Technology E&O (Professional Liability)

• Claims alleging a coding error, bug, or failed delivery caused a client financial loss
• Missed deadlines, scope disputes, and failure to meet specified functionality
• Legal defense costs even when the claim is groundless
• Claims-made form with retroactive date - protects work performed before the current policy period
• Common limits: $1M/$1M for freelancers and small shops; $2M+ for firms serving larger Mississippi clients

A checkout integration bug that causes a Mississippi e-commerce client to lose sales, or a failed data migration that costs a client hours of downtime, are classic Tech E&O claims in this trade. Standard General Liability does not cover this exposure.

Intellectual Property & Media Liability

• Claims alleging your code or design infringes someone else's copyright or patent
• Exposure from open-source components used under incompatible or misunderstood licenses
• Disputes over code, design, or content ownership at the end of a project or contract
• Often distinct from standard Tech E&O - confirm your policy specifically addresses IP claims

Open-source licensing is a critical exposure in custom software work. A component used under a conflicting license can generate a real IP claim-document your license review process and ensure your policy covers this scenario.

Cyber Liability

• Data breach response if you hold or have access to client data or systems
• Ransomware response and business interruption
• Social engineering and funds transfer fraud where endorsed
• Regulatory obligations under Mississippi's Data Breach Notification Law
• Often combined with Tech E&O into a single policy for efficiency

If your development work gives you access to a client's production systems, a breach can generate liability tied to your access, not just a standalone Cyber claim against the client.

General Liability & BOP

• Bodily injury or property damage to third parties at your office or during client visits
• Property coverage for office equipment, computers, and furnishings
• Often bundled with Commercial Property in a discounted BOP for firms with a fixed office
• Additional Insured for commercial landlords or co-working space requirements

GL covers premises and physical liability-not the professional errors that are the actual core risk for developers (that's Tech E&O). Most Mississippi client contracts require both, as they cover entirely different claim types.

Workers' Compensation

• Required by Mississippi law for any firm with W-2 employees
• Covers ergonomic strain, slip-and-fall, and other workplace injuries
• Employers Liability (Coverage B) protects against employee negligence suits
• Mississippi's classification rules apply to contracted developers who may function like employees

Even a desk-based Mississippi dev shop carries WC exposure once it has employees. Many developers operate as solo contractors or rely on subcontracted talent-review whether your specific arrangement requires WC under Mississippi's classification rules.

Commercial Umbrella

• Adds excess liability above your GL, Tech E&O, and Employers Liability
• Often required by larger Mississippi enterprise clients before signing a master services agreement
• Relatively low cost relative to the additional protection it provides

Larger corporate clients in Mississippi increasingly specify $2M-$5M total liability as a vendor requirement before granting systems access or signing a significant development contract. An umbrella is the most cost-efficient way to reach those thresholds.

Mississippi Data Breach Notification Law

Mississippi's data breach statute requires businesses maintaining computerized personal information to notify affected residents promptly after discovering a breach. This applies as soon as your development work involves access to or storage of client customer data, regardless of firm size.

Contract Clarity on IP Ownership and Licensing

Most disputes over code ownership trace back to contracts that never clearly specified who owns the deliverable, what license (if any) the client receives, and what happens to any reusable components or frameworks you bring from other projects. Clear contract language is essential for mitigating IP liability exposure.

Mississippi Independent Contractor Classification

Mississippi applies specific tests for worker classification. Development shops relying on 1099 contractors should confirm classification carefully-contractors who work primarily for one firm and follow its direction may not satisfy independent contractor status, exposing the firm to Workers' Compensation back-premium assessments.

Client Contract Insurance Requirements

Larger Mississippi corporate and institutional clients increasingly specify minimum Tech E&O, Cyber, and Umbrella limits in their master services agreements before granting systems access or signing a development contract. We review these vendor insurance exhibits before binding to ensure your program meets the exact requirements.