Personal Liability Insurance for RBT | Cost, Eligibility, Coverage
RBT personal liability insurance covers legal costs, errors, and misconduct claims during therapy. It’s required for contractors and optional for employees. Coverage typically costs $200–$500 annually and includes legal defense, license protection, and protection against negligence-related lawsuits.
RBTs are not legally allowed to be independent contractors as they’re under BCBA supervision and thereby employees. Which means liability insurance should typically be provided by employers and not by you.
But, some employers still require RBTs to purchase their own coverage and might often reimbursement-eligible especially under 1099 setups (note: this classification is legally questionable) .
If you’re working as a Registered Behavior Technician, especially as a contractor or doing side gigs, you need liability insurance, which isn’t optional.
And the reason is that if you make one mistake, one complaint, or one misunderstanding, you could be facing legal or licensing trouble.
Why RBTs Need Personal Liability Insurance?
It’s quite simple and when you’re on the job, you’re responsible for your actions.
So, If something goes wrong, professional liability insurance (aka malpractice or E&O insurance) protects you from:
- Negligence claims
- Accusations of unprofessional conduct
- Licensing board complaints
- HIPAA violations or client privacy issues
- Legal fees and court costs
That means even if the claim isn’t valid, you’ll still have to defend yourself.
What’s Covered in an RBT Policy?
It depends and differs from company, but they usually are protected against:
- $1 million per claim / $3 million annual aggregate (common standard)
- Full legal defense included—even for licensing board reviews
- Coverage for telehealth sessions and volunteer work
- Optional extras like cyber liability, general liability, and business owner’s coverage
You will also find some policies that also protect against allegations of sexual misconduct, offering defense-only coverage. So, shop around and see what fits your criteria and go with it.
Best Insurance Providers for RBT
1. CPH & Associates
They are usually referenced in the ABA/BACB community as a go‑to liability insurer for 1099 or contract RBTs.
- Offers tailored plans for behavior techs
- Starts around $300/year for standard coverage
- Add-ons available (general liability, cyber, etc.)
The cost is another upside and won’t burn a hole in your pocket as eestimates are around $300/year
2. CM&F Group
A long-established niche insurer specializing in malpractice/professional liability for allied healthcare providers (including RBTs).
- Offers quick online quotes (5 mins) and full-service support (online portal + call centre)
- Licensed nationwide — available in all 50 states + D.C
- Founded in 1919 and has insured ~140,000+ professionals
Another reason why RBTs choose they are accredited tech-driven enrollment, and strong coverage tailored to allied health roles.
3. TRMS (Trust Risk Management Services)
Unlike the others two, they administers insurance programs via “The Trust,” which is primarily geared toward psychologists and allied health pros.
- Licensed in all 50 states + D.C., backed by A++/A+ carriers (ACE American and Chubb)
- Offers Professional Liability, Student Liability, Business Office Insurance, Directors & Officers, plus general/commercial lines
- Specifically lists Behavior Technician as a select profession
What It Costs
Basic coverage is affordable for most RBTs:
| Coverage Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard liability | $100 – $300 per year |
| With general liability | +$15 – $30/month extra |
| Full business coverage | $45 – $165/month (if solo) |
What You Should Do Next
Identify your status: Are you a W‑2 employee or a 1099 contractor? Because this significantly affects who you should go with for your coverage.
Don’t jump into one for their price or service alone, Ask CPH & Associates directly for a professional liability quote.
Maybe Use CM&F’s online system (5‑minute form) and enquire them too.
You should not Compare not just cost, but their coverage limits, deductibles, license defense inclusion, and additional services like online portals and customer support.
And after that, choose the service best for your needs.
What If You Get Sued or Investigated?
After you have got your insurance, and if you get sued, here’s what you do:
- Call or email your insurer right away
- A claims rep will walk you through next steps
- If it’s covered in your package, they’ll handle defense, court costs, and payouts (within your policy limits)
- You’ll also get legal help for licensing board investigations if included in your plan
By the way, don’t delay if you are sued, contact them immediately.
Why You Can’t Skip Insurance?
You can skip it If you’re a W-2 employee, then your company might cover you.
But if you’re:
- Working as a 1099 contractor
- Taking clients privately
- Subcontracting through an agency
- Running your own LLC or part-time practice
…then you’re on your own. That means without coverage, you’re exposed on the open.
if you do a bit of searching online in forums and pages, even Reddit is filled with RBTs saying, “I wish I had it earlier.”
So, if you are not under someone who is covering you, you should get yourself insured.
Yes, you might never use and claim your insurance. But when things go sideways, you wish you have had it insured as that is the only thing standing between you and thousands in legal costs.
And it also makes you look professional.
