Employment Practices Liability Insurance (CPLI)
Protect Your Business from Employee Claims

Employment Practices Liability Coverage

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) protects your business if an employee alleges wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, or similar HR-related violations. Unlike general liability, EPLI covers legal costs and settlements tied to workplace allegations-an essential protection as teams grow or HR issues arise.

The Stop Gap Endorsement (Commercial Insurance Policy) offers supplemental coverage to add another layer of proportion to the employer when Worker’s Compensation isn’t enough.

Covered Allegations & Claims-What's Included

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Wrongful Termination

Claims of being fired illegally or without proper cause.

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Harassment

Alleged workplace bullying, sexual harassment, or hostile environment.

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Discrimination

Allegations based on age, race, gender, disability, or other protected classes.

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Retaliation

Claims related to adverse actions after whistleblowing or complaints.

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Third-Party EPLI

(Optional) Coverage for claims brought by customers, vendors, or non-employees.

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Legal Defense Costs

EPLI helps pay for attorneys, settlements, and judgments on covered claims-defense even if you did nothing wrong.

EPLI Is for Small & Growing Teams-Not Just Big Businesses

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Any employer with staff-even part-time or seasonal

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Businesses expanding or hiring quickly

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Companies with customer-facing HR exposure (retail, hospitality, healthcare)

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Multi-location or multi-county operations

Gateway reviews your risks and recommends EPLI where general liability or a BOP leaves gaps.

Know the Limitations

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Claims prior to policy start or outside the claims-made period

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Intentional fraud or criminal acts

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Wage/hour disputes (unless added by endorsement)

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Issues outside employment practices (professional errors, auto, etc.)

Gateway can explain the exclusions with you.

Stop Gap Endorsement

Businesses with employees must consider various insurance policies to manage financial risks. One crucial coverage is Stop Gap Insurance, which addresses gaps in workers’ compensation policies. Without it, employers could face costly lawsuits from injured employees.


Stop Gap Insurance Coverage is a supplemental liability insurance that protects employers when workers’ comp alone doesn’t cover an employee lawsuit.


For example, workers’ comp covers medical bills and lost wages after a workplace accident — but if the injured worker sues their employer for negligence, workers’ comp won’t step in to pay defense costs or damages. Stop gap coverage fills that hole.


Stop gap coverage is not a substitute for workers’ compensation. You still need workers’ comp to provide benefits to employees. Stop gap simply adds another layer of protection for the employer.



For many employers, stop gap coverage is a relatively small expense compared to the financial devastation of even one uninsured lawsuit.

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Simple Checklist-Prepare to Apply

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Employee count and types (full-time, part-time, seasonal)

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Hiring and termination practices

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Employee handbook or HR policies

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Prior claims, lawsuits, or allegations (last 3-5 years)

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Business growth or changes (recent acquisitions, layoffs, etc.)

Gateway's local team will walk you through these steps.

EPLI Insurance-Questions Answered

  • What does EPLI insurance cover?

    Legal defense and settlements for claims of wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and related employment practices.

  • Is EPLI included in general liability?

    No-EPLI is a separate policy or endorsement. Gateway can review your current coverage to identify any gaps.

  • Does EPLI cover wrongful termination or discrimination claims?

    Yes-these are basic covered events (subject to policy language).

  • What is a claims-made policy?

    EPLI is usually claims-made, covering claims made while the policy is active-ask Gateway how it works for your business.

  • Do small businesses need EPLI and/or The Stop Gap Endorsement?

    Yes-claims can arise in any size workplace. And with Stop Gap it will help close the gap Worker’s Comp has.  Gateway can help assess your risk and can recommend the appropriate coverage.

Get EPLI Coverage
Add Defense for HR-Related Claims

Don't risk your business's future to an unexpected employee claim. Gateway Insurance provides EPLI options, carrier comparisons, and local support.