Commercial Services
Employment Practices Liability Insurance
Protect your business from employee lawsuits alleging wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. EPLI covers legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments — even when you've done nothing wrong.
EPLI
Employee claims protection
Who Needs EPLI
Every Business with Employees Is at Risk
Employment-related claims are one of the fastest-growing sources of business litigation. The risk starts the moment you interview a job applicant and continues through every hiring, disciplinary, and termination decision you make.
Restaurants & Hospitality
Retail Stores
Professional Offices
Medical & Dental
Construction
Manufacturing
Staffing Agencies
Nonprofits
Tech & IT Companies
Real Estate
Auto Repair & Service
Any Employer
Coverage Highlights
What EPLI Covers
EPLI protects your business against claims made by employees, former employees, and even job applicants. Here are the types of claims covered by a typical policy.
Wrongful Termination
Covers claims that an employee was fired illegally — without cause, in breach of contract, or in violation of employment law. One of the most common and expensive EPLI claims, even when the termination was justified.
Discrimination
Covers claims alleging discrimination based on age, race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Includes claims under Title VII, the ADA, ADEA, and comparable state laws.
Sexual Harassment
Covers claims of unwelcome sexual conduct, hostile work environment, and quid pro quo harassment. Includes claims against the company, supervisors, and co-workers. One of the highest-profile areas of employment litigation.
Retaliation
Covers claims that an employee was punished — fired, demoted, or disciplined — for engaging in a legally protected activity like filing a complaint, reporting safety violations, or participating in an investigation.
Failure to Hire / Promote
Covers claims from job applicants or employees who allege they were denied a job or promotion based on a protected characteristic rather than qualifications. The risk begins at the interview stage.
Wage & Hour Defense
Covers defense costs for claims alleging wage and hour violations — misclassification of employees, unpaid overtime, or failure to pay minimum wage. Some policies include this as built-in coverage.
Breach of Employment Contract
Covers claims that the employer violated the terms of a written or implied employment agreement — including promises made during hiring, in employee handbooks, or through established company practices.
Workplace Bullying & Hostile Environment
Covers claims of a hostile work environment created by persistent intimidation, offensive behavior, or verbal abuse that interferes with an employee's ability to do their job.
Invasion of Privacy
Covers claims that the employer violated an employee's privacy rights — unauthorized monitoring, disclosure of medical information, or mishandling of personal data. Growing area of exposure with remote work policies.
Defamation
Covers claims that an employer made false or damaging statements about an employee or former employee — during references, internal communications, or disciplinary actions that harmed the individual's reputation.
Third-Party Claims
Some EPLI policies extend coverage beyond employees to include claims from customers, vendors, and other third parties who allege harassment or discrimination by your staff. Especially important for customer-facing businesses.
EEOC & Regulatory Defense
Covers the cost of responding to charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and state agencies. Includes legal defense, investigation costs, and any resulting settlements or fines.
Without EPLI, You Risk
Employment lawsuits can be filed by anyone — current employees, former employees, and even job applicants. Defending a single claim can cost tens of thousands, regardless of the outcome.
Average defense cost for an employment claim exceeds $75,000 — even if you win
Wrongful termination settlements routinely reach six figures for small businesses
EEOC charges are increasing year over year, with discrimination and retaliation claims leading the way
General liability and workers' comp policies do NOT cover employment practices claims
A single harassment or discrimination lawsuit can financially devastate a small business
With EPLI Coverage, You Get
Legal defense costs covered from day one — attorney fees, depositions, expert witnesses, and court costs
Settlement and judgment coverage up to your policy limits
EEOC and state agency charge response costs included
Access to HR resources, training materials, and risk management tools from your carrier
Protection for your business, your managers, and your employees as insureds
Know the Difference
EPLI vs. Other Business Policies
Many business owners assume their existing policies cover employment claims. They don't. Here's how EPLI fits alongside your other coverages.
General Liability
Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage — a customer slipping in your store. Does NOT cover employment claims like wrongful termination or harassment.
Workers' Compensation
Covers employee injuries and illnesses on the job — medical bills and lost wages. Does NOT cover claims of discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination.
Professional Liability (E&O)
Covers claims from clients alleging errors in your professional services. Does NOT cover claims from your own employees about how they were treated.
EPLI
Covers claims from employees and applicants alleging violations of their employment rights — wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and more.
Risk Management
Reduce Your Employment Risk
Having EPLI is critical — but strong employment practices can reduce your claims and lower your premiums. Many carriers provide HR resources and training as part of the policy.
Maintain a current employee handbook with clear policies on harassment, discrimination, and termination
Conduct regular harassment prevention training for all employees and managers
Document every hiring decision, performance review, disciplinary action, and termination
Establish a clear complaint process and investigate all reports promptly and thoroughly
Review job postings and interview questions for potential legal exposure
Apply policies consistently across all employees — inconsistent enforcement creates liability
$75K+
Avg. cost to defend one employment claim
67%
Of EPLI claims settled before trial
20+
Carrier partners we compare
Day 1
Defense costs covered immediately
Why Knox for EPLI?
We help businesses of all sizes find the right EPLI coverage — whether as a standalone policy, a BOP endorsement, or part of a management liability package.
Multiple Carrier Options
We compare EPLI from The Hartford, Travelers, Nationwide, Chubb, and other carriers. Standalone policies for larger employers, BOP endorsements for smaller businesses — we find the right fit.
Right-Sized Coverage
A 5-employee office has different EPLI needs than a 200-person warehouse. We tailor your limits, retention, and third-party coverage to match your actual workforce and risk profile.
Bundle With Your Program
We can package EPLI with your BOP, workers' comp, cyber, and umbrella coverage for simplified management and often better pricing across the board.
Claims Support
When an employee files a claim, time is critical. We help you notify the carrier, connect with defense counsel, and navigate the process so you can focus on running your business.
Protect Your Business from Employment Claims
Free quotes from multiple carriers. We'll find the right EPLI coverage for your business size, industry, and workforce.