The insurance covers defence costs and awards made against directors, officers and employees following claims arising from actions undertaken in their capacity as a director, officer or employee. The limited status of a company may not eliminate individuals from claims made against a company. It is not unusual to find directors that are under the impression that their limited status covers them so they do not need Directors and Officers insurance cover. Directors should not rely on the company indemnifying them. Without the protection of D&O individuals are putting their own personal wealth and belongings at risk. There are various different acts, rules and regulations that companies have to abide by. As a consequence of that, there are a raft of people able to press claims – namely regulators, creditors, employees and shareholders. Claims to the fore would be across:

Health & Safety Bribery, corruption and fraud Sexual, racial or age discrimination Wrongful dismissal Wrongful trading Financial reporting Competition law Breach of copyright Cyber and data protection Unpaid taxes Environmental damage