“Steve's customer service was outstanding. If you are like me, I don't have the time to figure out the best deals on my own. Steve's expertise helped guide us to the best insurance for our house and autos and save money in the end. Anytime I had a question, he was immediately back to me with a response. I haven't had an agent in many years, but Steve will be ours for a long time. I am a real customer.”
Toggle navigation menu
D&O Insurance: Safeguarding Your Business and Its Decision-Makers
Directors and Officers Insurance protects directors and officers of Texas companies from personal losses due to claims of wrongful acts in their management roles. It does not cover intentional criminal acts by the insured individuals. Coverage begins only after the retention amount listed in the policy declarations is satisfied.
Written and reviewed by Steve White, Owner, NPN License#: 19284005 · Initially published September 25, 2026
At Steve White Insurance, we understand the risks Texas businesses face every…
At Steve White Insurance, we understand the risks Texas businesses face every day. One often-overlooked, yet critically important, form of protection is Directors and Officers Insurance. Whether you’re a nonprofit organization, private company, or publicly traded business, Directors and Officers Insurance can play a key role in helping to protect your leadership and your company against certain types of claims.
What is Directors & Officers Insurance?
D&O Insurance, also known as Directors and Officers Insurance, is a type of liability insurance designed to help protect corporate directors and officers from personal losses in the event they are sued for alleged wrongful acts while managing a company. It may also help cover legal fees and other costs associated with defending against such claims.
Why Should Texas Businesses Consider D&O Insurance?
Texas businesses operate in a fast-moving and often litigious environment. Leadership teams are constantly making decisions that can impact employees, customers, investors, and other stakeholders. When those decisions are called into question, D&O Insurance can offer a level of financial protection that helps the company and its leaders navigate legal challenges.
What Types of Claims Might Trigger a D&O Insurance Policy?
D&O Insurance may be triggered by a wide range of claims, including but not limited to:
Key takeaways
- 1Allegations of mismanagement or breach of fiduciary duty
- 2Shareholder or investor lawsuits
- 3Employment practices claims such as wrongful termination or discrimination
- 4Misrepresentation in financial statements
- 5Failure to comply with regulations or laws
These types of claims can arise from various parties, including employees,…
These types of claims can arise from various parties, including employees, customers, competitors, or regulatory agencies. The cost of defending against such claims can be substantial, even if the allegations are ultimately found to be without merit.
How Can D&O Insurance Support Small to Mid-Sized Texas Businesses?
While large corporations often purchase D&O Insurance as a standard part of their risk management portfolio, small to mid-sized businesses in Texas may not always consider it. However, privately held companies and nonprofits can also face similar risks. For example:
Key takeaways
- 1A nonprofit in Dallas could face a lawsuit from a former executive alleging wrongful termination.
- 2A family-owned company in Austin might be accused of misrepresentation during a business transaction.
- 3A startup in Houston may face investor complaints over financial decisions or perceived mismanagement.
In each of these situations, D&O Insurance may help cover the legal defense…
In each of these situations, D&O Insurance may help cover the legal defense costs and any settlements, depending on the terms of the policy.
Who Can Be Covered Under a D&O Insurance Policy?
Coverage typically extends to individuals in key leadership roles, such as directors, officers, company executives, and board members.
Depending on the policy, it may also extend to employees involved in decision-making or individuals serving in leadership roles of subsidiary companies. It is important to review your policy carefully and consult with a licensed insurance agent to understand who is covered.
What Are Some Common Misconceptions About D&O Insurance?
Some Texas business owners may assume D&O Insurance is only necessary for large corporations, but this is not always the case. Claims can arise from many sources, regardless of company size. Others may believe general liability insurance is enough, but general liability typically doesn’t address claims involving management decisions or governance issues.
Another misconception is that a business with no external investors doesn’t need D&O Insurance. However, claims can still come from employees, vendors, competitors, or regulatory bodies.
How Can Steve White Insurance Help Texas Businesses With D&O Coverage?
At Steve White Insurance, we take pride in helping Texas businesses evaluate their risks and find the right insurance solutions. When it comes to D&O Insurance, we can:
Key takeaways
- 1Review your current insurance portfolio to identify gaps
- 2Help determine the level of D&O coverage that may fit your needs
- 3Explain key policy terms, exclusions, and options
- 4Assist with customizing a policy that fits the size and nature of your organization
We work with a wide range of carriers to offer flexible and competitive D&O…
We work with a wide range of carriers to offer flexible and competitive D&O Insurance options tailored to Texas businesses.
