Notary insurance — E&O / professional liability.
Notary Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance — also called professional liability insurance — is generally intended to protect you against allegations of error or omission in your notarial duties.
What notary E&O insurance is intended to address
- ✓ Allegations that a notarization contained an error, omission, or unauthorized act — addressed by professional liability insurance, also called Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance
- ✓ Defense costs in the event of a covered claim arising from a notarial act
- ✓ Optional additional limits, identity-theft protection, and electronic-notarization endorsements (varies by carrier)
Your state also requires a notary bond.
A notary bond is the surety bond your state requires you to file as a condition of holding a commission. It's generally intended to protect the public — separate from your E&O insurance, which protects you.
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FAQ
Is "professional liability" the same as "E&O" for notaries?
For notaries the terms are used interchangeably. Both "notary professional liability" and "notary E&O" generally refer to the same coverage — protection against allegations of error, omission, or unauthorized act arising from your notarial duties.
How much E&O coverage do I need?
Common limits are $25,000, $50,000, and $100,000. Notaries who do higher-stakes work (loan signings, real estate closings) commonly carry higher limits. Some signing services require a minimum E&O limit.
Does my notary bond cover my own legal fees?
Generally no. The bond protects the public — if the surety pays a claim, the notary is obligated to repay. E&O insurance is generally intended to address the notary's own defense costs and any settlement, subject to policy terms.
I do remote / electronic notarizations. Am I covered?
Coverage for remote online notarization (RON) and electronic notarization varies by carrier. Disclose all notarization methods on your application; endorsement may be required.
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