insurance for freelance digital designer

[Isobel Bathgate]

Looking for some advice on this. A few of my clients are asking if I have insurance.

1. What type do I get?
2. There seems to be lots of extras, which of these do I need.. I have no employees and either work from home or work from clients offices.
3. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Isobel

[Colin Gray]

Hi Elizabeth,

I'm no expert on this, but when I looked into it it seemed like professional indemnity insurance is the big thing, covering you if anything you build/design causes financial loss to the company you've contracted for. Plus, you can get insurance to cover client visitors to your home/office, however you meet them.

I went with hiscox in the end - seemed reputable and a decent price - but thankfully I've not had to claim so I can't attest to their service!

Would appreciate any other feedback you receive on whether this is adequate for your average freelance web developer.

Thanks!
Colin

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[James Newbery]

Hi Isobel,

The PCG have a decent guide:

http://www.pcg.org.uk/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=807&Itemid=1320

and a list of providers:

http://www.pcg.org.uk/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=818&Itemid=1334

I've personally used Caunce O'Hara in the past, but never made a claim so I can't comment on that. Otherwise, their service was good and they have a good customisable policy.

http://www.caunceohara.co.uk/

Ultimately, the insurances you need / want will depend on the services you provide, whether you are a Limited Company or just self-employed, the equipment you have, etc. I am not a law or insurance professional, so it is worth talking to an accountant or lawyer to understand what you need for your business.

 

Good luck,

Jim

[Isobel Bathgate]

Thanks Colin. Just been looking at Hiscox and seems reasonable.
Isobel

[Steve West]

Jim - That PCG guide is really useful, great link. I think for most freelancers, professional indemnity is the big worry.

Isobel - We use Hiscox for professional indemnity, public and employer's liability, office contents and disaster recovery. 

We made a large claim on the contents and disaster recovery policies after the 2002 Cowgate Fire. The loss adjuster fed us money in small chunks and demanded a huge amount of detail in how we were spending it. Our insurance broker, Diane Mackie, was very helpful in getting us through this process, I can recommend her company: http://www.ermg.co.uk/contact.html

cheers, Steve West

www.graphics.coop