Writer & Author Insurance: Cost & Quotes From $30/mo

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Comprehensive Insurance Guide for Writers

In 2021, there were approximately 142,000 writers and authors working in the United States. As a writer or author, it’s crucial to invest in an insurance policy tailored to the unique risks of your industry. For instance, a broadcasting company might sue you for financial losses if an article you wrote offends a particular group, or you could face media liability claims for misleading information. To protect yourself, consider getting writer insurance. Read on to learn about the policies included, the cost of premiums, and the best companies offering this coverage.

General Liability Insurance for Writers

CoverWallet  NEXT (Best) Thimble  Hiscox The Hartford
Per occurrence limit  $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000/$2,000,000 $300,000/$1,000,000 $1,000,000/$2,000,000
Aggregate limit  $2,000,000 $1,000,000/$2,000,000 $1,000,000/$2,000,000 $300,000/$2,000,000 $1,000,000/$2,000,000
Products and completed operations aggregate limit  $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000
Advertising injury coverage aggregate limit  $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000
Tenant’s legal liability coverage limit  $100,000 $100,000 $5,000 $100,000 $1,000,000
Waiver of subrogation included? Yes No Included Can be included No
Hired/non-owned auto liability coverage included? Yes No Excluded Can be included Can be included
Equipment breakdown floater included? No  Yes Yes Can be included Can be included
Can you get a certificate of insurance online? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Name additional insureds? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Deductible $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

 

General liability insurance is a fundamental policy that protects your business from third-party injury and property damage claims. While most insurance companies offer general liability as a long-term policy, it’s possible to get short-term coverage that lasts for hours, days, or weeks.

Situations Where General Liability Insurance Can Help:

  • A customer slips and falls on your business property and requires help with medical expenses.
  • An employee accidentally damages a customer’s property, necessitating replacement.
  • You are served with a lawsuit for your writing, causing copyright infringement, requiring you to cover court costs.

Add-Ons for General Liability Insurance for Writers:

  • Tools and Equipment: Covers repair or replacement costs for damaged business equipment.
  • Employment Practices Liability: Protects your business from employee claims of harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination.

Coverage Limits:

  • The typical coverage limit for general liability insurance is $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in aggregate.

Does General Liability Insurance Cover Libel Claims?

  • Yes, general liability can be used as libel insurance. Libel, defamation, and related offenses are included under the personal injury section of a general liability policy.

 

Professional Liability Insurance for Writers

CoverWallet  NEXT Thimble (Best) Hiscox The Hartford
Per occurrence limit  $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000/$2,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000
Aggregate limit  $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,000,000/$2,000,000 $1,000,000 $2,000,000
Name additional insureds? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Waiver of subrogation included? Yes No Yes Can be included No

 

Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, covers claims for negligence, breach of contract, inaccurate advice, or failure to deliver a service. This insurance covers legal costs, settlements, and judgments.

Coverage Limits:

  • Professional liability insurance typically offers a $1 million to $2 million per occurrence and aggregate limit. Higher limits are available upon request.

What is Media Liability Insurance for Authors?

  • Media liability insurance is a specialized form of professional liability insurance for authors. It protects against liabilities that stem from disseminating content, such as invasion of privacy or misappropriation of names and identities.

 

Product Liability Insurance for Writers

Product liability insurance covers injuries resulting from selling faulty products. For writers, this can include situations like:

  • Releasing a defective product that damages a customer’s property.
  • Selling merchandise that could be harmful when ingested without proper warnings.

Coverage Limits:

  • A standard coverage limit for product liability insurance is $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in aggregate.

Is Product Liability Insurance Legally Required?

  • No, product liability insurance is not legally required, but it is recommended since clients may want proof that you can cover damages to your products.

Does Product Liability Cover Product Recall Costs?

  • No, product liability insurance typically does not cover the costs associated with recalling a product. You may need a product recall endorsement for that coverage.

