Being self-employed means enjoying professional freedom, but it also involves risks that can threaten your financial and personal stability. One of the biggest risks is facing third-party claims for damages, errors, or negligence related to your work. That’s why having a Professional liability insurance for the self-employed is not just advisable, but essential.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about liability insurance: what it is, how it works, the types available, and when it is mandatory. Additionally, we help you understand how to choose the right policy to protect your business and assets.
What is liability insurance for self-employed professionals?
Liability insurance for self-employed professionals is a policy designed to protect independent workers against third-party claims for damages or losses caused during their professional activity. It is essential to ensure business continuity and cover potential compensation, preventing the individual from having to bear costs with their personal assets.
These policies are essential to ensure the financial and professional stability of the self-employed and have certain features:
Third-party damage coverage
They protect the self-employed against claims for material, personal, or financial damage caused to third parties during the course of their professional activity.
Adaptation to professional activity
They are designed to fit the specific needs of each profession or sector, such as when a lawyer requires coverage for advisory errors or a self-employed worker in the construction sector needs coverage for damages on site.
Legal defence
They include coverage for legal costs associated with the self-employed person’s defence in case of a claim, such as hiring lawyers, court fees, and necessary expert reports.
Coverage for compensation payments
The insurer covers the compensation costs that the self-employed person must pay if found liable for the damages caused.
Customisation of Civil Liability Insurance for the Self-Employed
They are tailored to the activity, risk level, and size of the self-employed professional’s business, allowing the purchase of additional coverage as needed, such as for damages caused by defective products, environmental harm, or loss of digital data.
Mandatory coverage in certain professions
In regulated sectors such as lawyers, architects, doctors, or insurance agents, contracting liability insurance is legally mandatory.
Coverage limit
The professional liability insurance for self-employed individuals sets a maximum coverage limit that the insurer will pay in case of a claim. This limit may vary depending on the risk level and the specific needs of the self-employed person.
Risk-based pricing
The policy cost depends on factors such as the type of activity, business volume, and the claims history of the insured.
Financial and professional peace of mind
By protecting the freelancer’s personal assets, these policies ensure they can continue their activity without facing major financial problems in the event of claims.
Professional image
Taking out liability insurance strengthens the perception of professionalism and commitment to quality and safety towards clients.
Types of liability insurance for the self-employed
Liability insurance for the self-employed is divided into several categories depending on the nature of your activity and the specific risks you face. Below are the main types available:
General liability insurance
It is the basic coverage that protects the self-employed professional against personal, property, or financial damages caused to third parties during their professional activity.
Professional liability
It is focused on intellectual or advisory activities, covering errors, omissions, or negligence that cause financial harm to clients.
Operating liability
It covers damages that may occur within the premises where the freelancer operates or resulting from the use of facilities and equipment.
Product liability insurance
Designed for self-employed individuals who manufacture, distribute, or sell products, this coverage protects against damages caused by defective or hazardous products.
Environmental liability insurance
For activities that may cause environmental damage, such as soil or water contamination.
Employer’s liability insurance
It protects against employee claims arising from workplace accidents or work-related illnesses.
Cross liability
This type of civil liability insurance for freelancers covers claims between different parties involved in a project. It is common in construction activities.
Directors and Officers (D&O) Liability
Although more common in companies, some self-employed individuals with incorporated businesses may require protection against management decisions that cause financial losses.
Cyber Liability Insurance
For self-employed professionals who handle sensitive data or use digital platforms. It covers claims related to security breaches or data loss.
Mandatory Liability Insurance
In certain professions (doctors, lawyers, mediators, etc.), it is compulsory to have liability insurance for the self-employed, in accordance with sector regulations.
Is liability insurance mandatory for the self-employed?
Liability insurance for the self-employed is not always mandatory, but in some regulated sectors or activities, its hiring is required by law. This depends on the type of activity and associated risks. If you are self-employed, it is always advisable to have a team available to advise you at any time. However, it is important to understand, in general terms, when it is necessary to have this type of policy and when it is not.
