FAQ category: BAPLA Members

Yes, we always recommend you get professional indemnity.

Claims relating to copyright and intellectual property are rising and it’s easy for a third party to make an allegation of negligence or breach of intellectual property, even if the grounds are unfounded.

Professional indemnity covers your legal defence costs.

Recent changes to section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act have made libraries more responsible for ensuring all items and props in an image are not subject to copyright and do not require clearance.

We advise that all BAPLA members and professionals working in this industry have professional indemnity insurance, which offers vital protection when you hold large collections of images for which clearances might be required.

If you have any employees, it is compulsory in the UK to have employers’ liability. Even if you employ an extra pair of hands for a short period of time, such as assistants, you should always maintain employers’ liability.

Typically, we also suggest you consider cyber insurance to protect from hacker attacks, and if you have an office, you’ll probably need to insure your spaces and equipment too.

Professional indemnity covers you for allegations of mistakes and negligence.

It provides compensation to your client (or a third-party) in circumstances where you are liable due to professional negligence, and usually covers associated defence or legal costs.

Professional indemnity for image libraries usually includes extensions covering things like copyright infringement or a breach of licence extension too.

Public liability will protect you in cases of bodily injury or property damage associated with an incident involving your business.

Employers’ liability will protect you from legal costs should an employee sustain a bodily injury in the course of their employment.

You will need to take out Employers Liability if you have an employee. The creative industry is unique, in terms of the prevalence of freelancers. We are very cautious when it comes to employers’ liability. If you employ an extra pair of hands for a short period of time, such as assistants, we would highly recommend that you always maintain employers’ liability. Freelancers would then be covered in the same ways as employees whilst working under your supervision and control.

You will need to take out Employers Liability if you have an employee. The creative industry is unique, in terms of the prevalence of freelancers. We are very cautious when it comes to Employers’ Liability. If you employ an extra pair of hands for a short period of time, such as assistants, we would highly recommend that you always maintain employers’ liability. Freelancers would then be covered in the same ways as employees whilst working under your supervision and control.

All our quotes are personalised, and the premium is typically linked to the size of the business and your precise business activities. We find that in most cases, our policies are incredibly competitive.

Policies can start from as little as £500 for very small collections and libraries.

Yes, you can make changes by either calling the office or sending an email.

We do not charge Administration fees. However, an increase in cover may result in an additional premium due.

You can pay in full, by two instalments or by Direct Debit.