I detailed a rare McLaren and posted the “After” shots on Instagram. I didn’t blur the license plate. The car was spotted by thieves using my post, or maybe an ex-wife found the owner’s location. The owner is suing me for “Invasion of Privacy” and “Negligence” for doxxing his location.
Key Takeaways
- Personal and Advertising Injury: This section of your General Liability policy covers “Invasion of Privacy” and “publication of material that violates a person’s right of privacy.”
- The “Electronic Chatroom” Exclusion: Many modern policies exclude liability arising from “electronic bulletin boards or chatrooms” which they define as Social Media. You might be uncovered.
- Media Liability: You really need a Media Liability endorsement to cover social media posts.
- Negligence: Failing to blur a plate is a standard industry “Standard of Care” violation. You were negligent.
The “Why” (The Trap): Social Media Exclusions
Insurers know social media is a liability minefield.
Standard GL policies were written for brick-and-mortar risks.
Exclusion “Internet / Electronic Data” often removes coverage for anything that happens online.
If you are a content-heavy detailer (TikTok/IG), you are essentially a media company. You need coverage for that media.
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I asked about social media slip-ups.
1. Basic GL (Thimble)
- Verdict: Likely denied due to electronic data exclusions.
2. Media Liability Rider (Hiscox)
- Verdict: Covered. Designed for “content creation.”
- Cost: ~$300/year.
3. The Legal Reality
- Analysis: Unless the car was actually stolen or he was harmed, he has to prove damages. “I’m mad” isn’t damages. But if he was stalked because of your post, the liability is huge.
Comparison Table: Privacy Coverage
| Claim | Standard GL | Media Liability Endorsement |
| Trip & Fall | Covered | No |
| Copyright Infringement | Excluded | Covered |
| Invasion of Privacy (IG) | Excluded (Online) | Covered |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Delete the Post: Immediately. Screenshot the analytics (views) first for evidence, then nuke it.
- Update SOP: “All plates must be covered or blurred.” Buy a physical plate cover with your logo. It’s better branding and protects privacy.
- Check Policy for “Media”: Does your policy mention “Personal and Advertising Injury”? Does it exclude “Electronic Media”? If yes, buy the rider.
- Apologize: Often, a sincere apology stops the lawsuit. “I messed up, I took it down, I’m buying a plate cover so it never happens again.”
FAQ
Q: Is a license plate public info?
A: Legally, yes, you see it on the street. But aggregating it with location data on a business page can be argued as “doxxing” or facilitating harassment.
Q: Can I post the interior?
A: Be careful of GPS screens showing the “Home” address. Blur that too.
[IMAGE: Photo of a McLaren with a branded “Detailer Logo” plate cover over the license plate.]