How a Single Line on Your Malpractice App Could Raise Your Rates

When law firms fill out malpractice insurance applications, it's tempting to rush through the process. After all, it feels like basic paperwork — firm name, practice areas, a few yes/no questions. But one small mistake or vague answer can quietly add thousands to your premium.

Underwriters don't just read what you say — they read between the lines. And if they spot something unclear, missing, or high-risk, they will price you accordingly.

Common Mistakes That Cost Firms Money:

• Vague Practice Area Listings: Listing “litigation” broadly instead of specifying lower-risk areas (like contracts or collections) leads underwriters to assume maximum risk.
• Missing % Breakdown: If your application doesn’t show the percentage of time spent on different practice areas, underwriters assume a riskier mix.
• Blank or Skipped Questions: Skipped questions are a red flag — and red flags mean higher rates.
• Overstated Risk: Honest but unframed answers can cause unnecessary premium hikes if not explained carefully.

How a Good Broker Protects You:

At Walker & Company, we don’t just forward your app and hope for the best. We work with you to frame your answers clearly and favorably, while staying completely honest.

We help you:

• Break down practice areas precisely
• Flag risky answers early
• Avoid underwriter assumptions that hurt your pricing

The difference between a lazy app and a strategic app can mean thousands of dollars saved every year — plus better policy terms.

Bottom Line:

The story you tell on your malpractice application matters. A few better word choices — and a broker who understands underwriters — can make a major difference. At Walker & Company, we help small firms put their best foot forward, every time.