Childcare and Education Business Insurance in Tennessee

Business types with their own guide

• Daycare and Childcare Insurance Child injuries on playgrounds or in classrooms, and more. Read the daycare and childcare insurance guide.
• Tutor Insurance Claims that tutoring didn&rsquo, and more. Read the tutor insurance guide.
• Music Teacher Insurance Damage to instruments, and more. Read the music teacher insurance guide.

More childcare and education businesses

These business types share many of the same risks. Each has a short overview below.

Private and academic schools

Schools need general liability, abuse and molestation coverage, property, and educators’ professional liability. Transportation and events add more.

Trade and technical schools

Trade schools teach hands-on skills with tools and equipment, so student injuries and equipment coverage are key, plus educators’ professional liability.

Computer and coding lessons

Coding and computer instructors work with students in person or online. Professional liability and, if you teach kids, abuse and molestation coverage are worth reviewing.

Vocal coaches

Voice teachers work one-on-one, often with minors. General liability, professional liability, and abuse and molestation coverage are common.

Acting lessons and drama programs

Acting programs host classes and performances with kids and adults. General liability, abuse coverage, and special event coverage for shows are the core.

Career and technical education teachers

Independent instructors teaching job skills may need professional and general liability, depending on where classes are held.

Coverages common in childcare and education

• General liability Helps if your business is blamed for injuring someone or damaging their property, and usually pays for a legal defense.
• Abuse and molestation coverage Addresses a serious risk for businesses that care for or teach children or vulnerable adults. Often excluded unless added.
• Professional liability (E&O) Covers claims that your advice, design, or professional service caused a client a financial loss.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP) Bundles general liability with coverage for your business property, and often business income, for many smaller businesses.
• Hired and non-owned auto Liability for when you or employees drive personal or rented cars on business errands.
• Workers’ compensation Pays medical bills and lost wages if an employee is hurt on the job, and includes employer’s liability.

All coverage is subject to underwriting and policy terms. Not every business needs every coverage.

Tennessee rules to know

Workers’ comp. Most Tennessee employers outside construction and coal mining must carry workers’ compensation once they have five or more employees, full- or part-time, per the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Even below that number, many owners choose to carry it.

Licensing. If your work requires a state or local license or permit, check with the licensing board or office for any insurance or bonding rules. We can help you meet whatever they require.

We can review your requirements and help you shop workers’ compensation and other coverages, subject to underwriting.

Certificates of insurance

Landlords, clients, venues, and general contractors often ask for a certificate of insurance before you start. If they want to be an additional insured, the policy usually needs an endorsement. Our certificate of insurance checklist explains what to check.

Related guides

• All business types
• Business insurance in Middle Tennessee
• General liability insurance
• Small business insurance checklist (PDF)
• Starting a business in Tennessee
• General liability vs. professional liability