If an Interior Designer manufactures, sells or distributes a product that is found to be defective or unsafe, and as a result of this has caused injury or damage to a third-party person or property - then their business can be held liable.
In the unfortunate event that this happens, products liability insurance will protect the designer and their business, from a person or third-party claiming against them for their costs, fees, and expenses.
Here are 4 reasons why it's important to Interior Designers;
1. Protection against claims of injury or damage.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) recent report; ‘Safe lives, stronger nation.’, estimates that there has been a 40% increase in accidents that take place at home. Interior designers often select and install furnishings, lighting, customer fixtures and finishes. If a product they provided or specified causes injury or damage, for example;
- A wall mounted shelf falls and injures someone
- A custom light fixture short-circuits and causes a fire
- A chair the recommended collapses and causes a back injury
In these cases the client could hold the designer responsible, even if the designer did not manufacture the product themselves.
2. Designers can be held liable even if they didn’t physically manufacture the product. Here are some examples of when they can still be considered as liable;
- If the designer supplied the product directly (either retail and resale).
- The product was specified by the designer, but the designer did not conduct the correct due diligence.
- A modification or customisation of the product was made by the designer.
- The designer installed or coordinated the installation of the product.
3. Client contracts and legal requirements
Interior designers may find that many of their commercial or high-end residential clients will require proof of product liability insurance before signing contracts. It also demonstrates a commitment to the client that the designer is a professional and understands any potential risk to their own client.
4. Peace of mind & business continuity
Unfortunately, accidents happen, no matter how much planning that the interior designer might have put into the project they are working on. Products liability insurance provides the interior designer with the confidence to run their business without fear that a single mistake or unforeseen defect could make a huge financial impact on them or their business.
Trafalgar Risk Management have been providing Professional Indemnity Insurance for interior designers for over a decade. Designers can add product liability insurance to their policy, along with legal expense cover, cyber security, public liability, office contents, employer liability and Directors and Officers cover. The online quote journey is quick and efficient - get your quote here, and select 'Interior Designers' from the list.
To view the the policy wording or summary of covers, please visit: www.trafalgarinsurance.co.uk/products-liability.php
Sources: Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) 'Stronger lives, stronger nations; Our call for a National Accident prevention strategy.' (2025)
