Too Small to Get Sued? Why Texas Businesses Need EPLI in 2026

Too Small to Get Sued? Why Texas Businesses Need EPLI in 2026

Call Schell Insurance at (972) 423-4546 for a personalized quote or visit https://schellinsurance.com [https://schellinsurance.com] to learn more about their comprehensive insurance solutions. Think your North Texas business is too small to face an employee lawsuit? Since September 2021, that assumption could cost you everything. In this episode of Insurance Talk Texas, we break down Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) and the Texas law changes that put nearly every employer in the state at risk — even those with a single employee. Most owners assume their Business Owners Policy already covers employment claims. It usually doesn't. EPLI is a separate coverage built to protect your business against claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and failure to hire or promote — the kinds of claims that can rack up six figures in legal defense costs even when you've done nothing wrong and ultimately win. Here's what every Texas business owner needs to understand: ✅ Texas Labor Code Chapter 21 (the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act) governs employment discrimination in our state ✅ Senate Bill 45 redefined "employer" for sexual harassment claims to include ANY business with one or more employees — the old 15-employee shield no longer applies ✅ Supervisors, managers, and owners can now be held PERSONALLY liable ✅ The legal standard rose from "prompt remedial action" to "immediate and appropriate corrective action" ✅ House Bill 21 extended the harassment filing window from 180 to 300 days ✅ Texas ranks #1 in the nation for discrimination charges filed ✅ EPLI is written on a claims-made basis — retroactive dates and tail coverage matter Whether you run a contracting crew, a restaurant, a retail shop, a medical practice, or a professional services firm in Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, Allen, or anywhere across Collin and Denton County, the team at Schell Insurance can review your employment practices coverage and find the gaps before a claim ever lands. Don't wait for a demand letter or a Texas Workforce Commission complaint to find out you're exposed. By then, it's too late to protect your business from that claim. 📞 Call Schell Insurance at (972) 423-4546 🌐 Visit https://schellinsurance.com [https://schellinsurance.com] 📍 Proudly serving North Texas: Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, Allen, and the greater Collin and Denton County area Schell Insurance is an independent agency, which means they shop multiple carriers to find coverage that actually fits your business — not a one-size-fits-all template. Protect your people, protect your business, protect yourself. Subscribe to Insurance Talk Texas for weekly, easy-to-understand insurance education built specifically for Texas homeowners, drivers, families, and business owners. ⚠️ This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Coverage details, eligibility, and regulations vary. Contact a licensed Texas insurance professional at Schell Insurance for guidance specific to your situation. #EPLI #EmploymentPracticesLiability #TexasBusiness #SmallBusinessInsurance #SchellInsurance #InsuranceTalkTexas #NorthTexas #FriscoTX #McKinneyTX #PlanoTX #ProsperTX #AllenTX #CollinCounty #DentonCounty #BusinessInsurance #TexasEmploymentLaw #WrongfulTermination #WorkplaceHarassment #SB45 #SmallBusinessTexas #BusinessOwners #RiskManagement #TexasWorkforceCommission #ManagementLiability #InsuranceEducation #ProtectYourBusiness

