Even when they work for themselves, self-employed freelancers should consider different types of insurance to protect themselves and their businesses so they can mitigate risk with clients. We’ve assembled a list of insurance considerations for freelancers, independent workers, and the self-employed.
Liability Insurance (Errors and Omissions)
There are a couple of different types of liability insurance such as general liability or professional indemnity insurance. General liability insurance will protect you from claims and lawsuits related to property damage or bodily injury. Indemnity insurance is particularly important for professionals who provide advice or services, such as consultants, coaches, and freelancers. All self-employed workers regardless of industry can benefit from liability insurance, and clients may demand evidence of it before engagement. Providers like biberk.com and simplybusiness.com can help you quickly secure this type of insurance.
Business Interruption Insurance
As a self-employed worker or independent contractor, interruptions to income can be especially devastating. Business interruption insurance helps cover lost income and ongoing expenses if your business operations are disrupted due to a covered event (e.g., fire, natural disaster), allowing you to maintain your financial stability even during downtime.
Product Liability Insurance
If you sell physical products, product liability insurance can protect you from claims related to injuries or damages caused by your products.
Health Insurance
As a self-employed individual, you’ll need to secure your own health insurance coverage. This ensures that you have access to medical care and helps mitigate the financial burden of healthcare expenses. Opolis offers access to affordable healthcare insurance including medical, dental, and vision insurance from premium providers.
Life and Disability Insurance
Life insurance can provide financial protection for your family and dependents in the event of your death. It can help cover ongoing expenses and ensure your business has a smooth transition. Disability insurance provides you with income replacement if you’re unable to work due to a disability. This ensures you have a source of income even if you’re temporarily unable to run your business. As an Opolis Member, you can rest easy that you and your loved ones are protected. Members are automatically enrolled in mandatory life insurance as it is a requirement from our benefits provider.
The specific insurance needs of a self-employed individual or freelancer will vary based on their industry, business model, and risk factors. It’s advisable to consult with an insurance professional or broker who can help you assess your specific risks and tailor an insurance plan to your needs.