Freelancer Insurance Checklist (2026)
Running a freelance business comes with freedom and responsibility. Protecting yourself with the right insurance ensures that a single accident, mistake, or illness doesn’t derail your income or reputation.
This checklist summarises the key policies every UK freelancer should consider in 2026, along with tips on what to prioritise.
🛡️ 1. Public Liability Insurance (PL)
Covers: Accidental injury or property damage caused to clients or third parties.
- Essential if you work in person, visit client premises, or attend events.
- Typical cover: £1–£2 million (some venues require £5 million).
- Costs: £50–£300/year depending on role and risk.
📄 2. Professional Indemnity Insurance (PI)
Covers: Mistakes, negligent advice, or work errors that cause client financial loss.
- Essential for consultants, designers, developers, and anyone providing professional advice or deliverables.
- Typical cover: £250k–£2 million depending on contracts.
- Key note: Usually a claims-made policy, so keep your cover active or add retroactive/run-off options.
🧰 3. Tools & Equipment Insurance
Covers: Theft, accidental damage, or loss of business-critical kit.
- Essential if you rely on laptops, cameras, software, or specialist equipment.
-
Costs: £40–£120/year depending on value.
💷 4. Income Protection Insurance
Covers: Lost income if illness or injury prevents you from working.
- Highly recommended for freelancers with no sick pay or financial buffer.
- Cover: 50–70% of monthly income.
- Cost: £15–£40/month depending on age, role, and waiting period.
📝 5. Optional / Role-Specific Cover
Depending on your freelance work, you may also consider:
- Cyber insurance for digital freelancers
- Business contents insurance for home offices
- Legal expenses cover for contracts and disputes
- Employer’s Liability if you hire staff or subcontractors
👉 If you want to compare insurance providers, check our new 2026 guide: Compare Insurance Providers for 2026
🔗 How to Use This Checklist
- Identify your risks – what could go wrong that would hurt your income or reputation?
- Prioritise policies – start with PL and PI if your work involves clients, then add tools or income protection.
- Compare providers – check costs, limits, retroactive/run-off options. PolicyBee is a recommended option for most freelancers.
- Keep documentation – certificates of insurance, schedules, and policy wording.
- Review annually – adjust coverage as your business grows or your work changes.
⭐ Recommended Provider
PolicyBee offers flexible freelancer insurance covering PL, PI, tools, and income protection:
- Online quotes in minutes
- Bundled policies for convenience
- UK-based support and clear explanations
✅ Conclusion
This checklist gives you a clear view of the essential insurance freelancers need in 2026.
- Start with PL and PI
- Add tools and income protection as needed
- Review annually and keep policies current
Using this checklist ensures you stay protected, professional, and ready to grow your freelance business safely.
👉 Read next: Claims Made Insurance Explained