Every word matters, so does your coverage.
Professional liability for translation and interpreting errors, general liability for on-site jobs, and cyber for the documents you handle.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
One wrong word can cost a lot
A mistranslated dosage, a missed term in a contract or a misheard statement in a deposition can cause real harm. When it does, the client or the person affected may claim your error caused their loss.
Court interpreters in California are certified or registered through the Judicial Council, and medical and legal clients often require proof of insurance. I place professional liability, general liability for hospital and office visits, and cyber for files with personal data.
- Professional liabilityClaims your translation or interpreting caused a loss.
- General liabilityInjuries or damage at a client site.
- Cyber liabilityMedical, legal and personal records you handle.
- Workers' compFor agencies with employee interpreters.
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.
- Services: interpreting, translation or both.
- Fields: medical, legal, court, business or other.
- Credentials: certifications you hold.
- Team: solo, employees or subcontracted linguists.
- Revenue: annual fees.
- History: current policies and any past claims.
Translator insurance, answered
Do I need E&O as a freelance translator?
Many agencies and hospitals require it. It also protects you if a client blames a loss on your work.
Are subcontracted linguists covered?
Your policy can cover your liability for their work, but they may need their own policy too.
Is machine translation I edit covered?
Post-editing is still your work. Tell me how you use translation tools.
Does my policy cover HIPAA data breaches?
Professional liability usually doesn't. Cyber liability is built for breaches.
Do you offer translator and interpreter 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.
Official sources
Tell me about your work. I'll shop it.
Services, fields and revenue are enough to start.
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
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.