A former client has developed an obsession. They are emailing you 50 times a day, showing up at your office, and threatening you online. You need a restraining order and legal protection.
Key Takeaways
- Workplace Violence Coverage: Some business policies have a “Workplace Violence” rider that pays for security consultants or legal filings for restraining orders.
- The “Bodily Injury” Threshold: If they haven’t hurt you yet, General Liability doesn’t trigger. You are in a preventative phase.
- Personal Umbrella Policies: High-net-worth personal policies (Chubb/Pure) sometimes cover the legal costs of stalking/harassment protection.
- Duty of Care: If the stalker hurts a different client at your office, you could be liable for “inadequate security.”
The “Why” (The Trap): The “Occurrence” Trigger
Insurance pays when an “Occurrence” (accident/injury) happens. Stalking is a threat of an occurrence.
Standard policies don’t pay for preventative legal work (Restraining Orders) because no “damage” has happened yet. You are usually paying the
3,000–3,000–
5,000 for a restraining order lawyer yourself unless you have specific “Workplace Violence” coverage.
The Investigation: Protection Orders
I checked specialized riders.
1. The Hartford (Business Owner’s Policy)
- My Analysis: They offer a “Workplace Violence Expense” endorsement.
- Coverage: Pays for security guards, counseling for you/staff, and sometimes legal expenses after a threat.
2. LegalShield
- My Analysis: They can help file the TRO (Temporary Restraining Order). Since TROs are procedural, their network lawyers often handle this well.
3. Personal Umbrella
- My Analysis: Some personal umbrella policies cover “expenses incurred due to a wrongful act” against you, but it’s rare.
Comparison Table: Stalking Defense
| Expense | Standard Liability | Workplace Violence Rider | LegalShield |
| Restraining Order Filing | No | Yes (maybe) | Yes (Assist) |
| Security Guard | No | Yes | No |
| Therapy for You | No | Yes | No |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Document Everything: Every text, email, and sighting. Create a timeline. Police need a pattern, not a one-off.
- File a Police Report: You need a paper trail. Insurance (Workplace Violence) often requires a police report to trigger coverage.
- Check “Workplace Violence” Rider: Call your broker. “I am being threatened. Do I have coverage for security expenses?”
- Lock Down Digital: Remove your home address from your website. Use a PO Box.
FAQ Section
Can I sue them for harassment?
Yes, but they might not have money to pay you. The Restraining Order is the priority.
Does this cover my family?
Business insurance covers you at work. If they come to your house, that’s a police/homeowner issue.
What if I have to cancel sessions due to fear?
“Business Interruption” might cover lost income if there is a direct physical threat that forces you to close (like a broken window), but usually not for fear alone.