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Commercial Property Insurance for Writers

CoverWallet NEXT (Best) Thimble Hiscox The Hartford
Building coverage limit (minimum) $50,000 $260,000 $25,000/$500,000 $25,000 $60,000
Contents coverage limit (minimum) $50,000 $22,000 $25,000/$500,000 $25,000 $60,000
Outdoor signs Excluded $2,500 Excluded Excluded Excluded
Accounts receivable  Excluded Excluded $5,000/10,000 Included Excluded
Money and securities Excluded $2,500 $1,000 Included Excluded
Lock and keys  Excluded $2,500 Excluded Excluded Excluded
Business interruption floater Excluded Included Included Included Excluded
Equipment breakdown floater Excluded Included Excluded Excluded Excluded
Inland marine insurance floater Excluded Excluded $10,000 Excluded Excluded
Employee dishonesty floater Excluded $5,000 $2,500 Included Excluded

 

Commercial property insurance is a good companion policy to liability insurance for writers. It protects your business property from damage, such as:

  • Theft of a working outline for a book.
  • Property damage from fire that needs repair.

Add-Ons for Commercial Property Insurance:

  • Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers mechanical breakdowns from power outages or surges.
  • Flood Insurance: Covers property damage from floodwaters.

Coverage Limits:

  • The average coverage limit for commercial property insurance is $60,000, but this depends on the value of your commercial property.

Do Freelance Writers Need Commercial Property Insurance?

  • Yes, freelance writers can benefit from commercial property insurance, especially if they rely on business equipment that might not be covered under a homeowner’s policy.

Does Commercial Property Insurance Cover Transit?

  • No, commercial property insurance only covers your business property at the location specified in the policy. Inland marine insurance is needed to cover property during transit.

A writer jotting down thoughts in a notebook, sipping on coffee.

 

Business Owner’s Policy for Writers

CoverWallet Thimble (Best) NEXT  Hiscox The Hartford
General liability aggregate limit  $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 $300,000 $1,000,000/$2,000,000
Commercial property coverage limit  $50,000 $500,000 $260,000 $25,000 $75,000
Optional policies can be added? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Name additional insureds for free? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
BOP discount? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

 

A business owner’s policy (BOP) combines commercial property insurance with general liability insurance into one convenient package. It provides third-party liability protection and protection for your business property.

Add-Ons for Business Owner’s Policy:

  • Cyber Liability: Protects against data breaches and cyber-attacks.
  • Commercial Crime: Covers financial harm from employee theft, forgery, and related activities.

Coverage Limits:

  • Property coverage typically ranges from $20,000 to $60,000, while general liability coverage ranges from $1 million to $2 million.

Does Business Owner’s Policy Cover Professional Indemnity Insurance?

  • No, professional indemnity insurance is not typically included in a BOP. You need to purchase it separately for protection against professional mistakes.

 

Tools and Equipment Insurance for Writers

NEXT  Thimble Hiscox The Hartford
Aggregate limit $3,000/$10,000 $2,500/$5,000 $15,000/$25,000 $5,000-$10,000
Covers hired and borrowed equipment? $3,000/$10,000 $2,500/$5,000 No Yes
Miscellaneous equipment also covered? $5,000/$10,000 No Yes Yes
Offered as an endorsement to general liability insurance? Yes Yes Yes Yes
Deductible $500 $500 $0 $0

 

Tools and equipment insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing writing tools when damaged, lost, or stolen. It also covers tools even when they are off your business premises.

Add-Ons for Tools and Equipment Insurance:

  • Earthquake Damage: Covers repair or replacement costs for equipment damaged by landslides, mudslides, or earthquakes.
  • Equipment Breakdown: Covers breakdowns not covered by standard tools and equipment insurance.

Coverage Limits:

  • Coverage limits range from $10,000 to $25,000 per item.

What is Not Covered?

  • Rental Equipment: Requires a separate rental insurance policy.
  • Negligence: Damage caused by negligence is not covered.
  • Wear and Tear: Normal wear and tear are not covered.

Commercial Auto Insurance for Writers

Commercial auto insurance protects vehicles used for business purposes. It typically includes:

  • Collision Coverage: Covers damage to your vehicle from road accidents.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Covers physical damages from fire, weather events, and vandalism.
  • Auto Liability: Covers medical treatment for third parties injured in a vehicular accident caused by you.

