When the client says it's not what we paid for.
Professional liability for design errors and missed deadlines, intellectual property claims, cyber for client sites and files, general liability and equipment cover for designers and small studios.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Errors, fonts and borrowed images
Most design claims aren't about injury. A client says a typo cost them a print run, a site launch slipped and they lost sales, or a photo in their ad belongs to someone else. Web designers add another layer: a plugin you installed gets hacked, or a site goes down on launch day.
I look at what you make, who owns the rights, and whether your contracts limit your liability. Many clients ask for a certificate before they sign, so I set up the general liability side to match common contract terms.
- Professional liabilityErrors, missed deadlines and client losses.
- Media and IPCopyright and trademark claims, where included.
- CyberHacked client sites and lost files.
- General liabilityClient meetings and certificates for contracts.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Work: print, branding, web or app design.
- Clients: types of clients and your largest contract.
- Contracts: sample contract and any insurance requirements.
- Assets: how you license fonts, photos and code.
- Equipment: computers and gear, at home or in a studio.
- Revenue: annual figures and any past client disputes.
Designer insurance, answered
Does E&O cover a copyright claim?
It depends on the form. Some professional policies include media liability for copyright and trademark claims; others exclude it. I check that line first for designers.
I work from home. Do I need a business policy?
Usually yes. A homeowners policy often limits or excludes business equipment and doesn't cover professional claims from clients.
A client wants to be additional insured. Can I do that?
On general liability, usually. Professional liability policies rarely add additional insureds, so I'll show the client what's possible.
What if a site I built gets hacked?
That's a cyber and tech E&O question. Coverage can apply to your costs and the client's claim, subject to the policy terms.
Do you offer graphic designer insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Cover the work you deliver
Tell me what you design, your revenue and any client contract terms. I'll quote E&O and the rest with insurers that write creative professionals.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. Your application link comes by email right away, and you get an update at every step until your quotes are ready.
(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.