--- title: "Directors and Officers Liability Insurance" url: "https://vimcover.com.au/directors-and-officers-liability-insurance/" type: "page" published: "2023-06-29T12:29:53+10:00" modified: "2026-09-24T13:11:04+10:00" author: "Brad Smith" --- Excellent 5/5 on Google # Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Australia One allegation against a director shouldn’t put their home, savings and reputation on the line. Directors and officers liability insurance protects the people who make the decisions. We are a directors and officers insurance broker who helps Australian boards, business owners and senior leaders compare D&O insurance across multiple insurers. Whether you need D&O liability insurance coverage for a private company, not-for-profit, pre-IPO business or larger organisation, we’ll help structure cover around how your business is actually run. ## We help you make sure: - Your personal assets are protected from covered claims - Your legal defence and investigation costs are considered - Your cover is structured around your position [Call 1300 003 555](tel:1300003555) ![GoogleReview Profiles](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GoogleReview-Profiles.png) **5/5**from Australian business owners Independent brokers Support at claim time ## Get a D&O Insurance Quote ## Our Insurers We partner with leading insurers to help find suitable directors and officers cover at a competitive price. ![NTI Logo](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/nti.png) ![hollard logo](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hollard.png) ![QBE Logo](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/QBE.png) ![Vero logo](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/vero.png) ![Zurich Logo](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/zurich.png) ![allianz logo](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/allianz.png) ![Blue Zebra Insurance Logo](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/bzi.png) ![CGU logo](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CGU.png) ![High Street Underwriting Agency Logo](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/highstreet.png) ![Mecon Insurance Logo](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/mecon.png) ## What is directors liability insurance? **This insurance,** also known as **D&O insurance**, is intended to safeguard the personal assets of company directors, officers and senior managers against a claim for an actual or alleged wrongful act performed in their role. A director could be personally liable if they are accused of mismanagement, breach of duty, regulatory failure or a workplace-related issue. Defending a claim can be costly, even if the claim is ultimately dismissed. D&O liability insurance can help cover legal defence costs, settlements, investigation costs and other covered expenses, so a single claim does not fall entirely on the individual or the business. Shareholders, employees, regulators, competitors, creditors and even the company itself can claim against directors and officers in Australia, due to the increased regulatory scrutiny and higher expectations of corporate governance. Directors and officers insurance is a crucial component of protecting the leaders of many businesses. [Get a Quote](#quote) [1300 003 555](tel:1300003555) ![directors and officers liability insurance](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/directors-and-officers-liability-insurance.jpg) ## What does D&O insurance coverage include? Every policy is different, which is why we take the time to match cover to your organisation. A typical policy may include: [https://vimcover.com.au/public-liability-insurance/](https://vimcover.com.au/public-liability-insurance/) ### [Legal defence expenses](https://vimcover.com.au/public-liability-insurance/) The cost of legal representation when a director or officer has to defend a claim or respond to an investigation. This is often one of the largest and most immediate expenses. [https://vimcover.com.au/public-liability-insurance/](https://vimcover.com.au/public-liability-insurance/) ### [Investigation expenses](https://vimcover.com.au/public-liability-insurance/) Representation costs where a director or officer is legally required to attend or respond to an investigation into the affairs of the company, including by a regulator. ### Settlements and judgments Compensation a director or officer may be required to pay to settle or resolve a covered claim. ### Employment practices liability Claims arising from workplace issues such as alleged wrongful dismissal, discrimination or harassment, depending on the policy structure. ### Statutory liability Fines, penalties and legal costs resulting from unintentional breaches of workplace health and safety, environmental or other regulatory laws, where legally insurable. ### Officer liability insurance Protection for certain officers and senior decision-makers who may be personally named in a covered claim. *The level of D&O insurance coverage, limits and exclusions vary between insurers, which is why it is important to review the detail carefully before deciding.* [Get a Quote](#quote) [1300 003 555](tel:1300003555) ## What is not covered by directors & officers liability insurance? No policy covers everything, and being clear on the exclusions up front helps avoid surprises at claim time. We will explain exactly what is and is not covered in your policy, so you know where you stand before you commit. D&O insurance generally does not cover: - Deliberate fraud, dishonesty or criminal conduct - Intentional breaches of the law - Claims covered under another more suitable policy, such as professional indemnity or public liability insurance - Fines or penalties that are uninsurable by law - Bodily injury or property damage claims, unless specifically included by the policy wording - Claims or circumstances already known about before the policy started ## Side A, Side B and Side C cover explained A directors and officers policy is usually built from three sides of cover. Understanding the difference helps you see exactly who and what is being protected. ### Side A — protection for individuals Covers directors and officers directly for liabilities and legal defence costs when the company is unable or not permitted to indemnify