Directors and Officers Liability Insurance (often referred to as D&O) is liability insurance payable to the Directors and Officers of a company, or to the organization itself, as indemnification (reimbursement) for losses or advancement of defense costs in the even an insured suffers a loss as a result of a legal action brought for alleged wrongful acts in their capacity as Directors and Officers.  This coverage can extend to defense costs arising out of criminal and regulatory investigations or trials as well.  Note:  Often civil and criminal actions are brought against Directors/Officers simultaneously.