My ex didn’t just break up with me; he launched a campaign. He posted private videos on revenge sites and wrote tweets claiming I had STDs. My reputation was tanking, and I was losing subscribers. I wanted to sue him for defamation and invasion of privacy, but lawyers wanted $10,000 upfront. I looked at my insurance policy for “Personal Injury.”
Key Takeaways
- Plaintiff vs. Defendant: Once again, standard insurance defends you if you are sued. It does not pay for you to sue others.
- “Pursuit of Claim” Coverage: This is a rare rider (often found in European policies or high-end US policies) that covers legal costs to pursue a case against someone else.
- Civil Litigation Funding: In 2026, if insurance fails, “Litigation Finance” companies might fund your lawsuit in exchange for a cut of the settlement.
- The “Intentional Act” Problem: If you sue him, he might claim his insurance covers him. But because he did it intentionally (malice), his insurance will deny him coverage, meaning even if you win, he might have no money to pay you.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Liability Shield
“Personal Injury” coverage in a homeowners policy covers things like libel, slander, and invasion of privacy.
BUT, it covers you strictly as the defendant. If you accidentally slander someone and they sue you, the insurance pays. If you are the victim of slander, the insurance does nothing. The policy is designed to protect your assets, not your feelings or reputation.
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I searched for funding to sue a revenge porn poster.
1. Legal Expense Insurance (ARAG / DAS)
These are popular in Europe/Canada, rarer in the US.
- The Coverage: Some plans cover “Family Legal Protection,” which can include pursuing tort claims (like defamation).
- The Cost: ~$20 – $40/month (often through employer benefits).
- My Analysis: Check if you have this through a “day job” or spouse. It’s the best bet for funding a lawsuit.
2. The Umbrella Policy “Victim” Rider
- The Finding: As mentioned in the Stalking section, some high-end Umbrella policies (Chubb, Cincinnati) include coverage for expenses if you are a victim of a crime, which can include legal counsel to manage the crisis.
3. Digital Rights Services (DeleteMe / Optery)
- The Function: They don’t sue, but they scrub the content.
- The Cost: ~$100 – $200/year.
- My Analysis: This is often more effective than a lawsuit. Removing the content stops the bleeding; a lawsuit takes 3 years.
Comparison Table: Funding a Lawsuit
| Option | Pays Lawyer Fees? | Can Sue for Damages? | Cost |
| Standard Liability Ins. | No (Defense Only) | No | N/A |
| Legal Expense Ins. (ARAG) | Yes (Up to limit) | Yes | $300/yr |
| Litigation Finance | Yes | Yes | 30-40% of Settlement |
| Paying Cash | Yes | Yes | $10k+ Retainer |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- DMCA Takedown First: Do not wait for a lawyer. Issue DMCA takedowns to every site hosting the content immediately.
- Preserve Evidence: Do not just screenshot; save the URLs and the HTML source code. You need to prove he posted it.
- Consult a Contingency Lawyer: Find a lawyer who specializes in “Revenge Porn” (Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery). Because many states now have statutory damages (guaranteed money), some lawyers might take the case on “contingency” (they only get paid if you win).
- Check Employee Benefits: If you have a day job, check if you opted into the “Legal Plan” during open enrollment. It might cover this.
FAQ
Q: Is revenge porn a crime?
A: In most US states, yes. You can report him to the police. The District Attorney handles the criminal case (free for you), which can result in him having a criminal record, helping your civil case.
Q: Can I sue the website?
A: Generally, no. Section 230 of the CDA protects platforms from liability for user content. You have to sue the ex, not the site.
Q: Does “Reputation Management” insurance exist?
A: Yes, for corporations. For individuals, it’s usually a service you pay for out of pocket to push negative search results down.
[IMAGE: Infographic showing the path: “Report to Police” -> “DMCA Takedown” -> “Civil Lawsuit”.]