Printing & Publishing Coverage Guide
Printers face equipment-breakdown exposure on six-figure presses, ink/solvent pollution liability, and media liability for the content they print (libel, copyright). Equipment downtime kills cash flow without business interruption coverage.
Critical Coverage
Workers' Compensation
Covers employee injuries and illnesses on the job
What it covers
Press injuries, lifting, repetitive motion, ink/solvent exposure.
Common misconception
Press operators face amputation/crush risk.
What it does NOT cover
Owner exemption.
The gap — what happens without it
Press operator hand injury — $80K. WC pays.
What drives your premium
Payroll, class codes, state, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Voluntary comp.
Commercial Property
Covers your building, equipment, and inventory
What it covers
Building, presses (six figures each), inventory.
Common misconception
Printing equipment is extremely high-value.
What it does NOT cover
Flood. Mechanical breakdown.
The gap — what happens without it
Fire destroys press — $400K. Property pays.
What drives your premium
Equipment, building
Endorsements to ask about
Equipment breakdown. Business income.
Professional Liability (E&O)
Covers claims of negligence or mistakes in professional services
What it covers
Print errors, color mismatches, missed deadlines causing client damages.
Common misconception
Printers think small mistakes are 'covered by remake.' For high-value direct-mail or trade-show jobs, missed deadlines or errors can cost clients hundreds of thousands.
What it does NOT cover
Intentional. Express warranties.
The gap — what happens without it
Catalog printing error forces client to delay launch — $80K liquidated damages. E&O pays.
What drives your premium
Revenue, contract values, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Print errors and omissions.
Business Interruption
Covers lost income when operations are disrupted
What it covers
Lost income during press downtime.
Common misconception
Equipment-down events without property damage may need separate equipment-breakdown BI.
What it does NOT cover
Pandemic.
The gap — what happens without it
Fire shuts plant 8 weeks — $400K lost revenue. BI pays.
What drives your premium
Revenue, restoration
Endorsements to ask about
Extended period.
Important Coverage
General Liability
Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
What it covers
Premises, advertising, media liability for content printed.
Common misconception
Printers face media liability for content (libel, copyright in printed materials).
What it does NOT cover
Professional services.
The gap — what happens without it
Visitor injury — $20K. GL pays.
What drives your premium
Plant, employees
Endorsements to ask about
Media liability sub-limit. Hired/non-owned auto.
Not sure what you need?
Text us your trade and state — we'll tell you exactly what coverages apply to your business and shop the market for the best rate.