Prompted Blog

One of the biggest questions freelancers ask is: How much do freelancers in the UK really earn?

We’ve conducted original research with 303 active freelancers and cross-referenced and combined with trusted public stats to provide the key data on today's freelancer market.

“About how much money came in over the last 12 months (before costs)?”

Our research shows the largest groups reported under £10k and £10k-£24.9k in the past year from self-employed work. [1] This matches what we see in national data: incomes vary a lot by role, location, and the hours people can sell. [2] [3]

“How fast do you usually get paid?”

About 27% say instant, while a similar share wait 15-30 days. [1] Waiting weeks for money can make it hard to plan. The Government has announced and consulted on tougher rules to get big companies paying faster — including a new Fair Payment Code to replace the Prompt Payment Code, expanded reporting on payment practices, and requirements in public procurement for suppliers to pay at least 90% of invoices within 30 days. [5]

“Has AI changed your pricing or income?”

Right now, most freelancers say no change (87%); a small group report new opportunities (5%), and a few say clients pay less (4%). [1] For day-rate work, sector demand still does a lot of the pushing and pulling — trade data shows rates can swing quickly. [4]

“Do you take deposits or prepayment?”

Over half rarely or never take deposits. [1] When income is lumpy, the most common way people smooth things out is a savings buffer, then taking some money upfront or using simple monthly plans. [1]

“What about late payments — how common are they?”

Two-thirds report no late payments in the last year, but about 1 in 5 had 1-2, and nearly 1 in 10 had 3-5. [1] Wider small business research and policy moves underline that late payment is still on the agenda. [5]

Summary of findings

• Many freelancers are earning under £25k from self-employed work, especially early on. [1]

• Payment speed is mixed; some get paid instantly, others wait weeks. [1]

• AI hasn’t rewritten income for most people yet — it’s a tool, not a pay rise. [1] [4]

• Deposits and monthly plans can help smowoth cash, but many aren’t using them. [1]

We’re here to help you make good decisions fast. Keep an eye on inflows, set clear payment terms, and build a small buffer so one slow invoice doesn’t wreck your month.

Insurance can help freelancers protect their business

Insurance can help when things go wrong — for example, a client says your work made them lose money (professional indemnity), or there’s an accident when you meet people face-to-face (public liability). If you’re operating as an individual rather than a company, a serious claim can put your savings and your home at risk if you’re uninsured. Insurance won’t replace good habits like deposits and buffers, but it can sit alongside them at a fair insurance premium. (Research conducted by Delorean)

Footnotes

[1]: Internal survey of UK freelancers and very small businesses, 2025 (multiple questions). (Research conducted by Delorean) [2]: ONS Admin-based Income Statistics: PAYE & Self-Assessment (experimental). 2024/25. [3]: HMRC Personal Incomes Statistics 2022-23 (Commentary). [4]: IPSE Average Day Rates Guide 2025 (PDF). [5]: GOV.UK: Crack down on late payments (policy notice, Sept 2024).Closing Note

Original data

About how much money came in over the last 12 months (before costs)

Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)

• Under £10k — 36.3%

• £10k–£24.9k — 33.3%

• £25k–£49.9k — 16.5%

Do you currently earn money from self-employed or freelance work (where you’re not on someone else’s payroll)

Base N: 308 (Research conducted by Delorean)

• Yes, this is my main work — 87.0%

• Yes, but it’s part-time or a side hustle — 11.4%

• Not right now, but I have in the past — 1.6%

How fast do you usually get paid

Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)

• Instant — 27.1%

• 15–30 days — 21.8%

• 1–3 days — 21.1%

How many late payments/chargebacks in last 12 months?

Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)

• None — 67.0%

• 1–2 — 19.5%

• 3–5 — 8.6%

Do you take deposits/prepayment?

Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)

• Rarely/Never — 56.1%

• Sometimes — 21.5%

• Always — 16.2%

How do you smooth out money ups and downs?

Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)

• Savings buffer — 53.8%

• Take money upfront — 20.5%

• Monthly plans — 15.8%

One of the biggest questions freelancers ask is: What's the best way to deal with clients who pay late?

We’ve conducted original research with 303 active freelancers and cross-referenced and combined with trusted public stats and policy updates to provide the key data on today's freelancer market.

