What is EPLI (Employment Practices Liability Insurance)?

EPLI covers employers against claims made by employees, former employees, and job applicants alleging wrongful employment practices — including discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, failure to promote, and invasion of privacy. It covers both defense costs and any settlements or judgments, up to the policy limit.

Does my General Liability policy cover employment practices claims?

No. Standard Commercial General Liability (CGL) policies specifically exclude employment practices claims. Without a separate EPLI policy, your business has no coverage for discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination lawsuits — regardless of how large your CGL limits are.

How common are employment practices claims in Oregon?

Very common. The EEOC receives thousands of employment discrimination charges from Oregon workers every year. Oregon's Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) handles additional state-law claims. Studies show that 1 in 5 employers will face an employment practices claim at some point. The average settlement for an EPLI claim exceeds $160,000.

How much does EPLI Insurance cost in Oregon?

For small Oregon businesses (under 25 employees), EPLI typically costs $800–$3,000 per year for $1M in coverage. Mid-size businesses (25–100 employees) typically pay $2,000–$8,000 per year. Larger businesses or those in high-risk industries (hospitality, healthcare, staffing) may pay significantly more. Prior claims history and HR practices significantly affect pricing.

Does EPLI cover claims by independent contractors?

Standard EPLI policies cover employees, former employees, and job applicants. Coverage for independent contractors varies by policy. Some policies include contractor coverage; others exclude it. Oregon's broad worker classification laws mean that many workers classified as contractors may actually be employees under state law — a significant exposure for Oregon businesses.

What Oregon-specific employment laws should I know about?

Oregon has some of the strongest employee protection laws in the country. Key Oregon-specific exposures include: Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA) — broader than federal FMLA; Oregon Equal Pay Act — strict pay equity requirements; Oregon Sick Leave Law — mandatory paid sick leave; Oregon's expanded protected classes — including sexual orientation, gender identity, and domestic violence victim status; and Oregon's ban-the-box law restricting criminal history inquiries.

Does EPLI cover wage and hour claims?

Standard EPLI policies typically exclude wage and hour claims (unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, misclassification). However, some carriers offer wage and hour defense coverage as an endorsement. Oregon's wage and hour laws are strictly enforced, and class action wage claims can be extremely costly — ask us about adding this coverage.

Oregon employer EPLI employment practices liability insurance

EPLI Insurance

Employment Practices Liability for Oregon Employers

EPLI Insurance

Employment Practices Liability Insurance — Protecting Oregon Employers from Discrimination, Harassment & Wrongful Termination Claims

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Oregon Employers Face Unique Employment Practices Risks

Oregon has some of the strongest employee protection laws in the country — broader protected classes, stricter pay equity requirements, mandatory paid sick leave, and aggressive enforcement by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). Even small businesses with just a handful of employees face significant exposure to discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination claims.

Gerald Ross Agency has been protecting Oregon businesses since 1935. We understand Oregon's employment law landscape and build EPLI programs that provide the coverage limits, defense cost protection, and HR resources that Oregon employers need to manage their employment practices risk.

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What EPLI Insurance Covers

Wrongful Termination

Core coverage

Covers claims that an employee was fired for an illegal reason — including discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing, or violation of an employment contract. Wrongful termination is the most common EPLI claim in Oregon.

Discrimination Claims

Core coverage

Covers claims of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected class under Oregon or federal law. Oregon's protected classes are broader than federal law.

Sexual Harassment

Core coverage

Covers claims of quid pro quo harassment (employment decisions based on sexual favors) and hostile work environment harassment. Covers both defense costs and settlements or judgments.

Retaliation Claims

Core coverage

Covers claims that an employee was punished for reporting discrimination, filing a workers' comp claim, taking protected leave, or engaging in other legally protected activities. Retaliation claims are among the fastest-growing in Oregon.

Failure to Promote / Hire

Extended coverage

Covers claims that a hiring or promotion decision was made for discriminatory reasons. Includes claims by job applicants who were not hired, as well as current employees who were passed over for promotion.

Third-Party Harassment

Available endorsement

Covers claims by customers, vendors, or contractors who allege harassment or discrimination by your employees. Particularly important for Oregon hospitality, retail, healthcare, and service businesses with significant public interaction.

Oregon EPLI Insurance Cost Guide

Business Size	Typical Annual Cost	Typical Limit
1–10 employees	$800 – $2,000	$250,000 – $500,000
11–25 employees	$1,500 – $3,500	$500,000 – $1,000,000
26–50 employees	$2,500 – $6,000	$1,000,000
51–100 employees	$4,000 – $10,000	$1,000,000 – $2,000,000
100+ employees	Custom quote	$2,000,000+

Rates are estimates only. Prior claims history, industry, and HR practices significantly affect EPLI pricing.

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EPLI Insurance Quote Request

A local agent will review your workforce and contact you within one business day with EPLI options and pricing.

Why Oregon Employers Choose Gerald Ross Agency for EPLI

All Employers Need EPLI

Employment practices claims are the fastest-growing category of business lawsuits in the United States. Even small Oregon businesses with 5 employees face significant exposure to discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination claims.

Oregon Has Strong Employee Protections

Oregon law provides broader employee protections than federal law in many areas — including protected classes, leave rights, and retaliation protections. EPLI coverage is especially important for Oregon employers.

Defense Costs Included

EPLI covers legal defense costs even if the claim is groundless. The average cost to defend an employment practices lawsuit — regardless of outcome — exceeds $75,000. Without EPLI, those costs come directly from your business.

Third-Party Liability Coverage

Many EPLI policies now include third-party coverage for claims by customers, vendors, and contractors — not just employees. This is critical for Oregon hospitality, retail, and service businesses.

Independent Agency Since 1935

We shop 50+ carriers to find the EPLI policy that best fits your workforce size, industry, and risk profile — not just the first policy that qualifies. Our experience with Oregon businesses means we know which carriers offer the best EPLI value.

HR Resources Included

Many EPLI policies include access to HR hotlines, employee handbook templates, and online training resources — helping you prevent claims before they happen. We match you with carriers that provide the best risk management tools.

EPLI Insurance FAQ

Related Coverage

General Liability Commercial Umbrella Workers' Compensation Directors & Officers Business Insurance

Get In Touch

Ready to protect your business from employment practices claims? Call us at (541) 469-3144, email [email protected], or visit our office at 97 Beach Loop Dr, Brookings, OR 97415. We have been protecting Oregon businesses since 1935.

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