Should i get insurance or not?

[ross ky2]

Hi,

I am about to start up as a freelance designer and i'm not sure where i stand with insurance. Should all freelancers take out insurance in the case of a client holding you responsible for a job over running or does a contract work against them doing so. I would really appreciate advice from anyone who has experience with this.

Thanks!!!!!

[Toon]

What sort of insurance are you referring to, as most well written contracts are enough insurance

[Arkady]

If you accept a contract with time penalty, then I think it's pretty unlikely that you'll find an insurance company to underwrite your losses if fail to deliver on time. If you're just setting out as a freelance then don't let yourself get railroaded into contractual obligations you may not be able to fulfill. The only insurance you should make sure you have is health insurance. I also have public liability insurance but I can't really see a graphic designer needing that.

[brokendalek]

Public liability insurance is a must - I work part time dealing with public liability claims - it's just, for example, if you go to a client's house and accidentally knock a £3k vase off a surface, smashing it to bits, all you'll have to pay is your excess and that's it rather than having to foot the whole bill.

[ross ky2]

Thanks for the help guys !!!!

[richquick]

I've got professional indemnity insurance. It covers you and your client if things go wrong.

[Cwilk]

Insurance for your business (such as when someone gets hurt or your computer gets stolen or your business burns to the ground) is usually required if you lease a building. I'd still recommend it if you work out of your home, but you'll need to document files and equipment much better and say you are a business so they cover you as such.

Now regarding contracts, that covers any fault as long as it's spelled out. In my over 17 years of owning my company, I've never had a lawsuit or any legal battles over work.