Independent Contractor Insurance
Find out what independent contractor insurance coverage you need. Compare policies from leading national insurers. Get a quote in minutes.
Over 1 million customers worldwide.
Buy instantly online.
Written by
Why Do I Need Independent Contractor Insurance?
Running your own business brings freedom and flexibility, but it also comes with risks that can derail your work and strain your finances. If you’re a 1099 or independent contractor, business insurance is your safety net, protecting your business from costly setbacks so you can focus on your craft.
What Independent Contractor Insurance Do I Need?
General Liability
A foundational insurance coverage to help handle costs from third-party accidents, property damage, and bodily injury.
From
$20.75
/month*
Workers’ Comp
Coverage to help take care of employees who get sick or injured on the job. Most states require this coverage for small businesses with full- or part-time employees. It also can benefit business owners who don’t have employees.
From
$38.91
/month*
Professional Liability Insurance
Coverage for damages and legal costs for mistakes or negligence claims. This policy is often recommended for businesses that provide advice and guidance to their clients. It also can cover errors that result in unsatisfactory service.
From
$25.83
/month*
Inland Marine Insurance
Also known as Equipment and Business Property insurance, this coverage can financially protect equipment and inventory that is in transport or stored off-site from theft and damage.
From
$20.83
/month‡
Business insurance —
a quick explainer
Learn more about policies for small businesses, what they cover, why you might need them, and how we can help – all in just 60 seconds.
Business insurance is often made up of different types of policies to cover different things, similar to how your health insurance can be made up of medical dental and vision coverage. Here are some of the ones small business owners need. General liability is kind of the Swiss army knife of insurance. It can do a lot, like help handle costs from third party accidents, property damage, bodily injury, and more. Nobody’s perfect, right? That’s what professional liability is for. It could come in handy in the event of honest mistakes or claims of negligence. Workers’ comp can protect your business and help take care of employees who get sick or injured on the job. Small businesses are big targets for cyber criminals. Cyber Insurance can help cover costs associated with stolen customer data, cyber attacks, breaches, and fraud. BOP or a business owners policy combines different types of coverages like general liability and commercial property insurance. Putting them together for you is where we come in. You tell us a bit about your business online or on the phone, and we customize the coverage options for what you do and what you need. It’s your business, it should be your insurance as well. That’s why we’re here.
What Does Independent Contractor Insurance Cover?
From carpentry and electrical work to graphic design and dog training — every gig comes with its own hazards. But you don’t have to face them alone. We’re here to help you find the right policies to keep you covered when the unexpected happens.
A plumber is installing a new sink in a client’s bathroom when a dropped wrench cracks the tile floor. A cleaning contractor knocks over and breaks an expensive vase. Or a freelance graphic designer accidentally spills coffee on a client’s computer. A general liability policy can help cover these third-party damages and protect your business from out of pocket costs.
An independent painter inadvertently uses the wrong color on a custom wall mural. Or a freelance grant writer misses a submission deadline, jeopardizing crucial funds. Even if it wasn’t your fault, defending yourself against negligence claims can be expensive. And a professional liability policy could help cover legal fees, settlements, and other costs.
Imagine you’re an independent carpenter working on a home remodel. You trip over a power cord and fracture your ankle. Workers’ compensation insurance can help cover the medical bills and lost wages.
A plumber’s wrench set, a hairstylist’s shears, or a freelance photographer’s camera kit — your tools are your lifeline. But suppose your equipment gets damaged or stolen at your location or on the go? Business personal property and inland marine insurance can help cover the cost to repair or replace your essential gear so you can get back to work.
Answers to More Independent Contractor Insurance Coverage Questions
Both terms refer to workers who are not employees and who receive a 1099 form instead of a W-2 form. These contractors may also be referred to as freelancers or self-employed workers. The IRS and each state have specific requirements to determine whether a worker is an employee or a contractor.
Most states require you to carry workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees. There also may be licensing requirements for certain liability coverages. We recommend checking with your state and local governments for independent contractor insurance requirements.
The cost for your insurance coverage is determined largely by the type of work you do, the kinds of risks you’re exposed to, the square footage of your office, and the number of employees you have.
Some other factors can include where your office is located, how many years of experience you have, and your annual revenue.
If you’re thinking of buying independent contractor insurance, we recommend having the following information on hand when using our independent contractor insurance calculator:
- The state where you do business
- Your type of business or trade
- Your annual revenue estimates
This information can make it easier to get a quote from one of our insurers.
Small business insurance is what we do. Whether it’s covering you for accidents and errors, meeting workers’ comp requirements, or protecting your shop and your tools and equipment, we can help find the coverage you need for your independent contractor business.
We provide customized coverage options and quotes from top-rated small business insurers — all in just 10 minutes. More than 1 million small business owners worldwide trust us with their insurance, and we consistently earn high customer ratings and reviews.
Why Small Businesses Choose Simply Business
Small business insurance is what we do. Whether it’s covering you for accidents and errors, meeting workers’ comp requirements, or financially protecting your business from the unexpected, we can help find the coverage you need for your business.
Start your quote
Answer a few questions about
your business in one form.
Review quotes
Compare quotes side by side from top-rated insurers and customize your coverage.
Get protected in minutes
Choose your policy, and get instant proof of insurance – all online, and all within 10 minutes.
Written by
Our +1 million customers are big fans. And you will be too.
I went online, looked around, and found Simply Business. The process was so seamless. I got my certificate within minutes. It was just phenomenal.
Karen
Owner of Tangaza Bath & Body Studio LLC
With Simply Business I know I can look at different carriers, but also see all my stuff in the same place… a lot of [insurance] providers don’t offer a variety of coverage, all in one place.
Jef
Owner of Bunker83 LLC
It wasn’t overwhelming to figure out what was covered and what wasn’t covered. And the cost was competitive.
Kim
Owner of Room to Breathe Professional Organizing
Feel confident in your choice.
We partner with a range of top-rated carriers and use smart technology to match you with policies that fit your specific business, your risks, and budget.
400+
business types covered
1M+
customers worldwide
18
top-rated carriers
We’ve Got More Helpful Information
9-minute read
A General Liability Insurance Guide for Small Business
5-minute read
Your Guide To Independent Contractors Insurance
*The displayed price for each product is a monthly estimate calculated from the 10th percentile of relevant policies sold by Simply Business (e.g., General Liability data is used for General Liability estimates). This estimate uses data from relevant policy sales between July–December 2025. Final price and payment terms, which may include an initial down payment, are subject to change based on your state, selected insurance provider, and specific business details.
† Limits may vary by state and nature of your business.
‡ Displayed price is based on the lowest available coverage limit for Equipment and Small Tools policies.
Page last updated: