Why You Should Hold Freelancer Insurance For Your Own Benefit, Not Just The Clients!
Insurance is often required to satisfy certain obligations in a contract between you and your client, but rather than seeing…
Firstly, when freelancing, you need to establish the risks your business faces and your legal obligations. But let’s also consider your clients, the assumptions they make and the (often standardised) contracts they will expect you to comply with.
Professional Indemnity insurance
Professional Indemnity insurance is vital if any errors you make or negligent advice you give leads to financial loss or damages the reputation of those relying on your expertise. Including legal defence costs and any damages awarded to the claimant it’s a crucial insurance to hold when expertise is what your clients are paying you for.
Public Liability insurance
Whether you work from a client’s premises or have visitors to your own place of work, you have a duty to protect anyone who might be affected by your activities. Public Liability insurance would provide cover if someone was injured or property was damaged as a result of your actions in carrying out your duties.
Employers’ Liability insurance
Employers’ Liability insurance is compulsory for almost all UK businesses with limited exceptions. Freelancers and contractors who don’t employ anyone are exempt, however, many clients’ standard contracts are drawn up without consideration for the specific legal requirements which apply and will simply insist upon this type of cover.
Occupational Personal Accident insurance
Occupational Personal Accident insurance protects you financially if you become unable to work due to injury as a result of an accident at work. As a freelancer you will likely have very limited financial support available while you are unable to work. By paying a weekly benefit while you recover, or a lump sum if you are permanently unable to work, Personal Accident cover is highly recommended for freelancers and contractors.
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability insurance
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability insurance gives you financial protection as a company director where you could be held personally liable if you fail in any of the numerous responsibilities you accept to run and represent a company in an appropriate manner. Situations where a claim can arise range from financial misrepresentation to alleged legislative breaches.
By understanding your main exposures and contractual obligations we’ve created a package of business insurance designed specifically for freelancers and contractors. For further information visit www.kingsbridge.co.uk.