“How many late payments/chargebacks in last 12 months?”

Two-thirds said none, but about 1 in 3 reported at least one late payment in the past year. The next most common answers were 1-2 and 3-5. [1]

“How fast do you usually get paid?”

Payment speed is mixed. Instant is the single most common answer, but plenty still wait 15-30 days or 1-3 days. Longer waits like 31-60 days also show up. [1]

“Do you take deposits/prepayment?”

Over half rarely or never take deposits, which leaves them exposed when clients drag their feet. Taking some money upfront can reduce the risk of chasing overdue invoices. [1]

“How do you take payments/invoices?”

Approaches vary — from online checkout to spreadsheets/PDF documents and other methods. Moving to clear, simple invoicing and card or bank payments can help you get paid faster. [1]

What’s changed recently in the rules?

• Public procurement 30-day rule: Since February 2025, public sector contracts must include 30-day payment terms, and this cascades down the supply chain. [2]

• Fair Payment Code (FPC): The Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC)’s Fair Payment Code replaced the Prompt Payment Code in late 2024. It uses Gold/Silver/Bronze awards to recognise businesses that pay faster, with Gold for paying 95% of all invoices within 30 days. It’s voluntary, but it’s a clear signal to pay on time. [3]

• Government consultation (July 2025): Proposals include stronger enforcement powers for the Small Business Commissioner and improvements to payment practices reporting. The aim is faster, more reliable payments for small businesses and the self-employed. [4] [5]

• How big is the problem? Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) research estimates £11 billion a year in economic cost, with around 1.5 million businesses affected. [6]

What you can do now

• Set clear payment terms on every quote and invoice (for example, 7–14 days) and state late-fee rules. [1]

• Take a deposit for new or larger projects to reduce chasing later. [1]

• Use simple payment methods your clients can pay in two clicks. [1]

• Build a small buffer so a slow invoice doesn’t stop you from paying yourself. [1]

We’re here to help you make good decisions quickly. The aim is simple: get paid, on time, so you can keep going without money stress.

Insurance can help freelancers protect their business

Insurance can help when things go wrong — for example, a client says your work made them lose money (professional indemnity), or there’s an accident when you meet people face-to-face (public liability). If you’re operating as an individual rather than a company, a serious claim can put your savings and your home at risk if you’re uninsured. Insurance won’t replace good habits like deposits and buffers, but it can sit alongside them at a fair insurance premium. (Research conducted by Delorean)

Footnotes

[1]: Multiple survey questions (late payments, payment speed, deposits, invoicing methods, buffers). (Research conducted by Delorean) [2]: GOV.UK Prompt payment policy page noting 30-day terms in public procurement supply chains (from Feb 2025). [3]: Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) — Fair Payment Code replaces the Prompt Payment Code (2024–2025). [4]: GOV.UK consultation: Tackling poor payment practices (30 July 2025). [5]: GOV.UK guidance on reporting payment practices and performance (statutory duty). [6]: Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) Late payments research (July 2025).

Appendix

How many late payments/chargebacks in last 12 months?

Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)

• None — 67.0%

• 1–2 — 19.5%

• 3–5 — 8.6%

• 6+ — 5.0%

How fast do you usually get paid?

Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)

• Instant — 27.1%

• 15–30 days — 21.8%

• 1–3 days — 21.1%

• Within 7 days — 15.5%

• 31–60 days — 13.5%

• 8–14 days — 12.2%

• Weekly — 11.6%

• 90+ days — 1.3%

• 61–90 days — 0.3%

Do you take deposits/prepayment?

Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)

• Rarely/Never — 56.1%

• Sometimes — 21.5%

• Always — 16.2%

• Often — 6.3%

How do you primarily take payments/invoices?

Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)

• Other — 28.1%

• Online checkout — 19.8%

• Spreadsheet/PDF documents — 18.8%

• Bank transfer request — 17.5%

• Accounting software invoice — 12.9%

• Card reader — 10.9%

How do you smooth out money ups and downs?

Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)

• Savings buffer — 53.8%

• Take money upfront — 20.5%

• Monthly plans — 15.8%

• Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) / credit card — 11.9%

• Short payment terms — 11.6%

• Late-fee rules — 7.3%

• Invoice finance — 5.3%

• Other — 9.6%

One of the most common questions freelancers ask is: “Which types of insurance are really worth having?” It’s a fair question, because there’s a maze of products out there and not all of them will be relevant to your work. .

