Durable Medical Equipment Liability Insurance

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) providers play a vital role in patient care by supplying essential medical devices such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen systems, and respiratory equipment for home and clinical use. However, the combination of product responsibility, patient interaction, and regulatory oversight makes liability coverage essential.

Homewood Insurance provides tailored coverage for DME suppliers, distributors, and service providers—addressing equipment failure, installation risks, and compliance exposures.

Below is a breakdown of the following:

What Insurance Includes – overview of GL/PL and product coverage.
Cost of Coverage – common premium ranges and pricing drivers.
High-Risk Activities – procedures that may raise premiums or lead to exclusions.
Why Work With Homewood – benefits of our specialized DME insurance expertise.

Get a Free Quote Now

The fastest way to find the most suitable insurance coverage for DME providers is to fill out our quick quote form, so we can give you an idea of the type of insurance coverage that best suits you.

Homewood Insurance works with a number of different carriers to ensure you have the most suitable insurance coverage at the best price.

Insurance for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) providers can include:

Specialized coverage for DME suppliers, distributors, and service providers.
Flexible limits for professional and general liability.
Products & Completed Operations coverage.
Rental and used equipment coverage.
Subcontractor and manufacturer risk management provisions.
Installation and maintenance liability.
Coverage for field technicians and service staff.
Minimal exclusions for FDA-regulated products (subject to underwriting).
Recall expense and repair plan considerations.

Insurance for DME Providers Can Include

Insurance for Durable Medical Equipment providers commonly combines Professional Liability (E&O) with General Liability and Product Liability to address service, premises, and product exposures.

Professional Liability Insurance

Covers errors, omissions, or negligence in delivery, installation, training, and product support.
Defense and settlements for claims related to patient injury, incorrect recommendations, or instruction failures.
Includes field technicians, delivery staff, and service contractors acting within scope.
Optional coverage for recall expense, product defects, or warranty-related disputes.
Limits up to $1,000,000 per claim / $3,000,000 aggregate, with tail and prior-acts protection available.

General Liability Insurance

Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage, such as accidents during deliveries or installations.
Includes Products & Completed Operations for rented, sold, refurbished, or serviced equipment.
Covers premises liability for slip-and-fall claims or storage hazards.
Optional Property, Business Auto, and Equipment Breakdown coverage for warehouses and vehicles.

Recommended Add-Ons

Cyber Liability Insurance – for breaches involving patient data or connected medical devices.
Product Recall Expense – reimburses notification, transport, and repair/replacement costs.
Employee Dishonesty Coverage – protects against theft or fraudulent billing.
Commercial Umbrella Coverage – expanded limits for high-value contracts.
Regulatory Defense – for CMS or FDA compliance investigations.

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The Cost of Insurance for DME Providers

The cost of insurance for DME providers depends largely on business size, revenue, equipment class, and the scope of services offered. Carriers adjust premiums based on risk exposure—such as whether equipment is installed in patient homes, serviced post-rental, or distributed regionally.

Professional Liability / General Liability – Estimated Ranges

Small supplier (retail or delivery only): $2,000–$4,000 (GL + limited PL).
Mid-size DME with installation/setup: $5,000–$8,000 (bundled GL/PL).
Full-service with repair/maintenance: $8,000–$15,000+.
Multi-site or high-volume operation: $12,000–$25,000+.

Factors influencing premiums include:

Business size & revenue: Higher turnover and multiple sites raise exposure.
Equipment type: Class II/III devices (respiratory, powered mobility) increase premiums.
Professional services: Installation, fitting, or maintenance adds to PL cost.
Claims & loss history: Prior injury or damage claims trigger surcharges.
Staff training & protocols: Documented safety programs can reduce rates by 10–20%.
Regulatory compliance: Medicare accreditation, FDA compliance, and maintenance logs improve underwriting outcomes.

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High-Risk Activities and Their Impact on Your Premiums

Most DME operations are insurable, but certain services carry higher severity potential. Underwriters may surcharge, exclude, or require documentation and endorsements for the activities below.

Procedure / Service	Description & Risk Exposure	Impact on GL/PL Insurance
Equipment Installation & Setup	On-site assembly or delivery of hospital beds, oxygen systems, or mobility devices can lead to injury or property damage if setup is incorrect or incomplete.	+15–30% premium increase; carriers require proof of technician training, incident documentation, and safety protocols.
Custom Fitting & Adjustment	Adjusting wheelchairs, orthotics, or prosthetics introduces direct patient-interaction risk—improper fit can cause injury, falls, or pressure sores.	+20–40% PL increase; carriers may require licensure or credential verification for staff performing adjustments.
Instruction & Training on Equipment Use	Demonstrating proper use of CPAP, oxygen concentrators, or ventilators creates exposure if a patient misuses equipment due to unclear guidance.	+10–25% PL increase; documentation of signed instruction logs reduces underwriting penalties.
Repair & Maintenance Services	Errors during repair or servicing (e.g., defibrillators, dialysis units) can cause device malfunction or patient harm.	+25–50% premium increase; some carriers exclude unendorsed repair work without service records.
Patient Recommendations & Consultations	Recommending equipment without physician direction can result in patient injury or delayed recovery if unsuitable products are advised.	+15–35% increase; PL may limit coverage unless advice follows documented physician prescriptions.
On-Site Oxygen System Management	Improper installation or failure to follow codes with oxygen cylinders and concentrators increases fire or explosion risk.	+20–40%; OSHA/HazMat compliance and staff training typically required.
Non-Compliant Billing / Documentation	Inadequate recordkeeping for Medicare or insurance claims can trigger investigations or fraud allegations.	Possible refusal or cancellation; carriers review compliance programs before renewal.

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Other types of Insurance that DME Providers Need

Homewood can often combine different types of coverage into one policy.

General Liability Insurance

Covers medical expenses and attorney fees from third-party injuries and property damage.

Professional Liability Insurance

Protects against allegations of negligent installation, training, or recommendations related to DME.

Sexual Abuse and Molestation Insurance

Essential for operations with in-home visits or vulnerable populations; helps cover defense and indemnity.

Commercial Property Insurance

Protects warehouses, showrooms, and inventory from covered perils such as fire, theft, and vandalism.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Covers employee injuries and illnesses arising out of work—often required by law.

Cyber Liability Insurance

Helps cover costs related to data breaches, ransomware, notifications, and regulatory response.

Why Work With Homewood

Specialists in medical equipment supplier coverage, including rental, installation, and repair risks.
Access to A-rated carriers experienced with FDA-regulated and Medicare-compliant DME operations.
Expertise in product & professional liability integration, reducing gaps and overlaps.
Support for multi-location and franchise operations, including mobile field service programs.
Proven ability to lower total insurance costs via cross-carrier comparison and risk documentation.

Call 947-274-3093 or Fill Out the Form

Ralph Schiller

Ralph specializes in sourcing the most suitable insurance for Durable Medical Equipment Providers at the best price. You can call him or fill out the form and he will get your message directly.