The core insurance lines a marketing agency needs

If you run a marketing agency, you're likely juggling clients, creative work, and growing your brand. But just like your clients need protection, so do you. The good news is that you can get some essential coverage online — and other lines you’ll need to handle elsewhere. Here’s a clear breakdown of the insurance a marketing agency needs and what you can actually buy here.

Let’s start with the foundation: the coverages you should consider for your business. These include general liability, professional liability, cyber, business owner’s policy, and workers’ compensation (if you have employees). We’ll walk through each and tell you which are available through the marketplace and which are not.

General liability insurance: First stop for third-party protection

General liability insurance is the first line of defense for any marketing agency. It covers third-party claims for bodily injury or property damage. For example, if a client slips and falls at your office, this coverage could step in. It also includes coverage for advertising-related claims, such as if your work is accused of infringing on someone else’s intellectual property.

General liability can be quoted and bought directly through the marketplace. It’s a key coverage for any business that works with clients in person or online.

Tip: If you collaborate with other agencies or subcontractors, your certificate of insurance (ACORD 25) will show the coverage limits and dates of coverage, which is what most clients or landlords will ask for.

Professional liability insurance: Covers mistakes or missed expectations

Also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, professional liability is the second major line your marketing agency should consider. It protects you from claims that your work caused financial harm to a client — such as if a campaign failed to meet expectations or if there was a mistake in content or strategy.

This is a must-have for any business offering advice, strategy, or creative work. And yes, it’s available for quote and purchase directly through the platform. You’ll find it grouped under professional liability, and it’s often sold as a standalone policy or included in a business owner’s policy (BOP).

Cyber liability insurance: Critical in a digital world

Marketing agencies work with sensitive data — client lists, payment information, and sometimes even trade secrets. If your systems are hacked or if you accidentally send information to the wrong person, cyber liability insurance can help cover the costs of data breaches, notifications, and legal fees.

It’s a newer but increasingly essential line of coverage. Cyber insurance is available for quote and purchase here. It’s especially important if you store or process data in the cloud or use digital tools to manage client relationships.

Workers' compensation insurance: Required if you have employees or independent contractors

If your marketing agency has employees — including part-time, seasonal, or remote workers — you’re likely required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages if someone is injured on the job. Requirements vary by state, so you’ll need to check your local laws.

Workers’ comp is available for quote and purchase directly through the platform. It’s also possible to include an owner inclusion election if you want to protect yourself if you’re injured while working.

Note: Independent contractors generally don’t count as employees, but it’s a good idea to confirm with your state or a legal advisor to be sure.

Business owner’s policy (BOP): A cost-effective package for small agencies

A business owner’s policy (BOP) is a combination of general liability and property insurance — and sometimes additional coverages like equipment breakdown or business interruption. It’s a streamlined, affordable option for small agencies that need more than just liability coverage.

The BOP is available for quote and purchase online. It’s ideal for agencies that use physical office space or own equipment such as computers, printers, or design tools. You can tailor it to your business needs, and it often costs less than buying the same coverages separately.

Lines you should know about but can't buy here

There are a few types of insurance that may be relevant to your marketing agency but are not available for quote or purchase through the platform. These include commercial auto, umbrella, and EPL insurance. Let’s break down what they are and how to handle them:

  • Commercial auto: Covers vehicles used for business. If you or your employees use company-owned vehicles, this may be required. It is not one of the lines you can buy here.
  • Employment practices liability (EPL): Protects you from claims related to workplace practices, such as wrongful termination. EPL is not one of the lines you can buy here.
  • Umbrella insurance: Provides additional liability coverage beyond your primary policies. It’s a secondary line and usually not necessary unless you have significant exposure. Again, this is not available for quote here.

If you’re unsure whether you need one of these lines, you can start with the core coverages and consult an insurance advisor for guidance.

How to start getting quotes for your marketing agency

Now that you know what coverage your marketing agency needs, it’s time to get started. You can begin the process by starting your quote directly on the marketplace. The process is straightforward — you’ll provide some basic information about your business, and we’ll show you the options available from top-rated carriers.

You’ll be able to compare the quotes side by side and make an informed decision. Once you select a policy, you can bind it and pay online — all in one place.