Graphic Design Business Insurance: Get a Quick Quote

GRAPHICS & DESIGN

Insurance for graphic designers, design studios and creative agencies

Brand identity, illustration, editorial design, UI/UX, packaging, advertising: protect your studio against intellectual property disputes, dissatisfied customers and cyber risks.

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From $500

Annual premium

$1M to $3M

E&O Limits

AMF

Certified brokers

48 h

Rapid Attestation

A graphic design company in Quebec lives from creation and delivery. Its main risks are not physical but legal: a client who contests a deliverable, a brand that claims that your design plagiarizes its logo, a royalty-free photo that turns out not to be, an identity redesign that fails commercially in the eyes of the client. An E&O design protects against financial damage caused by your services, covers intellectual property (accidental infringement), and covers legal fees — often higher than the damages themselves for a small structure.

The 6 essential protections for a graphic designer or studio

E&O design and deliverables

Dissatisfied customer, disputed deliverables, design errors engaging financial responsibility.

Intellectual property

Accidental infringements: image, typographic font, artwork under restrictive license.

Commercial liability

Customer meetings, events, deliveries — injuries or damage during physical interactions.

Studio Equipment

Computers, graphic tablets, printers, camera equipment. Theft and damage coverage.

Cyber Creative

Account hacking (Adobe, Figma, Dropbox), ransomware on customer files, payment fraud.

Protection of moral rights

Use of your work by a client beyond the initial contract — legal support.

💡 Broker’s advice

The typical trap of the graphic designer: using “royalty-free” images without reading the license terms. A Pexels image used commercially when the photographed subject has not consented can generate a lawsuit. An Adobe Fonts font used outside of the current subscription can cost $10,000 retroactively. Document ALL your sources (captures, purchase confirmations) — your E&O PI defends you, but proof speeds up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does insurance cost for freelance graphic designers in Quebec?

Between $500 and $1,500 per year for a solo freelancer. For a studio apartment for 3 to 10 people: $1,200 to $3,500/year. Agencies with corporate or government mandates pay more (E&O at $2 million often required).

My client refuses to pay because he doesn’t like the design — covered?

No — refusal to pay for subjective dissatisfaction is not an insurable loss. Your E&O covers objective errors (deliverable not in accordance with the signed brief, missed deadline). Framing the brief and the revisions in a written contract drastically reduces this risk.

A logo I created looks like an existing brand — sued, covered?

Yes, via the intellectual property liability (included in most E&O design). Covers unintentional infringements: accidental resemblance, unconscious inspiration, patent graphic element. Documented prior art searches reduce exposure.

I used a Pexels photo but the model pictured is chasing me — covered?

Yes, via the Intellectual Property and Image Rights RC. Free photo licenses rarely cover the rights of the people photographed. For any recognizable human face in a commercial context, demand a model release.

A client uses my design beyond the original contract — my remedies?

It is a violation of copyright and moral rights. Your policy may include business legal protection ($200 to $600/year) to fund the process. Graphic designer contracts must always specify: duration of use, authorized medium, exclusivity, assignment or license.

My computer with all my client projects is stolen — covered?

Yes, via professional property insurance (equipment) and cyber insurance for the reconstruction of files. Cloud backups (Dropbox, Drive) are essential. A comprehensive policy includes the cost of rebuilding and loss of income during the interruption.

Our designers work remotely — equipment coverage?

Yes, via the “off-premises equipment” endorsement. Equipment provided to teleworkers (Macbook, iPad Pro) is covered at home. Marginal additional cost. Declare all teleworking positions when you take out.

My contracts with large companies require E&O — what level?

Standard in Quebec: $1 million for SMEs, $2 million for corporate, $5 million for government/financial. Your broker issues a nominative certificate in the client’s name within 48 hours. Keep the certificates for each mandate.

Are creative and spec work contests covered?

Speculative work (competitions, free pitches) is generally not covered because it is outside the contractual framework. Avoid spec work or negotiate participation fees. Once a contract is signed, the E&O coverage is fully activated.

Graphic designers and studios throughout Quebec

Assur360 supports businesses throughout Quebec: Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Longueuil, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières and Saguenay. Creative studios in Montreal, agencies in Quebec City, freelancers in the Eastern Townships, designer collectives in Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Laval: our brokers support all creative profiles, from independent solos to agencies of 30 people.

100% online quote, free of charge, with comparison of several Canadian insurers.