3 Ways Agents Can Help Clients Navigate an Evolving E&O Landscape

• By: Olivia Overman
• October 26, 2026

Although market conditions remain favorable from a pricing and capacity standpoint, errors & omissions (E&O) risks are becoming increasingly complex. Underwriters are asking more questions about the expanding use of artificial intelligence (AI), while legal system abuse, social inflation and nuclear verdicts continue to impact premium levels.

Nevertheless, organizations that demonstrate strong underwriting profiles may benefit from more favorable rates, according to WTW’s “Insurance Marketplace Realities 2026—Managed Care E&O, D&O and Cyber” report.

“E&O premium levels are shaped by several factors, including industry class, exposure, such as revenue and head count, exposure growth, claims history and risk management,” says Beth Whitney, head of professional liability U.S. at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions. “Premium is not driven by any single factor; it reflects the underwriter’s assessment of both frequency and severity potential.”

Agents can distinguish themselves by helping clients identify, assess and mitigate the risks that impact the cost and level of coverage they need.

“Agents can differentiate themselves by serving as risk advisors rather than transactional insurance providers,” Kelly Basler, senior vice president and underwriting manager, miscellaneous professional liability, Munich Re Specialty—North America. “Developing specialized knowledge of industry-specific E&O exposures, particularly in sectors like real estate, allows agents to provide more meaningful guidance and uncover coverage gaps that clients may not recognize.”

Here are five ways agents can help provide the best coverage options for their clients:

1) Look beyond premium. “Agents can add real value by helping clients look beyond premium and evaluate the broader strength of the E&O placement, including coverage quality, claims expertise, carrier stability and the benefits of a long-term carrier relationship,” Whitney says.

By identifying carriers with a track record of stability, agents can help clients build strong insurance relationships that can be especially valuable when significant claims arise.

“Carrier stability is an important consideration when placing E&O coverage,” Whitney says. “A carrier with decades of market experience and strong agency ratings is often preferred because it typically has deeper data, greater underwriting perspective and a more experienced claims team.”

Further, “long-standing E&O carriers may have claims professionals with 20 or 30 years of specialized experience,” Whitney explains. “While newer carriers may offer lower premiums, agents should also consider the quality of the claims team and the carrier’s long-term commitment to the market.”

2) Understand clients’ profile. Agents can set themselves apart “by developing a deep understanding of a client’s products, services and underlying risk profile,” says Aaron Belair, president of technology and life sciences at Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions. “It’s important to evaluate not only the exposures associated with their current offerings, but also where the business is headed and how risk management and security are being incorporated into that strategy.”

This is particularly important as technology and AI play a more important role in a client’s operations.

“Agents can help guide clients through this evolving landscape by encouraging appropriate AI oversight and governance, as well as the implementation of stringent risk management protocols,” says Daniel Millea, director, management and professional liability, Markel.

Agents can also help explore the “need for coverage dedicated to the implementation or adoption of AI models, new risks associated with AI development and use, and how both underwriting and coverage need to evolve quickly,” says Dan Law, head of the cyber practice, custom risk solutions at HSB.

“Agents who can truly show an understanding of the industry segments they work with and how they are adapting coverage specific to those businesses is what sets them apart; this is nothing new but is enhanced with how quickly companies are deploying new technology and modifying their legacy business models,” Law says.

3) Understand policy provisions. “Agents can add meaningful value by helping clients interpret policy language, evaluate coverage for potential gaps and understand how emerging risks or marketplace trends may affect their exposure,” Millea says. “They can also differentiate themselves through claims advocacy and proactive loss mitigation guidance.”

Beyond policy and risk management support, leading agents can help clients navigate coverage nuances and secure protection that aligns with their specific exposures.

“The best agents provide clear, practical comparisons of coverage across carriers and explain how policy differences may affect the client if a claim arises,” Whitney says. “They may also advocate for manuscript coverage tailored to the agency’s specific needs.”

They also play a critical role in ensuring coverage keeps up with changing risks. “Ultimately, agents who help clients navigate the growing complexity of today’s professional liability environment and align coverage with evolving business operations will be best positioned to build long-term relationships, create value beyond the transaction, and grow their E&O portfolios,” Basler says.

Olivia Overman is IA content editor.