Add-Ons for Commercial Auto Insurance:

  • Medical Payments: Covers medical expenses for you and passengers, regardless of fault.
  • Rental Reimbursement: Covers the cost of a rental vehicle while your vehicle is in the repair shop.
  • Roadside Assistance: Covers towing and other services when your car breaks down.

Coverage Limits:

  • Coverage limits typically start at $100,000 for auto liability coverage. It’s recommended to have at least $500,000 in liability coverage.

Can a Self-Published Author Benefit?

  • Yes, a self-published author who travels for book signings and events can benefit from commercial auto insurance.

Can I Use a Personal Vehicle for Commercial Auto Insurance?

  • Yes, you can use commercial auto insurance to cover a personal vehicle used for business purposes.

 

Excess Liability Insurance for Writers 

Excess liability insurance provides additional financial protection by increasing the policy limits of an underlying liability policy.

Situations Where Excess Liability Insurance Can Help:

  • When a claim exceeds the limits of your general liability policy.
  • When a professional liability claim is higher than your policy’s coverage.

Coverage Limits:

  • Coverage limits range from $1 million to $25 million, purchased in $1 million increments.

Does Excess Liability Cover Every Policy?

  • No, excess liability only covers the underlying policy for which it was purchased. An umbrella policy would be needed to cover multiple policies.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Writers

Workers’ compensation insurance provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill while working. It also includes employer’s liability coverage to help cover damages if an employee sues for a work injury.

Situations Where Workers’ Compensation Insurance Can Help:

  • An employee develops a chronic condition from writing, requiring medical treatment.
  • An employee trips while reorganizing the office and cannot work for some time.

Will an Author Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?

  • Yes, an author employed by a company will qualify for coverage if they are injured or disabled due to a workplace injury.

Are Employees Paid for the Entire Time Off Work?

  • No, workers’ comp insurance typically has a waiting period of three to seven days before benefits begin.

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Writer Insurance Cost

Cost per Month Cost per Year Deductible
General liability insurance $34 $408 $0-$500
Professional liability insurance $40 $480 $500-$1,000
Excess liability insurance $39.00 $468 $500-$1,000
Commercial property insurance $50 $600 $1,000-$2,000
Business owner’s policy $80 $960 $1,500
Tools and equipment insurance $37 $444 $500-$1,000
Commercial auto insurance $60 $720 $500-$1,000
Workers compensation insurance $93 $1,116 $2,500-$5,000

 

The average writer insurance cost is $34 per month or $408 per year for a $1 million general liability policy. Several factors influence the cost, including claims history, business history, policy limits, deductibles, location, annual revenues, and the number of employees.

 

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Best Writer Insurance Companies

Here’s a review of the best insurance companies for writers, including their pros, cons, and average rates for a $1 million general liability policy.

Cost per Month Cost per Year Best for
NEXT $14 $168 Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for writers
The Hartford $17 $204 Workers compensation insurance for writers
CoverWallet $19 $228 Comparing writer insurance quotes online
Tivly $23 $276 Comparing writer insurance quotes over the phone
Thimble $26 $312 On-demand coverage for freelance writers
Hiscox $29 $348 Writer insurance with worldwide coverage
Authors Guild $39 $468 Media liability insurance for authors
Writers Guild of America $50 $600 Life insurance for writers

 

NEXT Writer Insurance

Pros

  • Best overall
  • Issues online proof of insurance instantly
  • Fastest general liability insurance for writers
  • Great customer service and reputation
  • Excellent rates
  • Best value for money
  • Offers 10% discount when you buy two or more policies
  • Great mobile app

Cons

  • None

NEXT has customized insurance offerings for writers. This insurer offers insurance options like workers’ compensation, general liability, and commercial auto insurance. NEXT boasts an A- minus financial score with AM Best and a B+ with the Better Business Bureau.

