Insights and Resources

One client complaint can quickly become more than an uncomfortable conversation. If a client alleges your advice, design, strategy or service caused financial loss, you may need to respond formally, even if you believe you did nothing wrong.

Not every business carries the same kind of risk. A photographer carrying gear to a shoot location faces a different exposure than a florist delivering arrangements to a venue, yet both could still face a claim.

A landlord is asking for proof of liability cover before handing over the keys to a new studio. A market stall booking for tomorrow morning is confirmed only if you have cover. A client will not sign off on a project until they see proof of insurance. These requests tend to arrive with little notice.

Running your own business means taking responsibility for more than the work you deliver. Whether you teach classes, meet clients, attend events, visit job sites or sell products, there is always a chance someone could claim your business caused injury or property damage.

When a customer, client or member of the public alleges injury or property damage connected to your business, the next steps you take can affect how smoothly the public liability claim is assessed.

Say you run a business coaching practice. During a workshop, a client trips over a cable and injures their wrist. Months later, another client claims the growth strategy you recommended caused them a $60,000 financial loss. Same business. Two incidents. Two entirely different risks.

You've delivered the work, the project is finished and the invoice has been paid. Then, weeks or even months later, a client contacts you, claiming that your advice, recommendations or professional services caused them financial loss.

A professional indemnity claim can create real financial exposure well before anyone decides whether you were at fault.

As a graphic designer, your days are filled with focussing on creating gorgeous visual assets that help businesses thrive.