Hi there,

 

I was wondering if I go self-employed some point in the future do I need to get some sort of insurance?

 

Any advice welcome

 

Thanks

I would specify office contents insurance if you are not working from home, or let you home insurance company aware if you are working from home. Maybe some public liability if you have clients visiting you (just in case they trip on a carpet etc) other than that I wouldn't have thought so!

Its not essential but its highly recommended that you get Professional Indemnity insurance. It covers you in case you get sued by a client if you make a mistake, give them bad advice, website breaks, etc. Its particularly important if you do any e-Commerce work.

Hi Kanger,

 

A lot of designers will opt to purchase Professional Indemnity insurance. This is generally not to expensive and protects you against someone suing you for a professional error you make, but also extends to include accidental breach of copyright, defamation or losing confidential data or passing a virus. As jock points out the more complex the project (or if it involves sensitive customer data or credit card details for example) the more likely you would benefit from this.

 

Most people will also buy Public Liability, this is useful if you visit clients or if they visit you, and basically protects you if you damage someone else’s property or if you hurt someone else (this includes if they get injured on your property / office) - thankfully not that likely in the web design trade!

 

In terms of contents cover, sometimes household insurers will agree to the premises being used for business, but best to check with them. They may (or may not) charge. Often though it is good to get a commercial policy though as it often comes with extras such as reconstitution of data or business interruption cover as standard which might help in the event of a claim.

 

Hope that helps, let me know if you have any more questions - it's my specialist subject

 

Liam

Wardrop Professional Risks

I agree, if you are working from home then adding simple administration / company use doesn't typically affect Home Contents premium too much; compare with and without

If you are taking computer equipment to visit your clients, make sure you have sufficient All Risks cover, thankfully you don't typically need to list laptops up to £500

 

If you are supplying a service to clients, then Professional Indemnity cover is essential, especially if you are visiting them and offering advice, recommendations, etc

Equally, it can often be added to Home Contents policies now (costs up to £30 for a basic policy, or £80 for a stand alone product)

 

Finally, if clients must visit your home then ensure you have Public Liability Insurance

Personally, I would avoid this at all costs

Instead, arrange to meet up in public places, offices, etc

Or as above visit their premises

thanks for all the info everyone, really helpful!

 

Will start looking into quotes soon

 

Thanks