Best for: 1. Best overall; 2. Fastest general liability insurance for writers; 3. Best value for money

Average cost: $14 per month

Our rating: 10/10 

 

The Hartford Writer Insurance

Pros 

  • Over 200 years of insurance expertise
  • Highly reviewed by customers
  • Mobile app

Cons 

  • Some states are not covered

The Hartford offers business insurance for writers and authors tailored to fit your needs. The company has many important policies, one of which is general liability. Their default coverage offers protection for injury and property damage, reputational harm, advertising injuries, and damage to rented premises. The company has an A+ BBB rating and a 4.8 satisfaction rating in its customer reviews.

Best for: Workers compensation insurance for writers

Average cost: $17 per month

Our rating: 10/10 

 

CoverWallet Writer Insurance

Pros 

  • Easy to track policies and claims
  • Choose from different top insurers
  • Compare quotes online

Cons 

  • Requires a call for some steps in the process

CoverWallet offers a digital space to compare rates from their top providers like Hiscox, Progressive, and Markel. This company offers phone consultations to help writers get policies like business interruption, general liability, and commercial property insurance. Coverwallet has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Best for: Comparing writer insurance quotes online 

Average cost: $19 per month

Our rating: 10/10 

 

Tivly Writer Insurance

Pros 

  • 200+ partners to choose from
  • Matches you with the best insurers
  • Quick quote process

Cons 

  • Need to talk to a representative to get quotes

At Tivly, you can experience an insurance marketplace with over 200 providers all vying for your attention. Tivly will help connect you to insurers that can provide writers insurance policies like product liability, workers comp, and general liability. Tivly enjoys an impressive A rating from the Better Business Bureau for customer satisfaction. Call now to compare quotes over the phone. 

Best for: Comparing writer insurance quotes over the phone

Average cost: $23 per month

Our rating: 10/10 

 

Thimble Writer Insurance

Pros

  • Get insurance quotes quickly
  • Great online resources
  • Flexible coverage periods

Cons

  • Customer support not available 24/7

Thimble is a quick way to get your writer’s insurance. You can get quotes and policy purchases done quickly to get peace of mind. This company has writer and author insurance and an A-rated general liability policy designed for freelance writers. Thimble has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Best for: On-demand coverage for freelance writers

Average cost: $26 per month

Our rating: 10/10 

 

Hiscox Writer Insurance

Pros 

  • Customized policies to meet business needs
  • 14-day refund policy
  • Mobile app

Cons 

  • Some policies sourced from partners

Hiscox has personalized policies in mind as their insurance strategy, which it excels at. The company offers you a chance to get the most efficient coverage. This means you can be sure you are paying for what you need. The company offers general liability, workers comp, cyber security, business owner’s policy, and more. Hiscox has an A+ financial rating from Fitch and an A rating from AM Best.

Best for: Writer insurance with worldwide coverage

Average cost: $29 per month

Our rating: 10/10 

 

Writers Guild of America Insurance

Pros 

  • Medical, hospital, dental, and life insurance
  • Pension plan
  • Industry health fund

Cons 

  • Doesn’t offer liability insurance

Writers Guild of America insurance offers writer insurance policies that covers things like vision, dental, and medical costs. You also get a life insurance policy that pays out benefits to participants of the Writers Guild as well as eligible dependents. Writers guild insurance offers a health fund that kicks in when you work for a signatory employer and meets an annual earning requirement of $41,000.

Best for: Life insurance for writers

Average cost: $50 per month

Our rating: 8/10

 

Author’s Guild Insurance

Pros 

  • Health insurance through the Affordable Care Act
  • Exclusive discounts for members
  • Supplemental coverage for dental, vision, and critical care

Cons 

  • Fewer options for liability insurance

Authors guild insurance offers media liability insurance that protects you from liability costs from your job as a writer. A specialized lawyer reads your book and reviews any marketing materials you produce to ensure you are legally safe. You enjoy the benefits of being an Authors Guild member, including car rentals, essential magazine subscriptions, and electronics discounts.

Best for: Media liability insurance for authors

Average cost: $39 per month

Our rating: 8/10

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