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What is author and writer insurance?

Author and writer insurance is designed specifically for people like you – whether you’re a novelist, journalist or freelance writer. It covers you in case something goes wrong in your professional life. For example, if someone claims that your book defamed them, or if your laptop full of unfinished drafts gets stolen, the right insurance can help cover those costs.

Essentially, it's protection for the bumps in the road that can pop up in a writing career. Let’s break it down in plain, everyday terms so you know what it is, why it’s important, and how to get it without breaking the bank.

What author and writer insurance includes

Here are some of the main things you’d be covered for:

• Professional liability insurance: This is a big one. It protects you if someone sues you for things like defamation, plagiarism or negligence. If a publisher or reader accuses you of libel (a false written statement that damages someone's reputation), this helps cover legal fees and settlements.
• Cyber liability insurance: This is a must if you work online, especially when dealing with sensitive data or storing projects in the cloud. It protects you from cyberattacks and data breaches, which can happen to anyone.

Recommended add-ons for author and writer insurance coverage

To get even better protection, here are a few extras to consider:

• Business interruption insurance: This is your safety net if something unexpected happens that stops you from working. It covers lost income due to illness, injury, workspace or equipment damage, legal issues or even natural disasters like floods and fires. Even if you're working from your cozy home office, this can keep your finances stable when you can't work.
• Commercial property insurance: This coverage protects your office or workspace in case of unexpected events like floods, fires or other disasters. It helps cover the cost of repairs to the space and also replaces any equipment or belongings that get damaged.
• Commercial general liability insurance: More of a ‘just in case’ for accidents that happen on the job. For example, if a client visits your home office and trips over your manuscript drafts, this covers their medical costs.

Common types of author and writer insurance claims

Here are some common situations where insurance can save your day (and your bank account):

• Defamation claims: If you write something that someone claims is damaging to their reputation, you might end up in a lawsuit. Whether it's true or not, defending yourself in court can get expensive, and insurance helps cover those costs.
• Copyright infringement: If a photo you used in your blog turns out to be copyrighted, or someone accuses you of copying their work, you might get sued.
• Contract disputes: Sometimes, things get sticky with publishers or clients over contracts. If there’s a disagreement that ends up in court, the legal battle can get costly, necessitating a claim.

How much does author and writer insurance cost?

The cost of insurance really depends on what kind of coverage you need and how risky your work is. On average, expect to pay anywhere between $300 to $1,500 per year. The exact amount depends on factors such as the coverage limits, location and any additional options like income protection.

How to get the cheapest author and writer insurance rates

Getting affordable insurance isn’t about finding the absolute cheapest option – it’s about getting the right coverage at a good price. Here are some tips to keep your costs low:

• Shop around: Don’t just go with the first company you find. Get quotes from a few different providers and compare what they offer.
• Bundle your policies: Some insurance companies will give you a discount if you bundle your author insurance with other types, like your home or car insurance.
• Raise your deductible: A higher deductible means a lower monthly premium. Just make sure it’s an amount you can afford to pay out of pocket if you need to file a claim.
• Tailor your coverage: Only pay for what you really need. If you mostly write at home and rarely meet clients in person, maybe you don’t need a ton of general liability coverage.

Author and writer insurance in Canada: What you need to know

If you're based in Canada, here are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Provincial differences: Insurance laws and regulations can vary depending on where you live in Canada, so make sure your coverage meets your local requirements.
• Local providers: It’s a good idea to go with an insurance provider who understands the Canadian market and the specific needs of Canadian writers.
• Tax deductions: The good news is, your insurance premiums might be tax-deductible as a business expense, so don’t forget to keep those receipts come tax season.