Why do translators need insurance?
Professional translators may make mistakes in their translation which can damage a client or organisation, which may lead to a compensation claim for the alleged damages.
Incorrect translation resulted in a financial loss
Industry translations tend to be particularly high risk as any mistakes could have long long-lasting impact on your client's business. If you are deemed at fault, you may find yourself facing a legal claim.
Breach of confidentiality claims
If you revealed sensitive information about your client’s business, which affected their financial situation, it may lead to a breach of confidentiality claim against you.
Accusation of inappropriate conduct
Translating and interpreting can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. What is perfectly appropriate in one language can cause offence in another. Saying something wrong has been known to lead to a legal claim against an interpreter.
Failing your duty of care
Translating requires attention to detail and your client will expect you to be diligent. They can't check your work because they completely rely on your language skills. As a result, every mistake in the translated text may be interpreted as Failing your duty of care.
Professional indemnity insurance for translators
Professional indemnity insurance protects you and your business from any claims that might arise if a client suffers a loss of income due to a mistranslation. This insurance is a necessity for translators.
What does professional indemnity insurance for translators cover?
Professional indemnity insurance protects translators from claims or accusations of wrongdoing resulting from their professional services.
Cover includes:
- Failing your duty of care
- Making a mistake
- Acting negligently
- Giving the wrong advice or recommendation
For example, you may be facing financial demands from a client because:
- A slight mistranslation allegedly leads to a loss for your client
- You sent sensitive information to the wrong recipient
- Your interpretation led to a claim against your client
What professional indemnity limit do translators need?
Many clients you work with will require you to have a minimum level of cover before you can undertake a contract. Always check first before you arrange cover.
If you're not sure, or you are buying translator insurance for the first time, consider the extent of your work and think of the worst-case scenarios. What would be the estimated costs to put your mistakes right?
Switching your professional indemnity insurance
If you’re shopping around and possibly considering leaving your current insurer, remember that if you cancel your policy you may no longer be able to make claims against that policy.
If you change insurance providers, ensure your past work is covered under your new policy. This is called “retroactive cover.”
Should I keep professional indemnity insurance if I stop providing translator services?
If you pause or stop your translator activities, it’s wise to keep your professional indemnity. Claims against professional misconduct can surface months or years after the work is done.
How long you keep your cover in place is up to you; consider the type of work you did and the likelihood that a client might bring a claim against you.
Public liability insurance for translators
Translators often work remotely, but if you also interpret, you may find yourself meeting face-to-face with your clients.
Public liability insurance covers risks associated with face-to-face work.
Therefore, interpreters often need public liability insurance if their work involves face-to-face contact with clients and their property.
What does public liability insurance cover?
Public liability provides policyholders with legal defence and covers a possible payout if found liable for property damage or causing an injury.
Cover includes:
- accidental injury or death
- accidental property damage
For example:
- Your bag caused a trip, and you are being asked to pay compensation.
- During your visit to a client's office, an accident occurs, and you’re blamed for the consequences, which could be property damage or injury.
Shopping for translator insurance
Whether or not you decide to use Suited translator insurance to protect your business, it’s worth keeping the following in mind:
Cheap translator insurance
While a competitive price is always welcome when buying insurance for translators, don't choose a product just because it's cheap. When the price is too low, you'll need to take extra care to read the small print, especially what is excluded and what would happen if you had a claim.
The insurer's reputation is important
Insurance needs to be there when you need it most. The payout reputation of an insurer is essential. Suited uses financially sound insurers with an A+ rating.
Many providers charge fees to amend or cancel
Low initial prices often hide additional charges to pay monthly, amend or cancel your policy. At Suited, we charge no extra fees, and you can cancel anytime with no more to pay.
Some policy wordings are restrictive or have a high excess
Some providers will offer attractive prices, but it is at the expense of cover given. Suited professional indemnity and public liability have £0 excess.
