The Solo Attorney Practice Insurance Checklist: 6 Policies to Consider
A practical guide to six essential insurance policies for solo attorneys, with realistic cost ranges and steps to secure coverage in 2026.
Running a solo law practice means you wear every hat, including risk manager. One malpractice claim or data breach can wipe out years of work. This checklist covers the six policies you should consider, with realistic 2026 price ranges and concrete steps to get covered this week.
1. Legal Malpractice Insurance (Professional Liability)
This is non-negotiable. It covers claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in your legal work. Most states require it, and even where optional, clients expect it.
- Cost: $3,000 to $10,000 per year for solo attorneys, depending on practice area and location. High-risk areas like plaintiff’s personal injury or medical malpractice cost more.
- What it covers: Defense costs, settlements, and judgments up to your policy limit.
- Key terms: Look for “claims-made” policies, which cover claims made during the policy period. You’ll need “tail coverage” if you switch carriers or retire.
- Action this week: Get quotes from three carriers: ALPS, CNA, and Lawyers Mutual. Compare limits (common: $100,000/$300,000 or $250,000/$500,000) and deductibles.
2. Cyber Liability Insurance
You store sensitive client data. A breach can cost you thousands in notification, credit monitoring, and legal fees. Cyber liability covers these costs.
- Cost: $500 to $2,500 per year for solo practices, depending on data volume and security measures.
- What it covers: Data breach response, forensic investigation, legal defense, and regulatory fines.
- Why you need it: Even with basic protections, phishing and ransomware are common. A single breach can exceed $10,000 in costs.
- Action this week: Check if your malpractice carrier offers cyber as an add-on. If not, get quotes from Chubb or Hiscox.
3. General Liability Insurance
This covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties. If a client slips in your office or you damage a rented space, this policy pays.
- Cost: $300 to $1,000 per year for a solo practice.
- What it covers: Medical expenses, legal defense, and settlements for accidents on your premises or caused by your operations.
- Who needs it: Almost everyone. If you lease an office, your landlord likely requires it.
- Action this week: Bundle with your business owner’s policy (see #4) for savings.
4. Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)
A BOP bundles general liability and commercial property insurance, often with business interruption coverage. It’s cost-effective for small practices.
- Cost: $500 to $2,000 per year, depending on coverage limits and location.
- What it covers: Property damage to your office, equipment, and inventory, plus liability and lost income if you can’t operate.
- Why a BOP: It’s cheaper than buying separate policies and simplifies management.
- Action this week: Get a quote from The Hartford or Travelers. Ensure your coverage includes office equipment like computers and servers.
5. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If you have any employees, even part-time, most states require workers’ comp. It covers medical costs and lost wages for work-related injuries.
- Cost: $500 to $2,500 per year for a solo with one or two staff, based on payroll and classification.
- What it covers: Medical expenses, rehabilitation, and a portion of lost wages for injured employees.
- Who needs it: Any practice with W-2 employees. Independent contractors are usually excluded, but verify.
- Action this week: Check your state’s requirements. Get quotes from your state’s workers’ comp fund or private carriers like AmTrust.
6. Business Interruption Insurance
This is often included in a BOP, but if not, consider it separately. It replaces lost income if a covered event (fire, flood) forces you to close temporarily.
- Cost: $200 to $500 per year as an add-on, or included in a BOP.
- What it covers: Lost profits, ongoing expenses (rent, payroll), and extra costs to relocate.
- Why it matters: A fire could shut you down for months. Without this, you’d have no income.
- Action this week: Review your BOP. If it lacks business interruption, add it.
Comparison Table: Policies and Typical Annual Costs (2026)
| Policy | Typical Annual Cost (Solo) | Key Coverage | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Malpractice | $3,000-$10,000 | Negligence claims, defense | Essential |
| Cyber Liability | $500-$2,500 | Data breach response, fines | High |
| General Liability | $300-$1,000 | Third-party injury, property damage | High |
| BOP (GL + Property) | $500-$2,000 | Property, liability, business interruption | Medium-High |
| Workers’ Comp | $500-$2,500 | Employee injuries | If you have staff |
| Business Interruption | $200-$500 (add-on) | Lost income during closure | Medium |
How to Get Covered This Week
- Assess your risks: List your practice areas, whether you have employees, and your office setup.
- Get quotes: For malpractice, contact ALPS, CNA, and Lawyers Mutual. For cyber, try Chubb or Hiscox. For BOP, The Hartford or Travelers.
- Compare coverage, not just price: Look at limits, deductibles, and exclusions. A cheap policy may have gaps.
- Bundle where possible: Some carriers offer discounts for multiple policies.
- Review annually: Your needs change as your practice grows.
FAQ
Q: Is legal malpractice insurance required for solo attorneys? A: In most states, yes. Even where not mandatory, it’s essential. Clients often check for coverage before hiring.
Q: Can I get cyber liability as an add-on to my malpractice policy? A: Many carriers offer it as an endorsement, which can be cheaper than a standalone policy. Compare both options.
Q: What’s the difference between general liability and malpractice? A: General liability covers physical injuries and property damage. Malpractice covers professional errors and omissions in your legal work.
Q: Do I need workers’ comp if I only have independent contractors? A: Usually not, but it depends on state law. Some states require coverage for certain contractor types. Check with your state’s labor department.
The Bottom Line
Start with legal malpractice and general liability. Add cyber liability if you store digital client data, which you almost certainly do. A BOP can bundle property and liability cost-effectively. Workers’ comp is mandatory if you have employees. Business interruption is a smart add-on. Get quotes this week, compare coverage, and secure your practice. The cost is a fraction of what one claim could cost you.