Freelance Insurance Advice

fleeze69

Hi, I am a self employed web & graphic designer and am a little confused about what insurance I need and what it all covers.

Basically I have been self employed for a couple of years and mainly build websites & design print for very small local companies, so I've never really thought about insurance.

I've just been asked to quote on a HUGE job, but it'd involve me getting thousands of brochures printed for the client, which would obviously cost a lot of money. I'm thinking that if I made any typos or errors (which I shouldn't) what insurance would cover me for this, so I wouldn't have to foot the bill. I would get the client to sign the pages off before going to print, so really I can't see me needing to claim (if the worst happened).

I'm just in need of advice on what insurances I should have, to make sure Im all covered as hopefully if I win this job it'll boost my career up to the next level (i.e. working with larger UK wide firms rather than very small local ones).

Finally on a similar note does any one know of any good resources for writing terms and conditions (in relation to being a freelance web & graphic designer), as again I currently don't make clients sign anything as they're generally really small local business who I know, I simply take a deposit to improve cashflow.

Thanks

Adam

stephenni1971

Adam,

I've worked with many designers before but insurance against typos etc is something I doubt is available.

The absolute most important thing you can do is have printers proofs made and signed off by your client. That way if there is any problem it rests with the printer and not you.

I should add getting involved as a middleman on a big job like this brings its problems, what if your client is late paying, or ( as some do ) create some minor issue which they blow up into a big one to try and haggle you down on cost.

Effectively your client will be using you as a form of loan for a few months until they pay their bill - can you afford this?

One common way around this is to submit your quote to them and then if you are successful have the print bill issued direct to client ( with their OK ) - and you bill your design part separate. Everyone gets paid but you are not left sitting on a debt for a few months

Oscar_The_Grouch

Hi there

I think that you need to get someone to write some contracts for you!!

I also think you should be speaking to a broker about Professional Indemnity Insurance as well as Public Liability cover. If you are freelance and working on your own, that should do you.

Your main problem seems to be the lack of contracts. Perhaps you should seek some legal advice on that aspect, or at the very least, see if there is someone elses contract that you can use!!

stephenni1971

In understand where Oscar is coming from regarding Professional Indemnity cover but unfortunately graphic design and also the printing process are a VERY subjective thing - In a previous life I have had a client argue over a bill because the colour they expected on their job was purple grape and what they got was aubergine. Added to that the process of proofing/reproofing/final amends etc it is a nightmare.

As I said earlier have your client agree to print being billed direct and have your printer supply final proofs which once signed by YOUR CLIENT ( dont do it for them - or if there is a mistake you will be liable!) go back to the printers and any deviation in the final job will be the printers responsibility.

*MF*

Hi ...

My 2p ... and I have no direct or indirect connection with anything I mention, ok.

Try specifically finding a Lloyds broker - there are facilities at Lloyds which will provide cover where traditional markets won't. They will also advise you on the extent of cover you may need, and which you may not think of.

Also ask them (Lloyds Brokers) to look at what Chubb Insurance may have on offer - the "media" industry - all types but particularly perhaps anything internet related face some major problems, and I know Chubb are heavily into providing wide ranging cover in the USA (but maybe not yet for the UK).

One short story - always treble check any phone numbers - once was involved with a Tourist Board - where their phone number in thousands of brochures was one number misplaced - and the people who then got literally millions of phone calls were not happy - not happy at all.

Hope this helps ...

dacouch

Try contacting Ink Underwritting who as the name indicates specialise in covering the printing industries. They have policies that are tailored for printers and cover most of the things you need and have options for most other covers.

http://www.inkunderwriting.com/

olly300

OP you definitely need Professional Indemnity Insurance but to whether you need public liability cover depends on how you work.

I see if I can find a link to a leaflet I read before and post it.

fleeze69

Thanks all for your replies.

In response to stephenni1971, I was planning on making a fair bit on the printing as the client said they'd like me to 'just sort it'. I think what I may do is quote the client for the design separate then quote the printing separate giving them the option to find an alternative printer.

If they did then decide to 'use me' for printing then would it make it 'safer' for myself by copying anything my printer needs me to sign, to get them to sign too (obviously rewritten with my company name in rather than the printers).

Thanks

Adam

stephenni1971

Making a commission on the print is fine - but IF the client didn't pay you, would you be able to pay the printer?

Unless this job is for a govt body or such where payment is assured, I would NOT be the middle man for a big job.

Also, don't copy the printers proofs, use the originals, all clients know that designers use printers, so it's no big secret. Printer may not stand over proofs if they are copies ... only 1st generation proofs.

Vicky_Pont

Hi Adam

so true with many of the points raised here. With sign-off being particularly important. The whole point of getting the right insurance cover is so you can keep up the good relationships you have with your clients.

I can get my colleague, Gemma, to get in touch with you if you want - she is a whizz in business insurance for Graphic Designers and a complete angel. The policies we can provide are all specialist.

Let me know if you want her to get in touch - she'll definitely be able to help.

Vicky

mattymoo

dacouch wrote: »

Try contacting Ink Underwritting who as the name indicates specialise in covering the printing industries. They have policies that are tailored for printers and cover most of the things you need and have options for most other covers.

http://www.inkunderwriting.com/

I sit near their box in the Lloyd's building. Often wondered what they did so thanks for clearing that one up dacouch.