Texas Professional Liability Insurance Explained: What E&O Covers

Call Schell Insurance at (972) 423-4546 for a personalized quote or visit https://schellinsurance.com [https://schellinsurance.com] to learn more about their comprehensive insurance solutions. If you run a service or advice-based business in North Texas, there's one coverage gap that can quietly put everything you've built at risk: a professional mistake. Your Business Owners Policy won't touch it. Your general liability won't touch it. In this episode of Insurance Talk Texas, we break down professional liability insurance — also known as errors and omissions, or E&O — and explain exactly how it protects Texas professionals when a client claims your work caused them financial harm. We cover the real difference between general liability and professional liability, why E&O pays your legal defense even when a claim is completely false, and the Texas-specific details that catch business owners off guard. Most importantly, we dig into why professional liability is written on a claims-made basis, what the retroactive date actually means, and how a single lapse in coverage can erase protection for years of your past work. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: * The difference between general liability and professional liability (and why you likely need both) * What errors and omissions insurance actually covers — negligence, mistakes, missed deadlines, and misrepresentation * Why E&O responds to claims even when you did nothing wrong * Claims-made vs. occurrence coverage explained in plain English * The retroactive date and why protecting it is critical when you switch carriers or renew * Why Texas real estate agents must keep the same retroactive date across carriers * Tail coverage and extended reporting periods for business owners who retire or close * Which Texas professions are legally required to carry coverage — and which aren't * Why your clients and contracts often require E&O even when the state doesn't * Common exclusions: intentional acts, fraud, criminal conduct, bodily injury, and property damage This episode is essential for real estate agents, brokers, and inspectors, IT and technology consultants, accountants and bookkeepers, financial advisors, architects and engineers, marketing and design firms, and any professional across Collin County and Denton County who gives advice or delivers a service for a living. If you serve clients in Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, Allen, or the surrounding North Texas communities, understanding how professional liability works could be the difference between a manageable claim and a business-ending lawsuit. At Schell Insurance, our team helps North Texas business owners build layered protection that fits their profession — and we track the details, like your retroactive date, that are easy to lose sight of on your own. As a local independent agency, we shop multiple carriers to find coverage that matches your real-world exposure. Don't wait until a claim shows up. With claims-made coverage, the protection has to be in place before the claim arrives. Get your retroactive date locked in now. Call Schell Insurance at (972) 423-4546 or visit https://schellinsurance.com [https://schellinsurance.com] to talk with a Texas insurance expert about professional liability coverage for your business. Serving Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, Allen, and the greater Collin County and Denton County area. #TexasInsurance #ProfessionalLiability #ErrorsAndOmissions #EandO #SmallBusinessInsurance #NorthTexas #SchellInsurance #BusinessInsurance #FriscoTX #McKinneyTX #PlanoTX #ProsperTX #AllenTX #CollinCounty #DentonCounty #RealEstateAgents #ITConsultants #InsuranceTalkTexas #BusinessOwners #LiabilityInsurance #TexasBusiness

Texas Business Owners Policy Explained: The One Insurance Most Small Businesses Get Wrong (BOP Coverage Guide)

Call Schell Insurance at (972) 423-4546 for a personalized quote or visit https://schellinsurance.com to learn more about their comprehensive insurance solutions. Most Texas small business owners think they're covered. Far too many find out they're not until a customer slips, a fire breaks out, or a North Texas hailstorm shreds the roof. In this episode of Insurance Talk Texas, we break down the single most important policy for small businesses in our state: the Business Owners Policy, or BOP. If you run a shop, office, restaurant, or service business in Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, Allen, or anywhere across Collin and Denton County, this is the foundation your protection should be built on. A BOP bundles two coverages almost every business needs into one package: general liability and commercial property, usually with business income protection included. Because carriers reward you for packaging it together, a BOP typically costs less than buying those coverages separately while giving you broader, more seamless protection. We walk through exactly what each piece does, where the hidden gaps are, and the Texas-specific details that catch business owners off guard at claim time. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: How a Business Owners Policy bundles general liability and commercial property into one cost-effective package What general liability actually covers: third-party bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury like libel, slander, and copyright claims Why standard liability limits work for most small businesses, and when high-traffic Texas operations should consider higher limits or an umbrella policy What commercial property protects: your building, equipment, inventory, furniture, and signage against fire, theft, vandalism, windstorm, and hail Why hail is the number one cause of commercial property claims in Texas by volume, and how to prepare for it The separate wind and hail deductible that surprises owners, often calculated as a percentage of property value rather than a flat amount How actual cash value roof settlements in North Texas can leave you with far less than full replacement cost How business income coverage keeps rent and payroll paid when a covered event forces you to close The critical coverages a BOP does NOT include: commercial auto, workers' compensation, cyber liability, and professional liability Why flood and earthquake are never part of a standard BOP, and why so many Texas owners wrongly assume flood is covered WHY THIS MATTERS FOR TEXAS BUSINESSES: Texas leads the nation in severe weather events, and small businesses face premises liability, property loss, and storm exposure every single year. The difference between a business that survives a bad claim and one that closes for good often comes down to whether the coverage was structured correctly before the loss. A knowledgeable local agent who actually reads your policy, explains your deductible structure, and identifies your gaps is one of the smartest investments you can make. That's where Schell Insurance comes in. As an independent agency serving North Texas, Schell Insurance helps small business owners build the right BOP foundation and surround it with the additional coverages their operation needs. They compare options, explain the fine print, and make sure the pieces actually fit together so you're not discovering holes on claim day. GET A PERSONALIZED QUOTE: Call Schell Insurance at (972) 423-4546 or visit https://schellinsurance.com today. Find out whether a Business Owners Policy is the right starting point for your business, and get coverage built around how you actually operate. Schell Insurance proudly serves Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, Allen, and the greater Collin County and Denton County area. Subscribe to Insurance Talk Texas for weekly, easy-to-understand guidance on protecting your home, your vehicles, your family, and your business across the North Texas market. DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance, legal, or financial advice. Coverage, availability, and terms vary by policy and individual circumstances. Please consult a licensed insurance professional regarding your specific situation. #TexasBusinessInsurance #BusinessOwnersPolicy #BOPInsurance #SmallBusinessInsurance #GeneralLiability #CommercialProperty #TexasSmallBusiness #SchellInsurance #NorthTexasInsurance #FriscoTX #McKinneyTX #PlanoTX #ProsperTX #AllenTX #CollinCounty #DentonCounty #BusinessInsurance #CommercialInsurance #InsuranceTalkTexas #DFWBusiness #TexasInsurance #HailDamage #BusinessProtection #SmallBusinessOwner #LiabilityInsurance