them. This may apply if the company is insolvent. This is the part of the policy most closely linked to protecting personal assets. ### Side B — company reimbursement Reimburses the company when it has indemnified its directors and officers for a covered claim, such as under a Deed of Indemnity. It protects the company’s balance sheet rather than paying the individual directly. ### Side C — entity / securities cover Covers the company itself for claims arising from the trading of its securities. This is most relevant to listed and pre-IPO companies. Side C cover can be more specialised, which is where broker experience matters. As your broker, we help you understand which sides you may need based on whether you are a private company, not-for-profit, pre-IPO business, listed company or larger organisation. We then help structure the policy accordingly. [Get a Quote](#quote) [1300 003 555](tel:1300003555) ## Examples of D&O insurance claims This insurance may respond to a range of claims involving decisions made by directors, officers or senior managers. ### Examples may include: - Alleged breach of director duties - Mismanagement of company funds - Insolvent trading allegations - Regulatory investigations - Employment-related claims against directors or senior managers - Shareholder or investor disputes - Decisions that allegedly caused financial loss to the company or another party - Claims involving misleading statements, reporting errors or governance failures **Not every claim will be covered, and each insurer will apply its own policy wording, limits and exclusions. That is why it is important to get advice before choosing a D&O liability insurance policy.** [Call 1300 003 555](tel:1300003555) [Get a Quote](#quote) ![GoogleReview Profiles](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GoogleReview-Profiles.png) **5/5**from Australian business owners Independent brokers Support at claim time ## Who can bring a claim against a director or officer? You do not have to run a large public company to be exposed. Claims can come from many directions, including: - **Shareholders and investors** — over decisions affecting company value - **Employees** — for alleged wrongful dismissal, discrimination or harassment - **Regulators** — such as ASIC, WorkCover or other authorities following an investigation or incident - **Competitors** — over alleged anti-competitive conduct or misleading conduct - **Creditors and liquidators** — including claims of insolvent trading - **The company itself** — over an alleged breach of director duties Smaller businesses are often more exposed, not less. They may have fewer resources to absorb the cost of a drawn-out legal dispute. [Call 1300 003 555](tel:1300003555) [Get a Quote](#quote) ![GoogleReview Profiles](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GoogleReview-Profiles.png) **5/5**from Australian business owners Independent brokers Support at claim time ## Who does directors and officers insurance cover in Australia? Depending on the policy, directors and officers insurance can protect: - Past, present and future directors and officers - Executive and non-executive directors - Company secretaries - Senior managers and supervisors making key decisions - Not-for-profit and association board members - Advisory board members, depending on the policy - Certain officers and employees acting in a managerial capacity D&O directors insurance is not just for listed companies. Private companies, family-owned businesses, start-ups, not-for-profits and advisory boards can all face claims against the people making decisions. If a person can be held personally responsible for decisions made in their role, directors insurance is worth reviewing. [Call 1300 003 555](tel:1300003555) [Get a Quote](#quote) ![GoogleReview Profiles](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GoogleReview-Profiles.png) **5/5**from Australian business owners Independent brokers Support at claim time ## Why choose VIM Cover for D&O liability insurance? Being a leader of an organisation is enough of a challenge without having to worry about personal exposure. Whether you sit on a single board, run a family business, manage a not-for-profit or oversee a group of companies, the right D&O cover can help protect your personal assets, your reputation and the business you have built. [**VIM Cover is an independent insurance broker.**](https://vimcover.com.au/about/)We are not dependent on any one insurer or product. We compare options across a panel of insurers and explain the differences, because the cheapest policy is rarely the best fit. The right choice will depend on your structure, your sector, your contractual obligations, your risk profile and the people who need protection. We also believe in plain-English advice. We will tell you what is covered, what is optional, what is not covered and what insurers will want to know, so you are not left to decipher a policy document on your own. - Clear advice with no unnecessary jargon - Practical recommendations based on how your organisation operates - D&O insurance coverage compared across multiple insurers - Support from quote through to claim - Australia-wide cover [Call 1300 003 555](tel:1300003555) [Get a Quote](#quote) ![GoogleReview Profiles](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GoogleReview-Profiles.png) **5/5**from Australian business owners Independent brokers Support at claim time ![Stars Large](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Stars-Large.png) “My experience with VIM cover was nothing but professional.” **– Laura Evans** ![Directors looking at paperwork](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/directors-and-officers-liability-insurance-mb.jpg) ## Cover structured around your organisation Every board and leadership team is different, and so is your D&O cover. We take the time to understand your structure, your sector, the decisions your leaders make and any obligations you need to meet. From there, we help shape a policy around your specific risks rather than a generic, off-the-shelf option. That means fewer potential gaps, clearer advice and cover that is structured properly from the start. [Get a Quote](https://vimcover.com.au/contact/) [1300 003 555](tel:1300003555) ## Trusted by Australian businesses We are responsive, easy