLC it is easy to protect the liability of the owner. In this business structure, the protection of personal liabilities happens with pass-through taxation. It may be a sole proprietorship or a partnership. In an LLC, the personal assets are safe even if the business gets sued. 

Understanding D&O policy

A D&O policy caters to the high-rank holders in a business or company. Some several duties and responsibilities come with the supreme designations. The professionals have to meet the duties with utmost diligence to ensure the proper functionality of the business. If there is an issue with their service causing a financial loss to the company, there can be legal allegations brought against them. In such times, the D&O policy pays for the defense cost and bears the penalties and settlement fees. 

Purpose of the policy

The elementary purpose of the D&O liability insurance is to safeguard the personal assets of the directors and high-ranked officials in a company. Does it sound similar to the structure of LLC? Yes, there are similarities. For this, many would consider not getting the policy for an LLC structured company. But there are other purposes of the D&O policy as well. The different agreement clauses help the company get risk coverage. You cannot find the answer to the question of buying the policy for an LLC if you are unaware of the D&O coverage features and benefits. 

Is it essential for the current corporate scenario?

With the pandemic impact on the professional and corporate sectors, the risks have increased largely. Lawsuits against individual professionals and companies have increased in the last two years. Why? Because the scope of functioning and operating with optimal resources has reduced, making a company loses its profit margins. In such times, the shareholders and anyone related to the company can bring charges for mismanagement. Thus, to mitigate such unwanted risks, the policy acts as an excellent tool. 

Reasons to claim a reimbursement.

A quick look at the claiming grounds in the D&O policy will help you understand why an LLC may consider the policy. Besides the mismanagement issues of the professional duties, there are other legal allegations supported by the D&O policy. Discrimination, misleading statement, non-disclosure of essential information, disclosure of crucial intelligence assets, breach of environmental acts, lack of corporate governance, etc., are some of the common reasons. 

Agreements of D&O policy

A D&O policy has three agreement clauses wherein you can understand how the insurance policy can work for your company in distinct ways. The Side-A agreement part covers the individuals (directors and officers). The Side-B agreement part covers the company by providing reimbursement for the legal expenses incurred for defending the high-rank holders. In contrast, the Side-C agreement focuses on entity security coverage, entirely targeted for the companies (private or publicly listed). LLCs can utilize the benefits of the insurance policy if they plan to recruit board members for the company. Besides that, the policy agreements also work as a risk management plan. 

  • For the board members and directors – It is not mandatory for an LLC to get the D&O policy, as there are liability-related advantages with the said business structure. But, having the D&O policy can be helpful at times. For example – if the LLC company has a board of directors, then the insurance acts as a liability shield to the high-ranked executives. They can benefit from the coverage offerings from the D&O policy
  • A risk-management tool  D&O helps in mitigating the risks and getting better coverage when in need. For example – if your company has violated an environmental act, there can be heavy penalties imposed. In such times, you can get the expenses from the insurer through the security protection benefits. 

A chance to grow the company

Getting investors on board can be tough in the current situation. Especially, if the LLC is at a growing stage, the investors get wary of getting into a deal. But representing a risk management policy can be helpful at times. It helps them understand the potential and vision of the company. Thus, LLCs can consider purchasing the D&O policy to attract investors. 

Building a competent team

If you consider getting board members in the company, having a D&O policy is essential. Without the support of the D&O insurance policy, the appointed board members would have to take the liability responsibility on themselves. The D&O insurance coverage safeguards their assets in times of legal proceedings. For presenting the competent professionals a lucrative offer, so they join the company, you have to ensure such facilities. It helps in getting a team of experts to help the company grow. 

A valuable resource for LLC

With such benefits, it is evident that LLCs require the D&O policy. It may not be a wise decision for LLCs to only go for the E&O or general liability insurances, as the D&O policy have certain added benefits to help the business. Take a prudent call by purchasing the D&O insurance. 

The right way to purchase the policy

Connect to an insurance broker or the representatives of the insurance company. You should gather every detail related to the insurance policy before buying it. It will help you understand practically if the coverage is beneficial for the company. Take sufficient time to understand the essential coverage aspects and benefits of the D&O insurance policy

PlanCover – Bringing all the answers to you.

Get your doubts cleared with PlanCover. The leading insurance broker company brings D&O liability insurance for businesses and companies. You can also consult with them to understand the nitty-gritty of the policy and coverage details. Connect to their team and get started with the process. 

Leave a Reply

Get Your FREE QUOTE