Main Types of Insurance for Freelancers

Here are the products you’ll most often come across, with a plain-English explanation of what they do and who tends to need them.

• Public liability insurance

  • Covers: Injury or property damage caused to someone else while you’re working.

  • Best for: Tradespeople, photographers, market stall sellers, dog walkers, or anyone meeting clients face-to-face.

• Professional indemnity insurance

  • Covers: Claims if your work, advice or design causes a client to lose money (like a coding error, design mistake, or copyright slip-up).

  • Best for: Designers, consultants, IT freelancers, marketers, and writers.

• Employers’ liability insurance

  • Covers: Injury or illness to employees.

  • Best for: Only relevant if you employ staff. It’s also the only type of insurance that’s legally required in the UK if you do have employees.

• Business equipment insurance

  • Covers: Loss, theft or damage to the tools you rely on — from laptops to cameras.

  • Best for: Photographers, videographers, designers, tradespeople.

• Cyber insurance

  • Covers: Costs from data breaches, cyber attacks or hacks.

  • Best for: Anyone handling client data, especially digital freelancers like developers or marketers.

• Income protection insurance

  • Covers: A payout if you can’t work because of illness or injury.

  • Best for: Sole traders who depend entirely on themselves to earn money.

But which insurance types do freelancers really need?

In our research, freelancers highlighted some clear problem areas:

• Late payments and unpaid work – Many said clients not paying on time is one of their biggest headaches [1]. Insurance can’t stop late payment, but professional indemnity insurance can protect you if a client refuses to pay because they claim your work caused them a loss.

• Expensive equipment – A large share of freelancers, especially in creative fields, rely on costly gear like cameras, laptops, and specialist tools [2]. Business equipment insurance is the one to look at here.

• Unpredictable income – Quite a few told us they struggle with gaps between jobs and worry about being unable to work if they fall ill [3]. Income protection insurance is designed for this exact problem. Personal accident is also worth considering - it's generally cheaper and covers you if you're physically unable to work due to an accident.

• Client disputes – Disagreements over quality of work or missed deadlines were a recurring theme [4]. This is where professional indemnity insurance really matters.

• Working face-to-face – Dog walkers, photographers, and crafters all mentioned the worry of accidents when meeting clients or the public [5]. Public liability insurance is the safeguard here.

The type of work you do is the main consideration

So, which types of insurance are best for freelancers? The answer depends on how you work. If you give advice or creative services, professional indemnity is key. If you work face-to-face, public liability matters. If your kit is valuable, think about equipment insurance. And if you’re worried about not being able to earn if you get sick, income protection is worth a look.

The important thing is to match the problems you actually face with the products designed to deal with them. That way you protect what you’re building, without paying for things you don’t need.

Research conducted by Delorean

Footnotes

[1]: Late payments highlighted as a top frustration in Delorean’s survey (Research conducted by Delorean) [2]: High equipment costs reported by freelancers, especially creatives (Research conducted by Delorean) [3]: Freelancers reporting unpredictable income and concern about sickness gaps (Research conducted by Delorean) [4]: Client disputes noted in survey responses (Research conducted by Delorean) [5]: Concerns about accidents in face-to-face work (Research conducted by Delorean)

Appendix

A.1 Freelancer Challenges (Survey Data)

Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)

Operating as a sole trader comes with great autonomy—but also personal exposure to risk. With no distinction between you and your business, a claim could hit you—and only you—directly. That’s where insurance becomes indispensable.

What Is Business Insurance?

Business insurance protects against financial losses from accidents, claims, or unexpected events. As a sole trader, where personal assets are on the line, reliable cover is not just good business—it's essential.

Common risks include:

• Compensation claims

• Legal costs

• Workplace injuries (if you have employees)

• Damage or loss of tools or stock

Key Types of Cover for Sole Traders

1. Public Liability Insurance Covers injury or property damage claims from clients or third parties—for example, if someone trips over your equipment. Average annual cost: around £118 per year, according to NimbleFins.

