Notary Public Insurance
Are you protected?
Many notaries mistakenly believe that the notary bond protects the notary. However, this is not the case. The notary bond is designed to protect the public. If a claim is made against your bond, you are required to pay it back. Notary Public Errors & Omissions Insurance is designed to protect you, the notary.
We strongly recommend all notaries carry Notary Public Errors & Omissions Insurance. An innocent mistake could result in a verdict involving tens of thousands of dollars. With Notary Public Errors & Omissions Insurance, you can be protected from financial loss for a nominal amount.
Consider these actual cases:
- A property owner and a bank sued a notary. She did nothing wrong, but was deceived by identity thieves. The notary chose to pay to settle both lawsuits rather than endure prolonged litigation. An Errors & Omissions policy would have protected her.
- A notary witnessed the signature of a minor on a deed transfer, using a passport as identification. When the parents divorced, the notary was sued on behalf of the child by her legal guardian. Because she had an Errors & Omissions policy, the notary avoided substantial legal fees. She was fully protected.
- In a real estate transaction, a notary witnessed signatures that later proved to be forgeries. Even though she was acting on instructions from her boss, the notary was held liable for $5,000 in damages.
Just as you protect your home, car and other personal effects with insurance, you need to protect your notarial acts with Notary Public Errors and Omissions Insurance. Without one of these vital and affordable policies, you could face substantial legal fees - even if you are not at fault.
Notary Public Underwriters offers various levels of coverage to best meet your needs, even if you are a currently commissioned notary public. Rates can be prorated based on the remaining length of term. To see your options, select your state from the list below.
Notary Public Errors & Omissions policies are underwritten by Universal Surety of America, Western Surety Company and Surety Bonding Company of America.