The freedom of freelancing is unmatched—setting your own hours, choosing your projects, and building a career around your passion. But for designers, writers, illustrators, and other creatives, that freedom comes with risk. Whether it’s a copyright claim, a missed deadline, or a contract gone wrong, your creative business could face serious financial consequences without proper insurance.
At Bunker, we specialize in helping independent professionals get covered fast—so you can stay protected while doing what you do best. Here’s what every creative freelancer needs to know about business insurance in 2025.
Why Freelancers in Creative Fields Need Insurance
You may be working from a home office, but that doesn’t mean you’re immune to business risks. A surprising number of freelancers get hit with legal threats, unhappy clients, or even data breaches. In today’s gig economy, protecting your work is just as important as creating it.
Here are a few common risks that insurance can protect you against:
- A client claims your design or written content caused reputational damage
- You accidentally miss a contractual deadline and the client demands compensation
- Someone sues over copyright infringement or plagiarism
- Your laptop is stolen, and along with it, a week’s worth of client work
- A client refuses to pay unless you provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
The Best Types of Insurance for Creative Freelancers
Let’s break down the policies you’ll actually need:
1. Professional Liability Insurance (Errors & Omissions)
This is the essential policy for freelance creatives. It protects you if a client claims your work caused them financial harm due to a mistake, omission, or missed deadline. Think of it as creative malpractice insurance.
💡 Example: A copywriting client says your content led to a PR issue and demands damages. E&O covers your legal fees and settlement costs.
2. General Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury or property damage claims. Less common for fully remote creatives, but important if you ever work on-site or meet with clients in person.
💡 Example: You spill coffee on a client’s laptop during an in-person meeting—general liability has your back.
3. Business Owners Policy (BOP)
Combines general liability with coverage for your business property (like laptops, tablets, and external drives). It’s great for creatives who invest in tools of the trade.
💡 Tip: It often comes with a lower premium than buying policies separately.
4. Cyber Liability Insurance
If you store or send client data, you’re exposed to digital risks. Cyber insurance helps cover the cost of breaches, ransomware, and client notifications.
5. Workers’ Compensation (If Required by Contract)
Some clients will require a COI that includes workers’ comp, even if you’re a solo freelancer. Bunker can help you determine whether it’s legally required in your state or just contractually necessary.
Certificates of Insurance (COIs) Made Easy
Many freelancers don’t realize a lack of insurance can delay payments or even lose them contracts. Clients increasingly ask for COIs before work begins. The good news? At Bunker, getting one takes minutes—not days.
Final Thoughts: Insurance is Part of Doing Business
You may think insurance is only for big companies—but in reality, freelance creatives are often the most vulnerable to client disputes and unexpected setbacks. The right insurance not only protects you but also shows clients that you’re a serious professional.
Ready to get started? Visit buildbunker.com or contact us at support@buildbunker.com to compare policies and generate a Certificate of Insurance in minutes.
