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Information Publishers - Are You Insured?

by phil79
4 replies
I've spent this week trying to arrange insurance for a trade show I'm doing later this month (I'm selling one of my digital products in physical form). Having spoke to a number of insurance brokers both here in the UK and the US, I'm pretty astounded at how exposed information publishers are...

For example, I know of marketers who publish fitness and health-related material that have no formal qualifications in the subject (or they've used a ghost writer of the same). All the brokers I've spoken to have said that not only would they be uninsurable but even far-fetched claims against them would have a good chance of success with minimal burdon of proof.

Yes, you can worry to the nth degree about something and you can probably never cover your back completely but in such a letigious society do you think it's worth being insured (publishers liability insurance here in the UK)?

If so, you going to have a hard time publishing content in a number of niches unless you use a qualified expert (weight loss, health, nutrition, alt health, beauty, mental health, fitness, finances, investing, making money, sports instruction etc).

As for disclaimers, apparently they are next to worthless and act only as a deterrent.

Worth thinking about...
#information #insured #publishers
  • Profile picture of the author yourreviewer
    I would be very interested in knowing about this as well. There are a number of people who have info products on health in Clickbank who have no formal qualifications. So does it mean you cannot publish health related books?

    I thought the disclaimer of "Use it at your own risk" would suffice.
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Ames
    Anyone could sue you at any time for anything. We've seen stupid cases like the woman spilling hot coffee on herself at McDonalds and being awarded $2.86 million. That said, they won't sue you if you have little money or assets. If you are just starting out and have nothing, don't worry. Once you have wealth that someone can get start to worry and plan.

    A good defense is the best offense against these lawsuits. Always appear to have no money once you are wealthy. That doesn't mean you can't drive a Mercedes, just don't have it in your name. Create an LLC in another State and lease the Mercedes from your company. Never put all your assets in one company. If you publish health related stuff, lease all your office equipment, supplies, etc. from another company you've set up. If someone sues your publishing company they can't get much. Insurance is good to have, but it's not the only way to protect yourself.


    Disclaimer: These are my opinions only and are not to be taken as legal advise.
    Signature

    Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. -Winston Churchill

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    • Profile picture of the author Ross Bowring
      Originally Posted by Scott Ames View Post


      A good defense is the best offense against these lawsuits. Always appear to have no money once you are wealthy. That doesn't mean you can't drive a Mercedes, just don't have it in your name. Create an LLC in another State and lease the Mercedes from your company. Never put all your assets in one company. If you publish health related stuff, lease all your office equipment, supplies, etc. from another company you've set up. If someone sues your publishing company they can't get much. Insurance is good to have, but it's not the only way to protect yourself.


      Disclaimer: These are my opinions only and are not to be taken as legal advise.
      Good advice, Scott. Defense wins championships, as they say.
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  • Profile picture of the author Zeus66
    C'mon man. Don't I have enough to worry about with a mortgage, gas prices, an economy in the tank, and a sore back? Now you gotta go and make me think about getting sued over what I write?

    I'm going back to bed. If you people can't think of anything sunny and rose colored to thread about, don't thread anything at all. :p

    John
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