2. Employers’ Liability Insurance (if you have employees) Required by law for all employers. Covers employee injury or illness claims and costs you about £61 per year for office-based workers—rising to £213 for manual labor roles according to Money.co.uk

3. Professional Indemnity Insurance Protects against mistakes or negligent advice that cause financial loss to clients, such as faulty designs. PI claims make up over 25% of all business insurance payouts in the UK according to PolicyBee.

4. Tools, Equipment & Stock Insurance Primarily protects physical items—like tools, equipment, or stock—from theft or damage. The cost varies widely based on the value of assets.

5. Cyber Insurance Essential in today's digital environment. Yet 50% of businesses in the UK and Ireland still don’t have it—leaving them exposed according to Tec.hRadar

How Much Do UK Insurers Pay Out?

To emphasize just how vital coverage is:

• UK business insurers pay out roughly £22 million per day in claims. Around £7.6 million of that is public or liability-related.

• The UK commercial insurance market was worth over £15.5 billion in 2023, marking a dramatic 72% surge since 2021.

• Over 26% of claims in the business insurance sector are related to professional indemnity.

These figures underscore the frequency and scale of claims—and why insurance remains a vital safety net.

Do Sole Traders Legally Need Insurance?

• Employers’ liability is legally required if you employ staff.

• Other types—like public liability or professional indemnity—aren’t mandatory, but many clients will require them as part of contracts. Plus, they bolster professionalism and credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is business insurance tax-deductible? Yes—it’s a legitimate business expense eligible for tax relief.

Can I get insurance before I register as a business? Yes. Most insurers only need your trade type, location, and turnover to issue a policy.

Is theft covered? Yes—but only if your policy includes tools, stock, or equipment coverage, which is separate from other protections.

What if I work from home? Public liability (if clients visit), professional indemnity, and tools cover are still wise. Ordinary home insurance often excludes business use.

Why It Matters

Sole traders often don't have a financial buffer, and a single claim can threaten their personal income. With insurers paying £22 million in claims daily (according to Money.co.uk), it's clear how frequent—and serious—these risks can be.

Insurance isn't just a requirement—it protects your livelihood and builds business trust.

Summary Table: Essential Covers at a Glance

*Costs are estimates—actual premiums will vary based on risk factors, turnover, location, and insurer.

Final Takeaway

For every sole trader, insurance isn’t just nice to have—it’s protection for your personal and business well-being. With everyday payouts in the millions and frequent claim types like public liability and professional indemnity, the right policies keep your business—and your finances—secure.

Freelancer Business Insurance: The Essential Guide

Freelancing gives freedom and flexibility, but it also means taking on personal financial risk. Unlike an employee, you don’t have a boss to fall back on if something goes wrong. That’s why insurance can be a smart way to protect yourself and what you’re building.

This guide runs through the main types of insurance, what they cover, what you might pay, and why it matters for freelancers.

What Is Business Insurance?

Think of business insurance as a safety net. It helps protect you from losing money if something goes wrong. That could be an accident, a client making a claim, or your kit being stolen.

For freelancers, where personal and business finances often blur together, this matters even more.

Insurance can help with things like:

• Claims from clients or the public

• Legal fees and settlements

• Accidents involving anyone you hire

• Theft or damage to your laptop, tools, or specialist kit

Why it matters: Research conducted by Delorean shows 41% of freelancers face unpredictable income, 48% deal with late payments, and 29% experience client disputes. Insurance won’t prevent these problems, but it can stop them from turning into something that wipes out savings or forces you into debt.

Key Types of Insurance for Freelancers

Public Liability Insurance

Protects you if a client, supplier, or member of the public is injured or their property is damaged because of your work.

• Example: A client trips over your equipment during a photoshoot.

• Cover limits: usually £1–5 million

• Typical cost: about £118 a year [1]

Why it matters: 24% of freelancers worry about accidents (Research conducted by Delorean). A single mishap could lead to a claim much larger than most freelancers could cover personally.

Employers’ Liability Insurance

Legally required if you employ anyone, even a part-time helper.

• Example: An assistant is injured while helping you.

• Legal minimum: £5 million (most policies go up to £10 million)

• Fine: up to £2,500 per day without it

• Typical cost: £61 a year for office-based freelancers, up to £213 for manual work [2]

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Covers mistakes in your advice, design, or service that cause a client to lose money.

• Example: A design error means your client has to reprint their marketing materials.