to deal with and focused on finding suitable cover, which is why businesses select VIM Cover. We do our best to research your options, clarify the differences and assist you when it counts. Whether you are arranging directors and officers liability insurance for the first time or reviewing an existing policy, we will help you understand your options clearly. ``` EXCELLENT Based on 36 reviews Posted on Google B Gardam Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend Danielle at vim enough. I had trouble renewing my insurance due to claims history. She worked hard and got me a new policy under difficult circumstances. Thanks danielle. Posted on Google Joe Meintjes Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Have used VIM cover for a number of insurances. They have been very helpful, responsive and most of all competitive. Posted on Google Greg Pritchard Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team at Vim Cover are great to deal with!!! Posted on Google Ciri Stanek Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendly staff who worked really hard to find the right cover for us. Thanks, Tyson and Carmine! Posted on Google M B Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When it comes to renewing your insurance policies it’s certainly worth going through the right broker as they have the skill set and resources to save you a significant amount. I found VIM Cover , Australia to be the best by far. On Wednesday 5th June 2024 I contacted VIM Cover Australia after finding them on Google. I was after a competitive and sensible price for my Insurance cover. I spoke to Tyson one of their team members and his professional help and customer service was excellent. Tyson was able to beat any other quotes I was given plus offer me more value for the price given. We selected my insurer to be through Zurich and I saved myself over $150 per year. I would highly recommend VIM for their professional advice, help and customer service. Thank you Tyson for making my inquiry a great and straightforward experience. I look forward to sharing my experience with family and friends and would highly recommended your services to anyone. If there was an option I would have left a ten star rating. Posted on Google Cassie Cross Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved working with the team. The process was fast and incredibly easy. Thank you so much! Posted on Google Laura Evans Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience with VIM cover was nothing but professional. The employees were able to explain clearly what my cover involved and came in with a competitive price. I would highly recommend their services and look forward to dealing with them in the future for other insurance purposes Posted on Google sam west Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Adam was excellent in helping with my new policy, very helpful throughout the whole process! ``` ``` ``` ## FAQ Popular questions people ask us. How much does directors and officers insurance cost in Australia? Premiums are dependent on the size and structure of your organisation, your sector, turnover, claims history, number of directors and whether you require Side A, Side B or Side C cover. The best way to get an accurate number is to compare options between insurers. Is directors and officers insurance required? It is not generally mandated by law, but it may be required to meet governance expectations, attract directors, satisfy investor requirements or meet contractual obligations. It is an important component of risk management for many boards. What is the difference between D&O and management liability insurance? D&O insurance is designed to cover claims made against the directors and officers personally in their capacity as directors and officers. [Management liability insurance](https://vimcover.com.au/management-liability-insurance/) is a more comprehensive policy that may also provide coverage for employment practices, statutory liability, crime and tax audit issues. Who needs D&O insurance? D&O insurance is recommended for any organisation that has directors, officers or senior managers making decisions on its behalf. This encompasses private companies, family businesses, start-ups, not-for-profits, associations, pre-IPO and listed businesses. Is D&O insurance the same as directors insurance? Directors insurance is sometimes referred to as a simpler version of directors and officers insurance. The cover is intended to shield directors, officers and some senior decision makers from claims against them personally for covered claims. Does D&O insurance cover legal defence costs? A number of D&O policies contain legal defence costs for covered claims and investigations. The actual coverage will vary by insurer, policy language, limits and exclusions. What is not covered by D&O insurance? Deliberate fraud, dishonesty, criminal activity, intentional violations of law and claims that are known of prior to the policy’s inception are generally excluded from D&O coverage. Some fines and penalties may also be uninsurable by law. Do small businesses need directors and officers insurance? Yes, claims can be made against directors or senior managers of small businesses. Smaller companies are often more vulnerable because they may not have the financial means to withstand the expense of a legal battle. Do not-for-profits need D&O insurance? Yes. Many of the duties of company directors can be assumed by not-for-profit and association board members. D&O insurance can help protect board members from covered claims made against them personally. ## How it works **Arranging directors and officers cover does not need to be complicated.** We start by getting to know your organisation and what needs to be protected. From there, we compare options across our insurer network and present suitable choices. When you’re familiar with the choices, we help you arrange the cover and are available to assist you if you ever need to make a claim or review your policy. #### Have clear guidance, options and cover from the outset. [Call 1300 003 555](tel:1300003555) ![GoogleReview Profiles](https://vimcover.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/GoogleReview-Profiles.png) **5/5**from Australian business owners Independent brokers Support at claim time ### Get a Quote