Errors & Omissions Insurance for Graphic Designers

Do you think your commercial general liability (CGL) insurance policy will protect you from lawsuits alleging the failure of your product to perform or your failure to provide services to specifications…if so, you better think again. A general liability policy does not protect you from these exposures and as a result, you may have a gap in your liability insurance protection. This is why Errors & Omissions insurance, also known as Professional Liability and E&O for short, should be an integral part of a Graphic Designers liability insurance program.

Graphic Designers have two areas of exposure. The first is a media exposure from the designing and branding of a company’s name and logo. These services give way to potential copyright and patent infringement claims. The second is a technology exposure from the designing and implementation of a web site.

The failure of many graphic designers to obtain E&O insurance reflects both a misunderstanding of the scope of protection offered and a “won’t happen to me” attitude concerning the potential risk of being sued. This insurance not only provides coverage for any damages that may be awarded but it also covers the defense costs associated with the claim.

Errors & Omissions liability claims alleging the failure to render professional services against graphic design firms are escalating. E&O liability provides coverage for claims with or without merit.

The good news is that protection is available and the cost of this insurance is becoming more affordable. There are now packages available for companies that offer a multitude of media services. Don’t let your company go without this coverage.

Ryan Mitchell is a professional insurance broker who specializes in servicing the graphic design industry.