Do you need public liability insurance as a freelancer?

Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement for most freelancers in the UK, but it is highly recommended and often required by clients, particularly if you work on-site, meet clients, or handle third-party property. It protects you against costs if you injure someone or damage property while working.

Do I need public liability insurance as a freelancer?

Public liability insurance is strongly recommended for anyone who is their own boss. If something happens to a member or members of the public as a result of your work – like an accident, injury or property damage – then you're liable for legal fees, expenses, and compensation pay-outs.

What insurance should I get as a freelancer?

Public liability insurance. As a self-employed worker you should take out public liability insurance to cover you against the cost of any damages caused by your work activities.

Is it necessary to have public liability insurance?

Public Liability insurance is generally a mandatory requirement for some trades when you operate under a state issued license, for example builders, plumbers or electricians. Depending on the state or territory you work in and your occupation there are special requirements for your cover.

Is it illegal to work without public liability insurance?

There is no law that requires your business to have public liability insurance. However, some large organisations require you to have it, and will not do business with you unless you are insured.

3 Types of Insurance Freelancers Need

How much is public liability insurance for self-employed?

*The price is for up to £2 million of public liability insurance – 10% of customers paid £67.72 or less annually between 1st Jul – 31st Dec 2025. Equivalent to £5.64 a month (and excludes the extra costs for paying monthly). 84% of customers have a £1 million limit and 16% £2 million.

What insurance does a sole trader need?

If you're a sole trader, workers compensation insurance doesn't cover you. You'll need to get your own personal death, illness and disability insurance. You can take out accident and sickness insurance through a private insurer. The policy will pay you for loss of income while you recover.

Is public liability insurance worth it?

Public liability insurance isn't usually a legal requirement, but it comes recommended if you own a business or work independently and regularly interact with the public, clients and contractors. Accidents happen, so it can help to get one step ahead of them.

Do I need insurance if self-employed?

Business insurance is important for all businesses - self-employed, sole trader, or otherwise. It protects you from third-party claims and but covering any fees for defending yourself against a claim, or paying out any compensation due if you're found to be at fault.

What's the difference between freelance and self-employed?

Freelancers can choose when and how much they work, offering high flexibility. Self-employed people might have more consistent business hours and responsibilities, especially if they manage a client base or employees. Freelancers commonly operate as sole traders, but with a focus on short-term projects.

What qualifies you as a freelancer?

Freelancers are self-employed people who complete both short-term contracts and long-term work. They work in a variety of fields, doing projects and filling roles for clients on an as-needed basis.

Should a sole trader have public liability insurance?

No, public liability insurance isn't a legal requirement for sole traders, but it's highly recommended because it protects you from hefty costs if you accidentally cause injury or property damage to a member of the public, and many clients or contracts require it as a condition of working with you. While Employers' Liability insurance is legally mandatory if you hire anyone, Public Liability covers the risks you face interacting with the public, clients, or working in public spaces, safeguarding your personal assets and finances. 

How much is liability insurance for a freelancer?

General Liability Insurance Costs

Average Cost: Around $29 per month or $344 annually. Coverage Details: Protects against third-party bodily injury, property damage, and legal fees. Limits: Commonly, policies offer a $1 million per-occurrence limit and a $2 million aggregate limit. Deductibles: Typically set at $500.

What is minimum public liability insurance?

Often the amount of cover you require will be dictated by the contracts you enter into. If your business is doing any work within shopping centres you will often find that the contract stipulates public liability of at least $20 million. The same is true of many government contracts.

How do I know if I need public liability?

You need public liability insurance if your business interacts with the public, visits client premises, hosts events, or operates from a space clients visit, as it covers claims for injury or property damage, protecting you from potentially devastating financial costs, even if it's often not legally mandatory for most businesses. Ask yourself if clients, customers, or the general public could get hurt or their property damaged due to your work; if the answer is yes, you likely need it. 

What type of insurance do I need for self-employed?

Types of self-employed insurance you should consider include: Disability and life insurance. Health insurance. Dental and other insurance.

How much is a $1 million liability policy?

The cost of a $1 million general liability insurance policy for small business owners typically ranges from $300 to over $2,000 annually, depending on several risk factors. The median cost is $42 per month.

Can I get public liability insurance for myself?

Yes, all businesses can benefit from having public liability insurance and this includes the self-employed. This is because whether you're working for yourself or someone else, you're likely to be in contact with third parties.

How to protect yourself as a sole trader?

Sole trader businesses have 'unlimited liability' which means owners are personally responsible for all of the debts of the business. If something goes wrong, you will have less protection. You may be able to get more protection with business insurance.

How much does it cost to have public liability?

Low-risk sole traders can secure policies from around $39 a month, while high-risk operators—think scaffolding or large events—may face premiums well above $20,000. The figure on your quote hinges on industry risk, turnover, cover limit, location and any past claims. Price, though, is only half the story.

Is 1m public liability enough?

Levels of public liability cover vary and the amount you need depends on the type of work you do and the area in which you operate. For example, if you are a plumber and only work in private houses £1m or £2m may be more than enough.

How much is public liability insurance for a sole trader?

A public liability policy could cost less than $500 for a sole trader needing the minimum cover, through to $100,000+ for a much larger or higher-risk trade businesses. Click the button below for a quote, or keep scrolling to read our public liability cost guide.