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As freelance writing and authorship is rapidly developing, it is important to get proper insurance in order to cover several risks. Such risks include liability claims, infringement of copyright, and other professional risks that writers and authors have to deal with in their vocation. The scope of this article will focus on the kinds of insurance policies acceptable for writers, how much these policies cost as well as what factors bear on these costs.
What is Writers Insurance?
It is an insurance policy that offers various packages related to writing work to cover the freelance writers and author’s liabilities and negative financial impacts from their work. Since writing is about what can be written, in most occasions there is need for insurance, bearing in mind that the content can be disputed for various reasons such as facts, creativity and ethics.
Some specific products of writers insurance include:
Writers who fear making mistakes or failing to provide adequate services to their clients can take out professional liability insurance also referred as Errors and Omissions insurance. In many cases, this type of coverage is essential for freelance writers, editors, and consultants who receive requests from clients to write or create content for them.
Key Aspects of E&O Insurance:
It is meant to assist authors in any lawsuits that assert their rights over intellectual property due to the activities for which a claim is being made. Given the nature of creative work, this insurance policy is vital for authors who publish books, articles, or any form of media.
What Is Covered by Copyright Infringement Insurance?
Protection against Claims: This insurance covers legal expenses if a writer is accused of infringing a lawful monopoly. For example, if a writer uses a copyrighted picture in his book without permission and gets sued, this insurance will help safeguard the costs of action.
Settlements and Legal Actions: A policy like this usually covers the defendant’s lawyer. If the author is found to have violated copyright, these fees might be included in the damages paid to the victor. These costs may also encompass someone who uses copyrighted materials. These costs can be high, particularly for famous works cases.
Range of Coverage: Coverage could include pictures, music, sound, and pictures. Authors should study the terms of their policies so that they don’t decide on infringement without understanding the implications of the coverage.
Defamation (Libel and Slander) Insurance
A type of coverage that any writer or journalist may need is defamation insurance which protects against false abuse claims made by others. This type of coverage is extremely important for journalists, bloggers, and even authors whose work involves making statements or indirect comments on people or institutions.
Key Aspects of Defamation Insurance:
Types of Defamation: In general, it can take two forms:
Legal Protection: If a writer publishes any written words that are false and hurtful of another person’s character and reputation may be liable for legal action. Defamation insurance helps in covering the legal costs incurred in the process of fighting such cases and any stated compensations made.
Importance for Writers: Writers cover controversial topics and provide their opinions. It is advisable for authors, or any book writer, to get the insurance that supports them in cases such as when they end up being sued for law leans.
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Breach of confidentiality insurance
It helps the writer defend against claims that could arise whenever confidential information is made public without permission. Writers should be aware of the breach of this type of coverage for clients who have sensitive content or clients who are sensitive.
Key Aspects of Breach of Confidentiality Insurance:
The average writer’s general liability insurance is around $34 per month or $408 for a limit policy of $1 million. However, these costs can vary depending on the individual’s specific circumstances.
Professional Liability Insurance for Writers
It is also known as errors and omissions insurance, specifically provides coverage against claims or suits that arise out of mistakes made while offering professional services. It is relevant mostly for writers who may neglect clients or whose services were never provided as promised.
Such coverage is important, especially for freelance writers who are self-employed and do not have the protection of a big organization.
What is Media Liability Insurance?
It targets media practitioners such as authors, publishers, and those involved in the media industry. It handles claims that may have been leveled at them resulting from content, such as defamation, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy.
For instance, key coverages usually include the following.
Factors Influencing Insurance Costs
There are several elements that determine the insurer’s cost of writer’s insurance:
Comparison Table of Insurance Costs
| Type of Insurance | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Coverage Limit |
| Professional Liability Insurance | $40 | $480 | Varies (up to $2M) |
| Media Liability Insurance | $50 | $600 | Varies (up to $1M) |
| Excess Liability Insurance | $39 | $468 | Varies |
| Workers Compensation Insurance | $93 | $1,116 | Varies |
| General Liability Insurance | $34 | $408 | $1 million |
Turning a manuscript into a fully finished book is no longer the task of large publishing houses only. Self-publishing is a great opportunity for authors to make their works available. Nevertheless, self-publishing comes with its risks.
There are no established practices, marketing campaigns, or funding that authors can rely on. They have to be responsible for all aspects of this work. Therefore, it is crucial for self-publishing authors to be covered by certain insurances in order to protect themselves and their work against potential commercial failures.
For freelance writers, having appropriate insurance coverage is not just a prudent choice but an integral part of their business. With a variety of options such as general liability and media liability insurance available at present, it’s crucial to assess individual needs carefully. Visit Insuranks today to explore tailored insurance options specifically designed for writers and authors.
10 / 10
For me this company has proven to be the best to do business with and worth my hard earned money. Contractors this is your company look no further.
7.7 / 10
Decent experience with Hiscox business insurance
10 / 10
Good company. Good and knowledgable customer service. If they don't know something they will pass you on to a more experienced rep that is more knowledgable. So far so good.
10 / 10
Best insurance ever
10 / 10
Coolest concept, I wish this was applied to other insurance products too.
9.4 / 10
Fastest ever online insurance quote and purchase! Also, great rates and professional customer reps that helps with whatever you need, if you need. Nice company!
