Copywriters provide valuable services to their clients, whether they are big corporations or small businesses. Your words are an essential part of their sales plans. It’s crucial that you craft quality copy and deliver on time.

However, things don’t always go to plan when you’re running a business. Professional Liability insurance—a type of copywriter insurance coverage—could protect your finances if a claim of professional wrongdoing is made against you.

Keep reading to learn more about Professional Liability insurance, as well as other insurance for self-published authors, editors, and writing professionals.

What is Professional Liability insurance?

Professional Liability insurance can protect professional service providers from potentially devastating financial damages resulting from alleged negligence or error in the delivery of your services.

A Professional Liability policy is a type of copywriter insurance that can protect your business by paying your legal fees, including settlements and judgements ordered by the court, for covered events.

You may also see Professional Liability insurance sold under the name Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.

Why do copywriters consider Professional Liability insurance?

Copywriters (as well as authors, publishers, and other content creators) often consider Professional Liability insurance for the peace of mind it can provide them while they work. A simple mistake could cause a financial loss for your client. If you’re found at fault, you may find yourself caught in an expensive lawsuit.

As a form of author liability insurance, these policies help pay for unexpected bills caused by claims of professional wrongdoing. This may include events such as:

• Errors, mistakes, or omissions in your work
• Copyright and trademark infringement claims
• Allegations of defamation (including slander and libel)
• Missed deadlines or undelivered services
• Breaches of contract

Every Professional Liability policy is different. It’s wise to check your policy documents to understand exactly when you are covered (and when you are not).

Another reason why copywriters consider Professional Liability insurance is that it’s required by their clients. Many businesses will only work with freelancers who have their own insurance policies. This helps the business manage its risks, as you may not be covered by their insurance.

If you are required to have a Professional Liability policy or other types of copywriter insurance, this will typically be written into the client’s business contract. They may include a minimum coverage level that you must meet while working on their projects.

Do copywriters consider other types of insurance for their businesses?

While Professional Liability is often viewed as an essential copywriter insurance policy, it’s not the only one that you might consider for your business. Other popular author liability insurances include:

General Liability

Also referred to as Commercial General Liability (CGL) or “slip and fall coverage”, this insurance can protect your business against bodily injury or property damage lawsuits from outside parties.

Copywriting is often a solitary job, but you may interact with people face-to-face while running your business. Meeting with clients (in your office or theirs) and working in public spaces (i.e., a coworking space, library, coffee shop, etc.) create risks for your business. If your actions damage someone else’s property or cause them injury—even accidentally—you could be responsible for fixing the situation.

Business Owner’s Policy

A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) is a combination of policies, combining covers such as General Liability insurance and business personal property coverage, to help protect small businesses from costly interruptions to service.

A BOP is a convenient way to address several risks to your copywriting business with a single policy. This can be an easy and affordable way to buy General Liability insurance, plus coverage for unplanned business interruptions and equipment breakdowns.

Find copywriter insurance for your small business

Professional Liability insurance could create a vital safety net for your copywriting business. A policy could help you protect your business and personal finances against negligence claims and lawsuits regarding your work. Getting covered may mean the difference between building a successful business or closing up shop for good.

Finding copywriter insurance is easy with BizInsure. In just 10 minutes, you can compare policies from top-rated insurers, choose the coverage that fits your needs, and get covered instantly.

Get started now!