Media liability insurance

Who needs media liability insurance?

Anyone who distributes information to the public via websites, blogs, emails and desktop publishing needs media liability insurance. Professionals who benefit from a media liability insurance policy include:

What is the role of media liability insurance?

Media liability insurance is designed to fill the gaps not covered by traditional liability insurance, such as professional indemnity insurance. It can now be purchased as an addition to such insurances and addresses the specific exposures faced by media professionals.

One example of these exposures is those faced by consultants who design, build and host websites for their clients. They not only have traditional liability for duties owed to their clients, but now face new risks such as slander or libel, media and advertising liability and security liability for everything that happens on and to their website, from credit card fraud and misuse of email to third parties illegally accessing the site.

What does media liability insurance cover?

Make sure you read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)

2022 Finder research shows that 23% of Australians can't be bothered reading the PDS. A PDS includes a comprehensive list of all the inclusions and exclusions of a policy.

Speak to a broker about media liability insurance

If you are ready to speak with a consultant about different business insurance options available, simply enter your details in the form. Keep reading if you want to learn more about the different types of cover available.

Frequently asked questions

• Why do I need media liability insurance?

  You need media liability insurance because if a claim is made against you for disseminating erroneous or defamatory information, you will have to defend that claim in court. If you are uninsured, your defence will be at your own expense.

• What is the difference between an ‘occurrence’ and ‘claims-made’ policy?

  An occurrence policy covers losses that were incurred during the policy period, while a claims-made policy covers claims that were filed during the policy period.

• What is the difference between a costs-inclusive and costs-exclusive excess?

  A costs-inclusive excess means that you must pay the excess (amount to be paid by you when a claim is made) towards the legal costs of defending a claim, while a costs-exclusive excess lets you pay the excess towards the settlement of the claim, which means you have more time to pay.

• How do I apply for media liability insurance?

  Media liability insurance is often offered as an adjunct to professional indemnity insurance, so you can ask your insurer about this additional cover at the time of applying. Alternatively, you can compare policies online and often apply online as well.

• What is the retroactive date?

  The retroactive date is the date from which you are covered by your media liability policy.

• What protection does media liability insurance provide?

  It protects your business and personal assets if a claim of disseminating erroneous or defamatory information is brought against you, allowing you to continue running your business.

• When should I notify my insurer of a circumstance that I think might result in a claim?

  As soon as possible, or else the claim might be denied due to a ‘known circumstance’.

• What is a known circumstance?

  A circumstance where you were aware or should have been aware, given your professional position, that a claim could result.

• What does negligence mean?

  Negligence is when someone suffers a loss that is caused by your failure to fulfil your duty of care towards that person.

• What is the limit of liability?

  The limit of liability is the aggregate limit (maximum amount that will be paid) for all claims that are made against you during the insurance period.

• Why do I have to fill out a proposal form?

  Because it will provide the insurer with information that they need to know about you and your business in order to calculate your premium. This information can include the type and size of your business and the kinds of risks you are typically exposed to.