• Cover limits: £50,000 to £5 million

• Around a quarter of UK business insurance claims are PI-related [3]

Why it matters: 29% of freelancers face disputes with clients (Research conducted by Delorean). PI insurance is designed for exactly those situations.

Tools, Equipment, and Stock Insurance

Protects your laptop, camera, or other specialist kit if it’s stolen, lost, or damaged.

• Example: A photographer’s camera is stolen from their car.

For freelancers earning under £25k per year — a group that makes up the majority (Research conducted by Delorean) — the cost of replacing stolen kit could be crippling without insurance.

Cyber Insurance

With so much freelance work happening online, cyber insurance is becoming more relevant. It covers things like hacking, data breaches, or ransomware.

• Did you know? Half of UK and Irish businesses still don’t have cyber insurance [4].

Do Freelancers Legally Need Insurance?

The only type that’s legally required is employers’ liability — and that’s only if you hire staff.

Other types, like public liability and professional indemnity, aren’t required by law but are often written into contracts by clients or agencies. Even if no one asks for it, having insurance protects you if things go wrong and shows clients you’re serious.

How Much Do Insurers Actually Pay Out?

Insurance isn’t just theory — payouts happen every day.

• UK insurers pay out about £22 million per day in business claims, including £7.6 million for liability [5].

• The commercial insurance market hit £15.5 billion in 2023, up 72% since 2021 [6].

• Professional indemnity makes up more than a quarter of payouts [7].

Common Freelancer Insurance FAQs

Is business insurance tax-deductible? Yes — HMRC counts it as an allowable expense.

Can I get insurance before registering my business? Yes. Insurers usually just need your trade type, turnover, and address.

Does insurance cover theft? Yes, if you add tools, equipment, or stock insurance.

What if I work from home? You may still need professional indemnity, public liability, or equipment cover. Standard home insurance usually won’t include business use.

Why It Matters

Freelancers often don’t have big financial buffers. A single claim could wipe out savings, or worse, put your home at risk if you’re operating as a sole trader. Insurance is more than just paperwork — it’s peace of mind, credibility with clients, and protection for the independence you’ve worked hard to build.

At-a-Glance: Insurance for Freelancers

*Costs vary depending on your trade, turnover, and risk profile.

Footnotes

[1]: PolicyBee, UK business insurance statistics [2]: Money.co.uk, business insurance market report [3]: PolicyBee, professional indemnity claims data [4]: TechRadar, cyber insurance uptake in UK & Ireland [5]: Money.co.uk, insurer daily payouts data [6]: Money.co.uk, UK commercial insurance market growth [7]: Money.co.uk, breakdown of insurance claim types

Appendix

A.1 Freelancer Challenges (Survey Data)

Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)

One of the biggest questions freelance photographers ask is: Do I really need insurance?

When you’re working for yourself, your income depends on staying available, keeping your kit safe, and delivering the shots your clients expect. Insurance doesn’t stop things going wrong – but it helps make sure those setbacks don’t wipe you out financially.

What can go wrong for freelance photographers?

Freelancers across the UK tell us the same story: late payments, unpredictable income, client disputes, and worries about accidents are all common challenges [1]. For photographers, these risks are magnified by the kit they carry and the places they work.

• A guest trips over your tripod at a wedding and injures themselves.

• A memory card corrupts, and a client claims you’ve cost them money.

• Your camera bag is stolen from a locked car between shoots.

• You sprain your wrist and can’t take on bookings for weeks.

Each of these scenarios could mean losing money – unless you’ve got the right insurance.

Which types of insurance are most relevant?

Public liability insurance

Covers accidents involving other people or their property. For example, if a studio light falls on someone or damages a venue’s flooring, public liability can handle the claim [2].

Professional indemnity insurance

Helps if a client accuses you of negligence or errors – like missed deadlines, copyright disputes, or lost images. Even if the claim isn’t fair, you may still face legal fees [3].

Equipment insurance

Protects your cameras, lenses, and lighting against theft or damage. Many policies even cover kit left in a locked car – vital when you’re shooting on location [4].

Personal accident insurance

If you’re injured and can’t work, this can provide income support. For freelancers with no sick pay, it can make the difference between pausing your business and losing it entirely [5].

How many photographers are we talking about?

