I’m based in Chicago, but I landed a big branding project for a London-based fashion house. When the project went south, they served me with a lawsuit… in the High Court of Justice in London. I called my US insurance agent, and there was a long, terrifying silence when I asked, “Am I covered for a lawsuit in England?”
Key Takeaways
- Territory vs. Jurisdiction: Your policy might cover work done worldwide (Territory), but only cover lawsuits filed in US/Canada (Jurisdiction). This is the “Suit Brought” clause.
- International Defense Costs: Defending a suit in London costs Pounds, not Dollars. US carriers often have no network of UK lawyers.
- GDPR & UK Laws: You are now liable under UK laws (defamation is easier to prove there).
- The “Worldwide” Endorsement: You must specifically request “Worldwide Jurisdiction” coverage.
The “Why”: The “Suit Brought” Clause
The Trap: Look at your policy under “Coverage Territory.” It likely says “Worldwide.”
Now look at “Jurisdiction” or “Suit Brought.”
It usually says: “We will cover claims… provided the suit is brought within the United States of America, its territories, or Canada.”
If the UK client sues you in a London court, a standard US policy pays nothing. They only cover you if the UK client comes to Chicago to sue you (which they won’t).
The Investigation: I Quoted 3 Major Carriers
1. The Hartford
- My Analysis: Their standard “Spectrum” policy has the US/Canada suit limitation. You have to add a specific “International Liability” endorsement to get coverage for foreign lawsuits.
2. Chubb
- My Analysis: Chubb is a global carrier. They are one of the few that offers true “Worldwide Jurisdiction” standard on their elite policies. They have offices in London, so they can actually hire a lawyer there for you.
3. Next Insurance
- My Analysis: I checked their FAQ. They strictly cover US-based claims. If you work with international clients, this budget option is a major risk.
[IMAGE: Map highlighting “Coverage Territory” vs “Jurisdiction Area”]
Comparison Table: International Coverage
| Carrier | Worldwide Work? | Worldwide Lawsuits? | Cost | Best For… |
| Chubb | Yes | Yes (Standard) | | Global Agencies |
| Hartford | Yes | Yes (With Rider) | | US Biz with some exports |
| Next | Yes | NO (US Only) | $ | Local only |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Your Policy NOW: Search for “Suit Brought.” If it says US/Canada only, call your agent.
- Add a “Venue” Clause to Contract: Force the client to agree that “Any legal disputes shall be adjudicated in the State of Illinois.” This forces them to sue you in the US, triggering your coverage.
- Upgrade Coverage: If you can’t change the contract, buy the “Worldwide Jurisdiction” rider.
- Notify Carrier: If you get a foreign writ, send it immediately. Time zones matter.
FAQ
Does my LLC protect me internationally?
Not really. International courts can sometimes pierce the corporate veil differently than US courts.
What about payment disputes?
Good luck collecting from a UK client without international legal help.
Is Canada covered?
Usually, yes. US policies almost always group US, Canada, and Puerto Rico together.