Litigation Insurance Program from Sonoma Risk Insurance Agency
Sonoma Risk Insurance Agency offers Litigation Insurance to help protect your clients from costly attorney-fee awards if they lose a civil case. Their Attorneys’ Fee Edge Insurance product is a targeted policy that responds when a court orders one party to pay the opposing side’s attorney fees — whether your client is the plaintiff or the defendant.
This coverage closes a common gap that general liability and professional liability policies often do not address, and it is particularly useful in jurisdictions where fee shifting can create significant financial exposure.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
Attorneys’ Fee Edge Insurance is suitable for a wide range of insureds involved in civil litigation. Typical fits include:
- Small- to mid-sized businesses involved in high-stakes contract or commercial disputes
- Professional service firms — accountants, consultants, technology providers — facing client disputes
- High-net-worth individuals engaged in business or contract litigation
- Startups and entrepreneurs defending or asserting intellectual property or trade-secret claims
Example scenarios you might place: a design firm defending a breach-of-contract suit with a potential fee award, or a founder pursuing IP claims but concerned about exposure if the case is unsuccessful.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Policies underwritten by an A.M. Best “A” rated carrier
- Covers potential attorney fee awards for both plaintiffs and defendants
- Generally low premiums relative to the possible financial exposure
- Customizable limits to match the client’s litigation stakes and risk profile
- Free underwriting review to evaluate eligibility and structure terms
For clients who want to pursue meritorious claims or defend against suits without risking a financially devastating fee award, this coverage can be an effective risk management tool.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Sonoma Risk underwrites each case based on the matter’s specifics: legal merit, jurisdiction, exposure, and the pleadings. Typical submission materials include the complaint, relevant legal documents, and a summary of the litigation exposure. Minimum premiums and final terms vary by case and state; agents are encouraged to submit for a free underwriting review early in the placement process.
Territories and Availability
This non-admitted program is available in most U.S. jurisdictions. Sonoma Risk currently offers the product in 49 states plus Washington, D.C., including major litigation markets such as California, New York, Florida, Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
Why Work With Sonoma Risk Insurance Agency
Sonoma Risk is a recognized specialist in litigation fee protection. Agents benefit from their focused underwriting expertise, quick responsiveness on submissions, and the ability to access a market that will consider both plaintiff and defendant exposures. The program’s flexibility and carrier strength make it a practical option when your client needs targeted fee-shift protection.
To learn more about placing these accounts, call Sonoma Risk at 888-388-7742 or visit their website at www.sonomarisk.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this litigation insurance program?
This program is ideal for individuals, small businesses, and corporations involved in civil litigation where attorney fees may be awarded to the prevailing party.
Does this policy cover both plaintiffs and defendants?
Yes. Attorneys’ Fee Edge Insurance is available for both plaintiffs and defendants who face the risk of paying the opposing party’s legal fees.
What documents are needed to get a quote?
Underwriting typically requests the complaint, key legal documents, and a summary of the litigation exposure. Sonoma Risk offers a free underwriting review to confirm what’s needed for a specific matter.
Is this coverage available nationwide?
Yes. The program is available in most states, including major litigation markets such as California, New York, Texas, and Florida.
Who underwrites the policies offered by Sonoma Risk?
All policies are underwritten by an A.M. Best “A” rated insurance carrier, providing financial strength and reliability.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.