Obligation
Regulated professions
In certain professional activities, regulations require holding a civil liability insurance. This includes lawyers (to cover errors in legal advice), doctors and healthcare professionals (protection against claims of negligence or malpractice), architects and engineers (coverage for errors in projects that may cause material or economic damage), and insurance or financial agents (for managing products that involve economic risks for third parties).
Activities with inherent risks
This group includes professionals in the construction sector (bricklayers, electricians, plumbers) and self-employed workers who handle hazardous or polluting products (requiring environmental liability insurance).
Contractual requirements
Although not legally mandatory, some clients or contracts may require professional liability insurance to work with a self-employed person, such as in public or private projects.
Not mandatory, but recommended
If your activity involves risks of causing harm to third parties (for example, events, activities with clients in offices), it is always advisable to have professional liability insurance for self-employed workers. Also, to protect personal assets, since the self-employed person is personally liable for claims.
Advantages
Having professional liability insurance for self-employed workers offers numerous benefits that protect both personal assets and the continuity of the professional activity. If you are still unsure whether to take out one of the policies mentioned, here are the advantages it can offer:
Financial protection
Covers compensation and legal costs arising from claims for damage to third parties (material, personal, or economic), preventing the self-employed person from having to bear these costs with personal assets.
Business continuity
Ensures business stability by facing unforeseen situations, such as lawsuits or claims, without compromising the self-employed person’s financial capacity.
Legal defence included
Provides coverage for legal expenses, such as lawyers, expert reports, and court fees, simplifying the management of legal disputes.
Improved professional image
Strengthens client confidence by demonstrating commitment to safety and quality of the services offered.
Compliance with legal obligations
In professions or activities where it is mandatory, allows operation within the legal framework and avoids sanctions.
Personalised adaptation
A professional liability insurance for the self-employed is tailored to the specific needs of the activity, offering additional coverage for particular risks (such as environmental liability, defective products, or digital security breaches).
Contractual requirements
Enables participation in projects or contracts that require liability insurance as an essential condition.
Protection against errors
Especially in intellectual professions (consultants, architects, doctors), it covers claims arising from negligence, errors, or omissions.
Peace of mind and confidence
Allows the self-employed to focus on their professional activity without excessive worry about the financial risks of potential incidents.
Long-term cost-effectiveness
Although it involves an initial expense, it prevents larger costs in the event of claims, making it a necessary and profitable investment to mitigate risks.
How to choose the right insurance?
Choosing the right liability insurance for the self-employed is crucial to protect your professional activity. Therefore, it is important to understand the key steps and aspects to consider in order to make the best decision:
Identify the risks of your activity
Assess the potential damages you could cause to third parties in the course of your profession, whether material (damage to goods or property), personal (injuries or physical harm), or economic (financial losses resulting from errors or negligence).
Check the legal requirements in your sector
Some professions legally require this insurance (doctors, lawyers, architects, etc.). If you work in a regulated sector, ensure compliance with the applicable regulations.
Analyze essential coverages
Look for a policy that includes personal, material, and economic damages to third parties, legal defence costs, compensation for claims, and specific additional coverages (such as environmental or cyber liability if applicable).
Verify indemnity limits
Make sure the maximum coverage limit is sufficient to cover potential claims, considering the size of projects or associated risks.
Policy customisation
Choose flexible insurance that can adapt to your specific needs, including high-risk activities or occasional jobs.
Check the insurer’s reputation
Remember to choose a reliable company with good reviews and experience in providing insurance for the self-employed. Read testimonials and compare their quality of customer service.
Compare prices
Request quotes from different insurers. Do not base your decision solely on the lowest price; seek a balanced relationship between cost and coverage.
Consider exclusions
Carefully review the policy conditions to understand which situations are not covered, avoiding surprises in case of a claim.
Check client or contract requirements
If you work with large companies or institutions, they may require insurance with specific features. Make sure to comply with these requirements
Professional advice
At Ambler, we have been helping self-employed workers and businesses protect themselves against professional risks since 1991. Our mission is clear: to provide you with comprehensive advice so you can work with the peace of mind of being protected.
We are committed to offering personalised solutions, designed as if they were for ourselves. If you have any questions or want more information, do not hesitate to contact us. Shall we talk?
