Reputation Insurance: Reflections From an ex-Insurance Underwriter

Before founding Parley, I spent years in the insurance industry, where risk was traditionally about financial loss - things like property damage, liability claims, or business interruptions. The focus was on tangible threats, measurable and manageable through conventional policies.  

But today, reputational risk is just as critical, if not more so. In an age where information spreads instantly, a single misstep - whether a poorly worded statement, an old, resurfaced comment, or a controversial business decision, can spark a PR crisis, leading to public backlash, lost endorsements, and even long-term damage to careers and brands.  

The industry is evolving rapidly to address these new challenges. In today’s world, a single tweet or old interview can cause a PR nightmare overnight. That’s why cancel culture insurance is gaining traction, because reputational damage can be just as costly as financial loss. 

Policies like ‘Preempt’ by Samphire Risk and Borkowski PR don’t just offer payouts; they help prevent crises with media training, crisis management, and reputation strategy. 

Public figures like Greg Wallace and Gino D’Acampo have seen how quickly opinions shift. Some, like J.K. Rowling, can weather the storm thanks to wealth and a loyal audience, but most people don’t have that luxury. That’s where insurance and PR come together. 

As cancel culture becomes more common, this type of coverage may soon be as standard as cyber insurance. Whether you’re a business or a public figure, having a plan in place is key.  

At Parley Communications, we know the best way to protect your reputation is to build a strong, authentic brand from the start. But in today’s unpredictable world, even the best can get caught in a storm. That’s where a solid crisis strategy - combining expert PR and the right insurance - can be the safety net you need. 

Déirdre pictured on her last day in insurance.