What Type of Insurance Does a Freelance Writer Need?

What Liability Risks Does a Freelance Writer Face?

There are many risks freelance writers, copywriters, and authors face, and some of those risks may be heightened by using artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Here are eight common liability risks a freelance writer or author faces:

1. Copyright Infringement

Copyright infringement occurs when a writer uses content protected by copyright in a way that violates rights granted in Canada’s Copyright Act. 

There are two types of copyright infringement: direct infringement and indirect infringement. For example, copying or publicly communicating a copyrighted work (all or a substantial part) without authorization is considered direct infringement. Indirect infringement involves using someone else’s work without their consent, which you know or should have known infringes on their rights, but you sell or distribute it anyway.

2. Defamation

Defamation involves the act of communicating false statements about another person or organization that cause them financial or reputational harm. There are two types of defamation: libel (defamation in writing or visuals in print or electronically) and slander (spoken defamation or making false statements about others).

3. Making Mistakes

Making mistakes happen to everyone, and they can be embarrassing. But when working for a client, if you make errors in the factual information you’re trusted with, grammatical errors, or, through your work, miscommunicate information that negatively impacts one of your client’s businesses, it can result in costly legal action against you. 

4. Breach of Contract

Missing deadlines, failing to deliver work as promised, or failing to meet client expectations as per any contract you sign with a client could result in being sued for breach of contract.

5. Allegations of Plagiarism

Any freelance writer or author accused of copying someone else’s work, even unintentionally, can lead to reputational damage, loss of clients, and more alarmingly, expensive legal action against you. A single lawsuit against you – even a frivolous one without merit – can cost you tens of thousands of dollars to defend yourself.

6. Cyber-Attacks

If a cyber-attack or data breach compromises your software or exposes your clients’ confidential, proprietary information, it’ll cost a writer much more than buying a new laptop or desktop computer. One of our tech company clients had this happen to them following a cyber-attack that exposed their clients’ data. However, they had cyber liability insurance to cover over $70,000 in damages.

7. Damage to Your Business Contents and Property

While writing or researching, you accidentally spill a hot beverage on your laptop, and it goes kaput, or your home office and computers are destroyed by fire or water damage. It happens more often than you might think.

8. Third-Party Bodily Injuries or Property Damages

While visiting a client’s office to discuss a proposal or project, if your client or another passerby is injured by tripping over your laptop’s power cord or after you accidentally spill a hot beverage on them, you may be liable for their medical expenses. Likewise, if you accidentally physically damage a client’s property, you can be held responsible for paying for those damages.

What Coverages Are Included in a Freelance Writer Insurance Policy?

What your insurance policy’s coverages are depends on your needs and the risks you face. In general, insurance for a freelance writer may include:

• Professional liability insurance: Also called errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, professional liability insurance covers claims against you and allegations of professional negligence, misconduct, or failure to provide a service as promised. It also provides media and advertising coverage to protect you if sued for defamation.

• General liability insurance: General liability insurance covers costs related to third-party bodily injury or third-party property damage claims against you resulting from your usual activities as a writer-for-hire. 

• Cyber liability insurance: Cyber insurance provides financial support if you suffer a cyber-attack or an accidental data breach. 

• Commercial property insurance: Commercial property insurance covers your place of business (like a home office) and your business contents, including your electronics and office furniture if damaged by fire, water, a natural disaster, theft, or vandalism.

How to Get Low-Cost Freelance Writer Insurance Today

Getting customized writers and authors insurance to protect your freelance writing career is a must-have to safeguard your finances and reputation.

Zensurance can get the low-cost protection you need. Fill out our online application for a free quote in less than five minutes.

Let our knowledgeable brokers find the policy that suits your freelance writing career at an affordable price and customize it to suit your specific needs.