Insurance for interior designers
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Who needs interior designers' insurance?
Interior designers, who assist clients in making their indoor spaces more safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing, should have professional and general liability insurance. In an industry in which advice can be based on personal taste, it is not uncommon for clients to disagree with certain approaches or methodologies, no matter how strongly you feel about your vision for a room or property. Obtaining insurance for interior designers is a great way to protect yourself while continuing to provide dynamic and unique consultation to your clients.
Other home improvement professions we insure
Insurance Policies available for interior designers
For most interior designers, there are three main types of insurance policies that are worth considering—each of which can provide its own unique aspects of protection to help you run your design business with confidence.
Professional liability insurance for interior designers
Professional liability insurance—sometimes called E&O insurance—provides a number of potential benefits to decorators, including coverage for negligence, personal injury (such as libel and slander), defense costs, and also claims against past-rendered services. Though claims such as fraudulent acts, usually aren't covered by professional liability insurance, this type of insurance is very important for professionals who regularly provide services, consultation or advice to clients, including interior designers.
Here’s an example of how professional liability insurance can protect your interior design business. An employee of an interior design company is having lunch with a friend one day, and they’re talking about a particularly difficult client who also happens to be a prominent member of the community. Their conversation is overheard and reported back to the client, who sues the interior design firm for slander, and for breaching the confidentiality agreement the designer signed when they started the project. Their professional liability insurance policy could cover the cost to defend the employee, as well as any settlement or judgment.
If a client should react negatively to your decoration recommendations or otherwise feel as if they or their business have been damaged in some way by the services you provide, you or your business may be sued. Legal problems for interior designers can come in a number of different forms.
General liability insurance for interior designers
General liability—also called commercial general liability (CGL)—covers small businesses against claims by others of property damage, as well as bodily injury and associated medical costs.
For example, suppose an interior designer is hanging new drapes in a client’s living room when the ladder falls, knocking an antique vase off a table and smashing it. The designer’s general liability insurance policy could cover the cost to replace the vase.
Learn more about how much general liability insurance costs.
Business owners policy (BOP) for interior designers
For many interior designers, a business owners policy (BOP) may be the best choice. A BOP is a combination of general liability and business property insurance and is often used to provide coverage to small businesses with the aim of protecting valuable equipment.
An interior designer whose computer equipment is stolen would be protected by a BOP, which would cover the cost to replace the equipment and get the business back up and running.
Why do interior designers choose Hiscox?
At Hiscox, we understand just how much work goes into being an interior designer. Whether you've opened your own business or are consulting in a different capacity, we can help you grow your career by reducing risk with our small business insurance policies, allowing you to focus on what really matters: providing exceptional services to your clients.
Here are six reasons why interior decorators choose Hiscox above other providers for professional liability insurance and general liability insurance:
- Flexible payment options: We offer you the option of making monthly payments (with no additional fees) to help you manage your cash flow.
- Tailored insurance: We specialize in businesses like yours and tailor coverage to the risks in your field.
- Claims responsiveness: When a covered claim is reported, Hiscox will immediately assign a dedicated claims representative to assist you.
- Coverage for contracts: Our interior designer insurance coverage satisfies most standard contract insurance requirements.
- Worldwide coverage: A business insured through Hiscox is covered for work done anywhere in the world, as long as the claim is filed in the U.S., a U.S. Territory or Canada.
- Passion for service: Agents knowledgeable about your business concerns will provide you with excellent service. 4.7/5 people surveyed recommended us.
Ready to learn more about how Hiscox insurance can help mitigate risk with interior designers’ insurance coverage? Get a fast, free quote online. If you have questions, call us at 1-866-283-7545 and speak with a licensed Hiscox insurance agent, Monday – Friday, 7am – 10pm ET.
This information is provided to assist you in understanding the coverage we offer and does not modify the terms and conditions of any insurance policy, nor does it imply that any claim is covered. Coverages are subject to underwriting and may not be available in all states.