LONERGAN & THOMAS INC.

EPLI Insurance in Vermont

EPLI Insurance Vermont

Learn About EPLI Insurance in Vermont & More

What is EPLI insurance?

Vermont businesses that hire employees assume some risks when they do so. Should an employee ever claim they were discriminated against or harassed, a costly lawsuit could follow. EPLI insurance may help protect against such lawsuits.

EPLI insurance generally provides specialized liability protections against employee claims of workplace discrimination or harassment. Policies may pay legal fees and settlements for covered lawsuits.

When should Vermont businesses get employment practices liability insurance?

Employment practices liability insurance can be helpful whenever employees are hired. This is something that most Vermont businesses employing workers should consider. In some cases, businesses might even want it if they primarily work with independent contractors.

It takes just one employee, job applicant, or contractor to allege discrimination. Thus, coverage is broadly recommended regardless of how many employees or contractors a business hires.

What situations are covered under employment practices liability insurance?

Employment practices liability insurance policies might protect against a range of discrimination and harassment allegations. For example, a policy might offer protection in situations like the following:

  • Women being paid less than men with equal qualifications and responsibilities
  • Interns not being paid when doing an internship that should be paid
  • Other types of unfair wage practices
  • Older employees being fired or forced to resign because of their age
  • LGBTQ+ employees being denied advancement opportunities they’re qualified for
  • Minority employees being assigned menial duties that are below their role
  • Interviewees being assed prohibited questions about immigration or pregnancy
  • Job applicants not being informed that background checks will be run
  • Some employees generally creating a hostile work environment

Exactly what a specific policy will cover depends on that policy’s terms, coverages, and conditions. An insurance agent who specializes in EPLI can review a chosen policy’s terms and coverages.

Client Testimonials

We value our clients’ feedback. It is through the testimonials of people like you that we are able to learn how to better serve our clients now and in the future. Would you like to share your thoughts? Please let us know! Feel free to contact us!

We have found Leah Ryan to be an outstanding agent who has our very best interests as her focus of service. The world of the insurance industry is sometimes quite confusing and intimidating to navigate through. Leah takes you by the hand in clearly explaining how your coverage works and helps you to understand where there are exposures to risk. We count her as an integral part of our company team in assisting us with our overall business strategy as it relates to our insurance needs. There aren’t enough stars on this app to rate her!

Miles B., Google Review
On December 22, 2013, our sign blew down in a wind storm. With just three crucial days before Christmas, I needed a new sign, and I needed it fast. Lonergan and Thomas were amazing. I had authorization for a temporary sign the same day and received full payment for all replacement costs, including the temporary sign. It was great having peace of mind just a phone call away from Gary Thomas at Lonergan and Thomas Insurance.
Jonah S, Google Review

I highly recommend Leah Ryan with Lonergan & Thomas! She has great customer service skills and is a pleasure to deal with. She stands behind what’s she says she will do!

Minna C, Google Review
EPLI Insurance Vermont

Do EPLI policies extend coverage to lawsuits filed by volunteers?

Not all EPLI policies are intended to cover allegations made by volunteers, but some might be able to cover such lawsuits. 

This is a particularly important feature for nonprofit organizations that rely on volunteers to look for. Despite being unpaid, a volunteer could allege that they were denied opportunities or harassed much like employees might in the above scenarios.

Nonprofits can work with a knowledgeable insurance agent, who can check which policies would likely cover volunteer-made allegations.

Do EPLI policies extend coverage to lawsuits filed by third parties?

Similarly, not all EPLI policies cover third-party allegations but some might. 

The most obvious potential third-party allegation is one that’s filed by an independent contractor, who may claim they were unfairly paid less, denied opportunities, or harassed. In rare situations, customers or vendors might also claim they were discriminated against in some way. 

A knowledgeable agent who’s well-versed in EPLI can also review terms to see whether a policy would cover third-party allegations.

Are discrimination and harassment claims covered under workers compensation?

Workers compensation normally covers claims where employees are injured or become ill due to their job. It typically doesn’t cover employment discrimination or harassment. For those potential issues, EPLI is normally needed.

What does a “retroactive date” in an EPLI policy mean?

Employees don’t always file employment allegations immediately when something occurs. They frequently file claims and lawsuits after the fact, which means employers may need retroactive coverage.

A “retroactive date” normally is the earliest date that something could have occurred and still be covered by the policy. Situations that occurred after the retroactive date might be covered. Anything that happened before it is unlikely to be covered.

EPLI Insurance Vermont
General Liability Insurance Vermont

Where can employers in Vermont find EPLI insurance?

If you need help insuring against employee discrimination and harassment risks, get in touch with the independent insurance agents at Lonergan & Thomas Insurance. Our independent agents have worked with many employers in Vermont, and we have the expertise to help you choose an EPLI insurance policy. Together, we can make sure your business is well-protected against these sorts of risks.

Request a quote or contact an agent.