General Liability vs. Professional Liability for Pest Control Companies
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Pest control companies deal with risks that few other contractors face, chemical applications, termite bonds, fumigation hazards, inspection accuracy, and customer property exposure. Because of these unique risks, two types of insurance coverage are essential: General Liability and Professional Liability. While they sound similar, they protect your business in very different ways. If you’re comparing policies or requesting a pest control business insurance quote, understanding these differences is crucial.
1) What Is General Liability Insurance?
General Liability (GL) protects your pest control business from accidental property damage or bodily injury caused during everyday operations. This includes claims such as:
A customer slipping on your equipment
Over-spray damaging landscaping or property
A technician accidentally breaking something inside the home
Someone alleging injury on the job-site
Most landlords, commercial customers, and state regulators require general liability coverage for pest control licensing.
GL is the foundation of every pest control business insurance program, but it does not protect against service errors or inspection mistakes.
2) What Is Professional Liability Insurance?
Professional Liability, also called Errors & Omissions (E&O), covers claims related to your professional services or expertise. This is especially important for pest control contractors performing:
Termite inspections
Termite bonds/warranties
Bed bug heat treatments
Moisture/WDO reports
Fumigation prep and verification
Misapplication of chemicals
Professional liability responds when a customer claims you:
Failed to identify an infestation
Applied treatments improperly
Provided incorrect inspection results
Did not resolve a termite or pest issue after service
Caused financial damage due to service errors
Termite inspection claims and WDO reporting issues are some of the most expensive claims in the industry, making E&O coverage essential.
3) Key Differences Between the Two Coverages
General Liability | Professional Liability (E&O) |
Covers accidents | Covers service errors |
Property damage during treatment | Incorrect inspections or failed treatments |
Customer injuries | Misapplication of chemicals |
Required by most landlords & clients | Required for termite bonds & inspections |
Does not cover negligence claims | Covers negligence, mistakes, or oversight |
If you only carry General Liability, you are exposed to major financial risk from inspection mistakes, termite bond disputes, and treatment failures.
Get the Right Liability Coverage for Your Pest Control Business
Not all insurers understand extermination, fumigation, or termite bond risks. Choosing the wrong liability coverage can leave your business exposed to lawsuits and expensive claims. Wexford Insurance partners with top‑rated carriers that specialise in pest control business insurance, helping owners secure the right general liability, professional liability, and pollution liability at competitive pricing.
👉Request your Pest Control Business insurance quote from Wexford Insurance today and ensure your technicians, customers, and business are fully protected.
