Why is insurance a must for graphic designers?
If your graphic design business is accused of plagiarism or copyright infringement, you could face financially devastating legal fees. Having the right business insurance protects your business from costly lawsuits, theft, injuries, and accidents. Plus, some policies may be required by law, clients, or contracts.
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Top insurance policies for media and advertising businesses
These policies protect against common risks in the media and advertising industry.
General liability insurance
A general liability insurance policy defends against third-party lawsuits, such as a client who slips on an icy front step at a graphic designer's office and suffers an injury. It's often required for a commercial lease.
- Client bodily injuries
- Accidental damage to a client's property
- Lease and loan requirements
Media liability insurance
This policy covers lawsuits related to your work performance, from advertising injuries to mistakes and oversights. It's also called professional liability insurance or errors and omissions / E&O insurance.
- Copyright infringement
- Libel and slander
- Missed deadlines
Business owner's policy
A business owner's policy, or BOP, combines general liability coverage and commercial property insurance at a discount. Small business owners are often eligible for this bundle.
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Third-party property damage
- Business property damage
Workers' comp insurance
Workers' compensation insurance protects graphic design businesses and sole proprietors from work-related medical bills that health insurance won't cover. Most states require this coverage for employees.
- Medical costs from work-related injuries
- Disability benefits for injured workers
- Legal defense costs from workplace injuries
Cyber insurance
Cyber insurance helps graphic design businesses recover from costly cyberattacks and data breaches. It's also called cyber liability insurance or cybersecurity insurance.
- Ransomware attacks
- Client notification costs
- Data breach investigations
Commercial auto insurance
Almost every state requires commercial auto insurance for vehicles owned by an graphic design agency or other media company. It covers costs in the event of an accident involving your business vehicle.
- Injuries caused by your company vehicle
- Damage to someone else's property
- Vehicle theft and vandalism
Graphic designer insurance costs
From our customer data, here's a quick look at average graphic designer insurance costs:
General liability: $32 per month
Media liability: $70 per month
Workers' compensation: $37 per month
Factors that can influence your premiums include:
- Types of professional services offered, such as web design, illustration, digital marketing, and logo design
- Number of employees
- Value of your business property
- Insurance products purchased
- Policy limits and exclusions
- Claims history
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Why graphic designers choose TechInsurance
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Get insurance fast so you can get started working with clients. Fill out our easy online application, choose a policy, and pay online to start coverage today.
Common questions about business insurance for graphic designers
Review frequently asked questions (FAQs) about graphic design professional insurance and more.
Do graphic designers need professional indemnity insurance?
As a freelance graphic designer or small business owner of an LLC, you make your living by providing a service to your customers. Even a small work mistake could cost you or your design firm a lot of money and damage your reputation.
Should a client lose money because your design was delivered later than initially planned, they could hold you liable and sue you for losses. If you don't have the right insurance coverage, you'll be required to pay for the legal expenses and possible settlement out of pocket. Because of this, you should consider professional indemnity insurance.
This coverage is also commonly called a professional liability insurance policy, errors and omissions insurance (E&O) coverage, and media liability insurance.
While it’s not often required by state law, many clients or landlords will want you to have indemnity insurance coverage before they’ll sign a contract with you.
What other types of coverage do graphic designers need?
When building a complete risk management plan, independent graphic designers and design agencies should also consider the following types of insurance outside of a general liability policy and workers' comp coverage:
- Business interruption insurance: If a covered peril causes your business to close temporarily while repairs are made to your office space, this policy will pay for employee wages and other day-to-day expenses until it can reopen. It's sometimes included with commercial property insurance or a business owner's policy.
- Social media coverage: This type of coverage helps pay for legal costs related to your business's social media account, such as an accusation of libel or invasion of privacy. Check with an agent to make sure it's included in your media liability insurance policy.
- Hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) insurance: Media professionals who drive their own car to meet clients should invest in this insurance, as your personal auto insurance won't cover business use. HNOA provides liability coverage for vehicles used but not owned by your business, including personal, leased, and rented cars.
Media and advertising businesses we insure
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