What Should You Look For in a D&O Insurance Policy?
When exploring D&O Insurance for your Texas business, some features to consider include:
Key takeaways
- 1**Limits of liability**: Ensure they align with the potential risk exposure of your organization.
- 2**Defense costs**: Understand whether defense costs are included within the limits or in addition to them.
- 3**Claims-made basis**: Most D&O policies are written on a claims-made basis, meaning the policy must be in force when the claim is made.
- 4**Exclusions**: Review what is not covered, such as intentional fraud or criminal acts.
Your policy should be designed to reflect your organization’s specific risks…
Your policy should be designed to reflect your organization’s specific risks and leadership structure.
Is D&O Insurance Worth It for Your Texas Business?
The cost of D&O Insurance often depends on factors such as company size, industry, claims history, and governance practices. While it’s an additional expense, it may be a valuable investment in protecting your company and its decision-makers from costly legal challenges.
By helping to mitigate financial risks associated with leadership decisions, D&O Insurance can offer peace of mind and reinforce confidence in your management team.
If you’re a business owner or executive in Texas and want to explore your options for Directors & Officers Insurance, Steve White Insurance is here to help. Our experienced agents are ready to guide you through the process and help you find a policy that supports your goals. Contact us today to get started!
Client Stories
Real stories, real trust
“I came to Steve with home and auto insurance needs. He made the process seamless while buying my first home. He walked us through the different coverages, and helped us understand what was and wasn't needed. He handled all the coordination with the lender, making it one less thing we needed to worry about. Appreciate all your help, Steve! Looking forward to the continued partnership.”
“Steve is an excellent agent. If you’re looking for an agent who will take the time to make sure your properly covered, he is the best choice. He is knowledgeable on the elements of “what ifs” that come with insurance, you can trust Steve will know the answers or take the time to find out. He is friendly, professional, and will ensure he’s offering you the best options to protect your family or business.”
“I highly recommend Steve White as an insurance broker. When I was migrating from one insurance provider to another, Steve was extremely helpful and responsive—he was the first broker to call me back, the first to offer clear solutions, and he answered all of my questions within hours of my initial outreach. I contacted four different brokers, and Steve stood out immediately for his speed, professionalism, and follow-through. Since engaging with him, we’ve identified excellent carrier options, reviewed every aspect of my coverage in detail, and ensured I had a clear understanding of my policies. I couldn’t have been more pleased with how authentic, collaborative, and thorough Steve was throughout the entire process.”
“I’ve worked with Steve for 6 years and he’s always been proactive shopping rates to save my family money on home and auto insurance. I now have several friends that are working with him as well. Highly recommend his services.”
“We have been doing business with Steve for a number of years. He provides excellent, personal customer service and is very responsive when we contact him. Every year he shops for the best coverages at the best prices for our auto and homeowners insurance. When we have questions, he explains everything thoroughly and handles any dealings with the actual insurance company for us.<br>Steve is a nice guy and very knowledgeable about insurance.”
“Five stars don't seem like enough for the level of dedication Steve White Insurance Group showed in finding the right insurance for my type of business. Steve White went above and beyond, tirelessly exploring various options and navigating complex requirements to secure the best possible coverage at a competitive price. It was clear they invested significant time and effort in understanding my unique needs and advocating on my behalf. Their persistence and commitment to finding the ideal solution made a potentially stressful process surprisingly smooth. I highly recommend them to any business owner looking for an agency that truly goes the extra mile! I am very grateful, Diana Stewart”
“Steve is a knowledgeable professional. I have been using him for over 5 years and he has saved me money and improved my home and auto coverage. When I have had claims, Steve has been there to help walk me through the process. Since Steve is independent, he is always look for better coverage at a better price. I highly recommend Steve White Insurance.”
Editorial standards
Written and reviewed by Steve White, Owner, NPN License#: 19284005, Steve White Insurance Group.
Steve White is an experienced independent insurance agent specializing in personalized coverage solutions, risk evaluation, and multi‑carrier underwriting. He operates stevewhiteinsurance.com, serving clients across Highland Village and the greater DFW area with fast, precise, and highly structured guidance. His expertise includes home, auto, commercial, and specialty insurance lines, with a focus on clarity, efficiency, and long‑term protection strategies. Outside of his insurance practice, Steve is deeply involved in youth baseball, fishing, travel planning, and cooking. He is known for a direct, fast‑paced communication style and a preference for organized, actionable workflows.
Published September 25, 2026. See our editorial process. How we use AI.