Freelance insurance for all types of freelancers
Freelance insurance from a panel of trusted UK insurers
Insure your freelance business for liability with zero hassle
Freelancing gives you the freedom to work with multiple clients on your own terms — but it also means every project carries a personal risk. If a client is injured, a member of the public makes a claim, or someone’s property is damaged as a result of your work, there’s no employer standing behind you. You’re personally liable for every penny of the resulting costs without the right cover in place.
At insurd, we’re an FCA-regulated specialist insurance broker with over 50 years of experience arranging public liability insurance for freelancers across the UK. We work with a panel of leading UK insurers to find the right level of cover for your projects and your clients.
24/7 claims service
We’re here for you round the clock when you need us most.
Fairer prices for all
As a specialist insurance broker, we search our panel of leading UK insurers to find the right policy for your business.
World-class support
You’ll get your own UK-based human to look after you for the duration of your policy.
We use a combination of technology and a wealth of experience to give you unrivalled cover and more affordable public liability insurance prices. Get a freelance liability insurance quote today.
What is freelance insurance?
Freelance insurance is public liability cover arranged specifically for individuals who work independently across multiple clients and projects. Whether you’re a designer visiting client studios, a photographer at events, a developer working at client premises, or a consultant attending meetings and workshops, your work brings you into contact with clients and the public in ways that create genuine liability exposure.
The risks are often underestimated by freelancers — particularly those who work primarily in creative or knowledge-based fields. A freelance photographer at an event where a guest trips over their equipment. A developer visiting a client’s office who accidentally damages hardware. A consultant whose presentation materials cause a visitor to trip at a venue. In each case, without public liability insurance, the financial consequences fall entirely on you personally.
Many clients and agencies now require proof of public liability insurance before engaging a freelancer — particularly in media, events, technology, and public sector work. A valid certificate of cover can be shared instantly once your policy is in place.
Read our guide to what public liability insurance covers for more detail.
The benefits of a freelance insurance policy
Personal injury claims
Covers compensation if someone is injured as a result of your freelance work — whether at a client’s location, an event, or a shared workspace. A single personal injury award could far exceed a freelancer’s annual income without this protection.
Damage to property
Covers the cost of repairing or replacing a client’s property accidentally damaged during your work. Freelancers working with expensive equipment, in client premises, or at events face this risk on every engagement.
Legal protection
Covers legal fees if you need to defend yourself against a liability claim, even if the claim is unfounded or exaggerated. Defending a claim without insurance could cost more than several years of premium payments.
* Subject to your chosen level of policy cover and the prevailing policy excess.
How much does freelance insurance cost?
This depends on the nature and size of your freelance business, the level of risk involved and any claims history you might have. The cost of public liability insurance varies based on several factors:
Type of cover
Standard cover starts at £1 million, with £2 million, £5 million, and £10 million options available. Many agencies, platforms, and larger clients require a minimum of £2 million or £5 million as a contractual condition.
Nature of business
The type of freelance work you carry out is the primary pricing factor. Freelancers working on-site, at events, or with physical equipment carry more risk than those working entirely remotely. Your premium reflects the nature of your actual activities.
Location
Where you carry out your freelance work affects your premium. Freelancers working across multiple client locations, at events, or in public spaces carry greater exposure than those working exclusively from a home office.
Business size and turnover
Your annual freelance income is one of the main factors in calculating your premium. Accurate turnover declarations ensure you’re not overpaying for a risk profile that doesn’t match your actual scale of work.
Number of employees
Most freelancers work independently, but if you bring in assistants, subcontractors, or collaborators on projects, this affects your premium. Employers’ liability insurance becomes a legal requirement the moment you engage anyone to work for you.
Claims history
A clean claims history is your most effective long-term cost reduction tool. Maintaining professional working practices and documenting client agreements reduces both the likelihood of claims and your premium at renewal.
How to reduce your freelance insurance premium
Beyond the factors above, several practical steps can help reduce your freelance insurance costs.
- Declare your actual activities accurately — Freelance premiums reflect the risk of your specific work. If you’ve moved away from higher-risk on-site work towards remote or office-based projects, updating your declaration at renewal avoids paying for risk you no longer carry.
- Choose the right cover limit for your clients — Check each client’s specific contractual requirement before selecting your limit. Many freelancers default to higher limits than their actual contracts require.
- Work professionally and document everything — Clear client briefs, signed agreements, and documented project communications reduce the likelihood of disputed claims and protect your record.
- Bundle with professional indemnity if needed — If your work carries advice or intellectual property risk, arranging public liability and professional indemnity together is often more cost-effective than two separate policies.
- Pay annually — Monthly payments include finance interest. Paying your full annual premium upfront avoids that additional cost.
For more ways to reduce your public liability costs, see our public liability insurance cost guide.
Freelance insurance frequently asked questions
When do I need to get freelance public liability insurance?
As soon as you start working with clients on a freelance basis — even on your first project. Whether you meet clients in person, visit their premises, or work entirely remotely, many will require proof of cover before engaging you. Cover should be in place before you take on any paid work.
Is freelance public liability insurance a legal requirement?
No — it isn't a legal requirement in the UK. However, many clients, agencies, and platforms require freelancers to have public liability insurance as a contractual condition. Without it you may find yourself unable to secure certain contracts or clients, and personally exposed to claims with no financial protection.
What does freelance public liability insurance actually cover?
It covers compensation claims and legal fees if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your freelance work. Common examples include a client being injured at a location where you're working, accidental damage to a client's property during a visit or on-site work, or a third party being affected by your activities at a shared event or workspace. It covers both the compensation payment and your legal costs, even if a claim turns out to be unfounded.
What isn't covered by freelance public liability insurance?
Public liability insurance covers claims from members of the public — it doesn't cover losses caused by professional mistakes or errors in your work (you'd need professional indemnity for that), claims from anyone you employ (that's employers' liability), or damage to your own equipment. Always check your policy wording carefully to understand exactly what's included.
Does freelance insurance cover me for multiple clients and projects at the same time?
Yes — a freelance public liability policy covers your business activities across all the clients and projects you work on, not just one at a time. As long as the type of work you carry out is accurately described in your policy, you're covered regardless of how many concurrent projects you have.
Can I get freelance public liability insurance quickly if a client requires it urgently?
Yes — we can arrange cover quickly and you'll receive proof of your policy instantly, which you can share with your client straight away. If you have an urgent requirement, give our team a call on 0345 222 6318 and we'll get you sorted as quickly as possible.
What limit of cover should I choose?
Standard cover starts at £1 million, which is sufficient for most freelancers. Many larger clients and agencies will require £2 million or £5 million as a contractual minimum. Check your client and platform requirements before selecting your cover level.
Is public liability insurance tax deductible?
Yes — business insurance is an allowable expense, which means you can deduct the cost when calculating your taxable profit. Make sure you keep your policy documents and receipts as records for HMRC. If you're unsure, speak to your accountant.
Do you provide evidence of cover?
Yes — you'll receive proof of cover instantly when your policy is in place, which you can share with clients and agencies straight away. If you also take out employers' liability cover, a Certificate of Employers' Liability will be issued immediately.
Guides for freelance business owners
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