R+V enhances insurance coverage for 3D printing risks

Wiesbaden, Germany – R+V Versicherung AG has expanded its business and product liability insurance for corporate clients to encompass the specific risks associated with 3D printing. The insurer announced this update on August 14, 2019.

The adoption of 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is transforming production processes by enabling the creation of complex parts quickly and cost-effectively. However, this technology also introduces new liability concerns, particularly if printed components fail quality standards or cause damage during use.

R+V's updated policy addresses these challenges by including coverage for intellectual property infringements, such as brand, copyright, and patent violations, which can occur in custom printing scenarios. It also covers loss of use and unnecessary expenses incurred by the buyer.

Significantly, the insurance extends beyond standard liability to cover the manufacturer's own damages. If products are deemed unusable due to defects, the policy will reimburse costs like material expenses and disposal fees for rejected parts. Furthermore, it covers additional costs incurred to prevent business interruption, such as renting external printers or engaging third-party service providers.