Errors & omissions (E&O) and professional liability insurance for CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, and accounting firms across California — from multiple A-rated carriers, compared by an independent broker.
Quick answer: CPA and accountant E&O insurance pays legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments when a client alleges your work caused them financial harm — missed deadlines, filing errors, bad tax advice, or audit disputes. California accounting professionals typically pay roughly $300 to a few thousand dollars per year depending on services offered and limits. PRIA Brokers (CA License #0G81238) compares quotes from multiple A-rated carriers free.
CA License #0G81238 · 25+ Years Experience · No Obligation · Last Updated October 2026
CPA professional liability insurance — also called accountant E&O or accountant malpractice insurance — protects your firm against claims alleging financial harm from your professional accounting, tax, audit, or advisory services. In California's complex regulatory and litigation environment, E&O coverage is essential for every practicing CPA and accounting firm.
PRIA Brokers accesses multiple markets for California CPAs, including the CPA Protector Plan and other specialty programs designed specifically for accounting professionals — not generic business E&O policies.
Tax Preparation Errors
Missed deductions, incorrect filings, penalties resulting from CPA errors
Audit & Assurance Claims
Financial statement misstatement, audit failure, assurance service errors
Advisory Service Mistakes
Financial planning errors, business valuation disputes, consulting mistakes
Missed Filing Deadlines
Penalties and client losses from missed tax or regulatory deadlines
Prior Acts Coverage
Claims arising from work done before this policy period begins
Defense Costs
Legal fees and expert costs for defending malpractice and E&O claims
PRIA is not captive to any single carrier. We compare the CPA Protector Plan, Hanover Insurance Group, Arch Insurance, and other A-rated markets — then present you with the best options for your firm.
Access to the CPA Protector Plan and other programs specifically designed for accounting professionals — not generic business E&O.
Solo CPAs, small tax practices, bookkeeping firms, virtual accounting firms, mid-size CPA firms, and large audit practices.
Submit your firm's details once and receive competitive quotes from multiple markets. We do the shopping — you compare.
PRIA Brokers serves CPA firms, tax practices, bookkeeping firms, and accounting professionals throughout California — from the Bay Area and Silicon Valley to Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, and the Central Valley.
California CPAs face a unique risk environment: a complex state tax code, a litigious client base, and growing exposure from crypto and digital asset tax work. PRIA identifies carriers that understand California-specific risks and price them fairly.
Deeper dives on coverage choices, costs, and what claims actually involve.
One form. Multiple A-rated carriers. PRIA shops the CPA Protector Plan and other specialty programs — you get the best rate.
CA License #0G81238 · Professional Resource Insurance Agency, LLC
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Premiums depend on firm size, revenue, services offered, number of CPAs, and claims history. Solo CPAs and small firms often pay $800–$2,500/year. Larger firms with complex tax, audit, or advisory work pay more. PRIA shops multiple carriers to find the most competitive rate for your firm's specific profile.
The California Board of Accountancy does not mandate E&O insurance for CPAs, but many institutional clients, government contracts, and engagement letters require proof of coverage. The AICPA recommends all CPA firms carry professional liability insurance regardless of state requirements.
It covers claims arising from negligent acts, errors, or omissions in providing professional accounting services — including tax preparation errors, audit failures, financial statement misstatements, missed filing deadlines, and advisory service mistakes. It pays defense costs and settlements up to your policy limits.
General liability covers bodily injury and property damage. Professional liability (E&O) covers the financial harm to clients from your professional mistakes. CPAs need both: general liability for physical risks and E&O for professional services exposure.
Some carriers specifically exclude cryptocurrency-related work; others cover it with certain conditions. PRIA identifies carriers that provide clear coverage for CPAs doing crypto tax work, blockchain company audits, or digital asset advisory services.
Yes. Several of our carriers offer programs specifically designed for solo CPAs and small accounting practices, with premiums as low as $700–$1,200/year for lower-risk service profiles.