Texas Workers' Comp: The #1 Mistake Small Business Owners Make (You Can Legally Skip It — But Should You?)

Call Schell Insurance at (972) 423-4546 for a personalized quote or visit https://schellinsurance.com [https://schellinsurance.com] to learn more about their comprehensive insurance solutions. Did you know Texas is the ONLY state in the country where most private employers can legally choose NOT to carry workers' compensation insurance? It's true — and that single fact creates one of the biggest and most misunderstood risks facing North Texas small business owners today. In this episode of Insurance Talk Texas, with Schell Insurance, we break down what "optional" really means for your business, your employees, and your bottom line. Workers' compensation isn't just another line item. In Texas, the decision to carry it — or to go without as a "non-subscriber" — changes your entire legal exposure if an employee is ever injured on the job. Most owners assume that because coverage isn't required, opting out is the simple, low-cost choice. But what they don't realize is what they're giving up when they do. This episode is designed to give you the clear, accurate, Texas-specific information you need to make an informed decision before summer hiring season ramps up. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: - Why Texas is unique: the only state where workers' comp is optional for most private employers, and what that really means for you - The "exclusive remedy" rule — how carrying a policy can shield your business from employee injury lawsuits - What it means to be a "non-subscriber" and the serious legal consequences that come with opting out - The THREE powerful legal defenses Texas non-subscribers lose in court: contributory negligence, assumption of risk, and the fellow servant rule - Why an injured employee only has to prove slight negligence — and why there's no cap on what a jury can award against a non-subscriber - Who is actually REQUIRED to carry coverage, including contractors on government and public projects - How carrying coverage works as a "credential" that helps you win bigger contracts and satisfy general contractor requirements - The reporting obligations that non-subscribers STILL have, including annual reporting to the Texas Division of Workers' Compensation that opens every February - Written notice and workplace posting requirements for businesses that opt out - Why an independent agency can compare options across multiple carriers to match your payroll, industry, and risk level This conversation is built specifically for the North Texas business community — owners and operators in Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, Allen, and throughout Collin County and Denton County. Whether you run a landscaping crew, a restaurant, a construction or trades business, or a professional office, your workers' compensation decision should reflect your specific operation. A crew working outdoors all summer carries very different risk than an accounting office — and your coverage should reflect that. Here's the bottom line we want every Texas business owner to remember: optional is NOT the same as safe. The state lets you opt out, but it doesn't protect you when you do. Understanding what you're giving up is the difference between an informed business decision and a costly gamble that could threaten everything you've worked to build. The good news? You don't have to figure this out alone. As an independent agency serving North Texas, Schell Insurance isn't tied to a single insurance company. That means they can compare your options across multiple carriers and walk you through the trade-offs honestly — whether the right answer is a full workers' compensation policy or a different path entirely. They can also provide a certificate of coverage so you're ready to bid when opportunity strikes. Don't wait for an injury to find out where you stand. Make the call before summer hiring picks up, understand your true exposure, and protect both your people and your business. GET A PERSONALIZED QUOTE TODAY: Call Schell Insurance at (972) 423-4546 Visit https://schellinsurance.com Proudly serving Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, Allen, and the greater Collin County and Denton County area. Subscribe to Insurance Talk Texas for new episodes every week, where we break down the insurance questions that matter most to North Texas homeowners, drivers, families, and business owners — in plain English, no jargon, no pressure. DISCLAIMER: This episode is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. Coverage requirements and terms vary by circumstance and are subject to change. Please consult a licensed insurance professional regarding your specific situation. #WorkersComp #TexasBusiness #SmallBusinessTexas #WorkersCompensation #NorthTexas #SchellInsurance #InsuranceTalkTexas #BusinessInsurance #TexasInsurance #FriscoTX #McKinneyTX #PlanoTX #ProsperTX #AllenTX #CollinCounty #DentonCounty #SmallBusinessOwner #NonSubscriber #CommercialInsurance #InsuranceTips #DFWBusiness #RiskManagement

