As a veterinarian, you most likely need coverage for your building, your business personal property, the personal property of others in your care, liability and employee on-the-job injuries.
And that is probably just the beginning, because veterinarians face some pretty unique risks. Below are some common industry-specific risks that can help you think about insurance you may need. Not every insurer or policy offers coverage for each one, so it’s important to have at least an idea of what you need when you’re shopping for coverage.
The first two columns will give you an idea of insurance veterinarians need–while final column shares which protections Erie Insurance offers for your risks.
RISKS FOR VETS
THE RISK As a licensed veterinarian, you err in administering drugs to an animal or misdiagnose an animal’s illness.
POTENTIAL PROBLEM(S) A claim is made when the animal becomes sick or dies.
HOW INSURANCE CAN COVER YOU
With Veterinarian Professional Liability coverage provided for damages incurred by the pet owner.
THE RISK A complaint is submitted to a Veterinary Review Board claiming you were negligent or incompetent in administering care to an animal.
POTENTIAL PROBLEM(S)You incur legal expenses to defend yourself against these allegations.
HOW INSURANCE CAN COVER YOU
For legal expenses due to disciplinary action (that occurs during the policy period) before the Informat Veterinary Review Board or the Formal Review Board. 1 2
THE RISK Customers and pets could suffer injuries such as a dog bite.
POTENTIAL PROBLEM(S) The injured party claims you are liable for bodily injury sustained due to the dog bite.
HOW INSURANCE CAN COVER YOU
For premises liability up to the occurrence limit for damages.
THE RISK Animals in your care, custody or control or in transit in your vehicle, are injured or killed.
POTENTIAL PROBLEM(S) A claim is made when the animal requires medical care or dies.
HOW INSURANCE CAN COVER YOU
For direct physical damage to the animals in your care, custody or control.
THE RISK You lose medical records.
POTENTIAL PROBLEM(S) You are unable to justify a treatment or diagnosis to provide proof that a pet owner was provided care information about their pet.
HOW INSURANCE CAN COVER YOU
For costs associated with recreating the records.
Other lines of coverage veterinarians should consider adding are: (1) protection for check, credit, debit or charge card forgery or alteration; (2) employee dishonesty and theft; (3) sewer and drain backup; (4) commercial auto; (5) data breach; and (6) business life.
As you can see, having the right insurance is important—and complex.* To get some peace of mind about your coverage, it’s important to speak with with insurance professionals like Middle Creek Insurance. ERIE has a program that includes products and services specifically developed to provide veterinarians like you with the protection you really need. A local Erie Insurance agent can tell you more about it and give you a free quote.
*Please see our Important Notice.
1 Available via Veterinarian Professional Liability Endorsement at extra cost.
2Â Additional coverages and limits available at additional cost.
Insurance Veterinarians Need to Protect Their Practice (erieinsurance.com)
