Insurance for Interior Decorators
Interior decorators work closely with clients in their homes and commercial spaces, often managing furniture sourcing, vendor relationships, and project timelines. When a recommended piece damages a client's flooring, a project runs over budget due to a supplier delay, or a client claims the finished result did not meet agreed specifications, the professional liability exposure can be significant. We work with carriers who understand design consulting and can build coverage that fits how you work.
Key Coverages for Interior Decorators
- Professional Liability (E&O) - Covers claims from clients alleging errors in your design recommendations, budget management, specification errors, or failure to deliver on contractual promises. Pays defense costs, settlements, and judgments.
- General Liability - Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims, including damage to a client's property while you or your vendors are working in their space.
- Business Owner's Policy (BOP) - Covers your office equipment, samples, business property, and general liability for your primary business location.
- Inland Marine / Property in Transit - Covers client furnishings, artwork, and materials while they are in your care, custody, or control during sourcing, transport, or staging.
- Workers Compensation - Required in most states if you employ assistants or project staff.
- Commercial Auto - Covers business use of vehicles for client site visits and materials transport, beyond what personal auto covers.
Client Property and Vendor Coordination
Interior decorators often take temporary possession of client furnishings for staging, restyling, or storage during a renovation. Standard general liability policies may exclude property in your care, custody, or control. We make sure your policy explicitly addresses this exposure so a damaged piece during staging does not fall outside your coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does professional liability cover budget overruns?
If a client claims financial loss because your project management led to cost overruns beyond what was agreed, professional liability can respond. Coverage applies when the client alleges a professional error or failure on your part, not simply a change in project scope they approved.
Am I covered if a contractor I recommended causes damage?
Your general liability does not automatically extend to contractors you recommend but do not employ. We review your vendor relationship structure and advise on whether additional coverage or contract language is needed to protect you from third-party contractor claims.