According to UK microbusiness data, photographers make up around 35,000 freelancers – roughly 10% of the country’s creative freelance workforce [6]. That’s a big community of people balancing creative freedom with financial risk.

And here’s the crucial bit: most operate as sole traders. That means if a claim is made against them, their personal savings – and even their home – could be on the line if they don’t have insurance [6].

Why this matters now

Big referral sites like have grown by showing how quick it is to get a quote [7]. But speed isn’t the full story - a lot of these policies are generic and lightweight. What really matters for freelance photographers is tailoring the policy to the jobs you take: busy wedding venues need higher public liability limits; corporate clients may demand professional indemnity; location shooters need portable equipment insurance [8].

The bottom line: insurance helps protect freelance photographers from everyday mishaps that could otherwise cost them their business.

Footnotes

[1]: Delorean survey data on freelancer challenges (Research conducted by Delorean) [2]: Business insurance for photographers – public liability scenarios (Research conducted by Delorean) [3]: Business insurance for photographers – professional indemnity scenarios (Research conducted by Delorean) [4]: Business insurance for photographers – equipment cover examples (Research conducted by Delorean) [5]: Business insurance for photographers – personal accident cover examples (Research conducted by Delorean) [6]: UK Microbusiness Market Sizing Report, Creative & Media Industries breakdown (2024) [7]: Simply Business UK, Business insurance from £4.95 per month (2025) [8]: Hiscox, Insurance for photographers (2025)

Appendix

A.1 Freelancer Challenges (Survey Data)

Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)

One of the biggest questions freelance web developers ask is: Do I really need insurance?

You design, code and maintain websites that clients rely on — but mistakes, disputes, or accidents can put your income at risk. Insurance for web developers helps protect you if something goes wrong, whether you work as a freelancer, contractor, or run a small agency.

Why get insurance as a web developer?

• Client contracts often require it: Many clients won’t sign until you have professional indemnity in place.

• Mistakes can be expensive: A small bug can cause a site outage and cost your client money.

• Protect your personal finances: If you’re a sole trader, your own savings and even your home could be at risk without insurance.

• Peace of mind: Insurance means one claim won’t undo all your hard work.

What insurance is available for web developers?

Professional indemnity insurance

Professional indemnity is usually the most important for developers. It can help if a client claims your work caused them to lose money. For example, a website error stops payments being processed, or you miss a deadline on a time-sensitive project. It covers legal fees and any compensation owed, even if the claim isn’t your fault.

Public liability insurance

If you meet clients in person, public liability insurance protects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged. For example, a client trips over your laptop cable in a meeting room.

Employers’ liability insurance

If you hire anyone, even a junior developer or assistant, you may need employers’ liability insurance by law. It covers claims from staff who say they became ill or were injured through their work.

Other useful covers for web developers

• Cyber insurance — if you manage websites or hold sensitive client data, it can help with recovery costs and claims after a data breach or cyber-attack.

• Business equipment insurance — protects laptops, monitors, and kit if stolen or damaged.

• Legal expenses insurance — can help with contract disputes or HMRC tax investigations.

Examples of things that can go wrong

• Coding error: An e-commerce checkout bug means customers can’t complete orders. The client sues for lost revenue.

• Missed deadline: A launch date slips and the client claims they’ve lost a big marketing opportunity.

• Data breach: You manage a client’s customer database which is hacked. Cyber insurance could help with legal costs and notifying affected customers.

• Client accident: A client visiting your office trips over a cable and is injured. Public liability could cover this.

• Employee claim: A junior developer you employ says long hours led to stress-related illness. Employers’ liability may help with compensation.

Insurance for web developers: FAQs

Do web developers need professional indemnity?

Not legally, but it’s often required in contracts. It’s strongly recommended for anyone building or maintaining websites.

How much does web developer insurance cost?

It depends on revenue, claims history, and the level of insurance you choose. Profession or trade is also a big factor as some are inherently more risky than others (think builder versus copywriter). Small business policies start from as little as £5 a month.

Does insurance cover both design and development?

Yes. Big insurers offer policies that can be tailored to cover both web design and development work.

What’s a typical excess?

Excesses start from £100 on public liability and £250 on professional indemnity, but vary by insurer - some even offer zero excess. A lower excess typically results in a higher price for your insurance.