What insurance do I need?

What insurance do I need if I am self-employed?

This question is one many people in the UK ask every day. As a leading insurance provider and consultancy for the UK's self-employed workforce, we have provided contractors and freelancers with the protection, peace of mind, and guidance for over three decades.

The insurance you need depends on the services you offer, where you offer them, whether you have employees, and a range of other factors. Qdos specialises in business insurance and advice for UK-based contractors, freelancers, and consultants, and boasts extensive insight, expertise, and knowledge of contractor issues, with special regard to the IR35 legislation.

Use the Qdos Insurance Finder below for suggestions of policies which may apply to you. Answering all questions as accurately as possible ensures the results will present the most relevant policies to consider. Then scroll down to get an instant online quote.

Whether you operate via a limited company, partnership, or as a sole trader - we provide insurance cover for hundreds of trades. From IT consultants to Geotechnical Engineers, there is a whole range of insurance products to choose from in a variety of industries.

Insurance Finder

Are you asking yourself "what insurance do I need?". Our free insurance finder tool takes less than a minute to complete and provides you with instant answers. Your business is important to keep protected and we're here to ensure your peace of mind and protect you from the range of risks you may encounter. Everyone's circumstances are different - this insurance finder will help you identify suitable policies to consider for your business.

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Is business insurance required?

If you have any employees, you may be legally obliged to hold Employers Liability insurance with a minimum of £5 million indemnity cover. See Employers Liability for more information about whether this applies to you. The reason for this is to ensure the well-being of your employees should they get injured or become ill through work.

Whilst other business insurance policies aren't required by law, there may be stipulations in your contract that make policies such as Professional Indemnity and Public Liability compulsory, in which case there may be a contractual obligation to hold such policies, or in the case of Professional Indemnity, it could be a requirement of a professional body as is often the case for accountants and solicitors.

In terms of the IR35 legislation for limited companies, it can also be detrimental in an enquiry if your contract stipulates business insurance but you don’t hold it as this demonstrates that the contract is not a true reflection of your circumstances.

Beyond this, your choices to hold business insurance should be based on an assessment of your risk and appetite to cover such risks.

Public Liability insurance is the most commonly held policy for the self-employed, particularly those in manual work, as most business owners accept that there is a general risk of a third party claiming injury or damage to property, whilst those offering professional advice such as bookkeepers will commonly hold Professional Indemnity as these individuals accept that the nature of their services opens them up to claims of financial loss.

Other popular policies such as Jury Service & Legal Protection, Contractor Sickness Cover, and Tax Enquiry Insurance are held when contractors and freelancers wish to cover these additional risks of running a self-employed business such as the financial loss in the event you were called for Jury Service, the consequences of a long-term illness, or the ability to defend a tax dispute.