Does Your Business Vehicle Have the Right Insurance? What Texas Small Business Owners Must Know | Insurance Talk Texas

Call Schell Insurance at (972) 423-4546 for a personalized quote or visit https://schellinsurance.com [https://schellinsurance.com] to learn more about their comprehensive insurance solutions. Are you a North Texas business owner driving a work truck, van, or company vehicle? There is a coverage gap that quietly threatens thousands of small businesses across Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, Allen, and the greater Collin and Denton County area — and most owners have no idea it exists until they file a claim and get denied. In this episode of Insurance Talk Texas, we break down exactly what commercial auto insurance is, why your personal auto policy almost certainly does NOT cover business use of your vehicle, and what you need to put in place to protect yourself, your employees, and your business from a single accident that could become a financial disaster. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Why personal auto insurance excludes business use and what that means for Texas contractors, landscapers, plumbers, and service providers What commercial auto insurance actually covers that a personal policy does not, including higher liability limits designed for business exposure Texas commercial auto requirements and how minimums can increase based on vehicle weight, cargo type, and operation scope What hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) coverage is and why every business with employees who drive their personal vehicles for work needs it Why solo operators are among the most exposed business owners when it comes to this coverage gap How independent agencies like Schell Insurance shop multiple carriers to find the right commercial auto policy for your specific operation WHY THIS MATTERS FOR NORTH TEXAS BUSINESS OWNERS: The moment your vehicle is being used for business — hauling equipment, making deliveries, transporting goods, or driving to a job site — your personal auto policy may exclude the claim entirely. Contractors in Frisco, service businesses in McKinney, and delivery operations in Plano are all exposed to this risk every day. A single accident on the way to a job site, with the wrong coverage in place, can result in a denied claim, a personal lawsuit, and a business-ending financial outcome. Schell Insurance works with small business owners across Collin County and Denton County to review their commercial vehicle exposure, identify gaps, and match them with the right carriers for their industry and operations. ABOUT SCHELL INSURANCE: Schell Insurance is an independent insurance agency serving Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, Allen, and the greater North Texas area. As an independent agency, they represent you — not a single carrier — which means they shop your coverage across multiple top-rated insurers to find the best fit for your needs. From commercial auto and business owner policies to personal lines, flood, umbrella, and cyber liability, Schell Insurance is the trusted local expert for North Texas families and business owners. CONTACT SCHELL INSURANCE: Phone: (972) 423-4546 Website: https://schellinsurance.com [https://schellinsurance.com] Serving: Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, Allen, Collin County, Denton County, and greater DFW FREE COMMERCIAL AUTO REVIEW: Call (972) 423-4546 or visit https://schellinsurance.com [https://schellinsurance.com] to schedule a complimentary commercial vehicle coverage review. The Schell Insurance team will identify whether your current auto coverage actually protects your business operations, explain your HNOA exposure, and recommend the right policy structure for your situation. ABOUT INSURANCE TALK TEXAS: Insurance Talk Texas is a weekly educational podcast and YouTube series in partnership with Schell Insurance, delivering practical insurance guidance for North Texas homeowners, drivers, families, and business owners. We cover auto, commercial, homeowners, flood, umbrella, cyber liability, and Texas consumer rights. New episodes every week. SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW: Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. Share this with every business owner you know who drives a vehicle for work in North Texas. #CommercialAutoInsurance #InsuranceTalkTexas #SchellInsurance #TexasBusinessInsurance #SmallBusinessTexas #NorthTexasBusiness #FriscoTexas #McKinneyTexas #PlanoTexas #ProsperTexas #AllenTexas #CollinCounty #DentonCounty #DFWBusiness #HiredNonOwnedAuto #HNOA #ContractorInsurance #LandscaperInsurance #CommercialVehicle #BusinessAutoInsurance #TexasCommercialAuto #IndependentInsuranceAgency #InsurancePodcast #InsuranceEducation #SmallBusinessInsurance #WorkTruck #DeliveryDriverInsurance #BusinessOwnerPolicy #TexasInsurance #CoverageGap