2.8 / 10
Embroker sells a product that it doesn't honor. We purchased a combination D&O and EPLI policy. However, when it came to renewal, it told us that we only had D&O coverage even through our ACCORD certificate clearly mentions we have both. Basically they refused to honor the EPLI coverage and will leave you hanging with the bag. At time of renewal, they more than doubled our quote to get similar coverage. Basically BAIT & SWITCH. Unacceptable tactics. Easy to buy and pay but you may not be... Read More
2.8 / 10
Great platform. Terrible policy. There is no teeth behind it. No coverage. It's a fake policy that they sell. Sold us an EPLI policy that later we came to find out had no EPLI coverage. Amazing that they can get away with outright fraud. Check the positive reviews. They are all 'Anonymous' posted by Emroker staff. Stay away and find a real policy that will actually provide you coverage. We've been bitten by them and hope to find restitution via a lawsuit.
Paul Burns Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
It has been 70 days since I made a claim on the roof of my building. No one from the company will return calls. We are in hurricane season and located in Louisiana. My building is tarped to secure it.
Felicia Broadus Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
They are the worst, my truck was hit in January 23 and the claim adjuster has not been out to this very day! They have every excuse in the book as to why. They have not been to the collision shop. PLEASE AVOID THESE SCAM ARTIST!
Felicia Broadus Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
Avoid these SCAM ARTISTS! They don’t pay claims!!! Save yourself the trouble and money!
Kasey Arey Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
This company gives you a price that was in place for a year and when you have to use it there is fine print were they can go back and charge you more. Would not recommend them to any one. Crooks
John Murphy Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
Worst insurance comapny I have ever dealt with. A commercial vehicle represented by GUARD t boned my wife and daughters family vehicle in the middle of the day. Driver was cited and insurance claim insued. Fast forward 4 months and refusal of full amount of claim is still happening. Driver was found guilty, repairs started on my vehicle and when it comes to the final bill and diminished value we cannot get any help. I am out a family car, have an injured and traumatized wife and children,... Read More
Harshadray Patel Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
Extremely bad service, when you call , will make you wait on the phone for ever (over an Hour) and still no one to answer , so you end up hanging up. To cancel the policy, bounce you from one department to the other. They are supposed to refund from the date other insurance started and after sending the proof of other insurance policy, still they did not refund based on that actual date instead they use the date i managed to get hold of them. They charged me $7000.00 for a year's insurance on... Read More
Aaron Wensel Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
Guard Insurance is terrible. They were so bad I cancelled them because them couldn't figure out why I would never get a paper copy of the bill . Verified my address with them and still intermittent billing. I cancelled them in March through my local broker. Today 6/27 I get a letter in the mail from a collections company saying I owe 87.97. This was the first myself or my broker heard of owing this money. Here is some advice for this failure of a company send me a god damn bill and I will pay.... Read More
Michael Swink Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
My employer had to have workers compensation by law. He obtained a policy through this Berkshire Hathaway GUARD and they failed me. I fell from a ladder and fractured my spine in 7 different places, my clavicle in 4 places, and the base of my skull. Going to my Dr visits I was prescribed medication for pain and the insurance company placed a pre-authorization hold on me picking up the medication from Walgreens. The hold lasted 5 days! My weekly benefits have never been on time, right now... Read More
10 / 10
Liberty Mutual is one of the more simple companies to deal with. I had to file a claim for my business owner policy after I caught one of my employees stealing a large amount of products from my business. Liberty mutual paid the claim fast and with no efforts. I wish the legal process was as easy…
10 / 10
For me this company has proven to be the best to do business with and worth my hard earned money. Contractors this is your company look no further.
7.7 / 10
Decent experience with Hiscox business insurance
9.4 / 10
Very pleased with Hiscox - their small business insurance rates are very good and they specialize in small business which gives me a peace of mind as a small business owner. So far so good!
10 / 10
Their customer service is absolutely fantastic. Very patient, knowledgable and provided excellent explanation of the purchased policy. I would highly recommend this insurance company to anyone that's looking to protect their business from unexpected expense. Thank you Hiscox for doing a great job for my business!
0.6 / 10
STAY AWAY! I wouldn't recommend hiscox small business liability insurance to anyone. Better not waste both your money and your time. Hiscox customer service is extremely unpleasant, not organized and not professional. It is the worst company we have dealt with in almost 25 years in business!
10 / 10
Good company. Good and knowledgable customer service. If they don't know something they will pass you on to a more experienced rep that is more knowledgable. So far so good.
10 / 10
Extremely fast and simple. Wasted a lot of time and money until I found these guys! I feel like my business is in good hands now.
10 / 10
Hiscox's the best! My business is insured with them for over 12 years and am not planning to switch!
10 / 10
Excellent experience with Hiscox BOP for my coffee shop. They provided all it needed.
10 / 10
My HI barbershop is well covered with their great BOP product for 5 years already! not planning to switch!
10 / 10
Best insurance ever
10 / 10
Coolest concept, I wish this was applied to other insurance products too.
10 / 10
Great experience
6 / 10
Didn't relate to the concept much, but it makes sense if you need insurance to go
0 / 10
It doesn't really feel sustainable to me and doesn't offer business interruption, product liability and commercial property insurance. They have no local agents and despite their technology first approach you cannot file claims online. Additionally, product manufacturers are not covered by Thimble and they don't provide enterprise solutions.
10 / 10
As a contractor that works 3 times a week for a few hours, Thimble gets really handy for me and saves me money. I have no use for these massive business insurance coverages offered by traditional insurance companies.
10 / 10
Excellent concept which is useful to many small businesses!
10 / 10
Been waiting for this type of solution for a long time!
10 / 10
Love their business insurance solutions for freelancers! Great app!
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