With over 60 million Americans freelancing in 2025, self-employment is more than a trend—it’s a lifestyle. But with freedom comes risk, and many freelancers don’t realize they need business insurance until it’s too late.

At Bunker, we help independent contractors across industries get the exact protection they need—without the guesswork. Here’s how to choose the right insurance policy for your freelance business.

Step 1: Understand Your Risk Profile

Start by asking:

Do clients rely on your advice (e.g., consultant, marketing strategist)?
Do you handle sensitive data (e.g., IT freelancer, digital marketer)?
Do you work on-site (e.g., freelance photographer, event planner)?
Could someone be physically injured or suffer losses due to your services?

Risk drives coverage. The more risk your business carries, the more comprehensive your insurance should be.

Step 2: Know Your Coverage Options

Let’s break down common policy types for freelancers:

General Liability Insurance: Covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and legal fees. Essential for freelancers who work with clients in person or handle client property.
Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions): Covers financial harm from mistakes in your work or services—ideal for consultants, designers, writers, and anyone giving advice or deliverables.
Cyber Liability Insurance: Protects against data breaches, cyberattacks, and client data loss—important for web developers, marketers, and virtual assistants.
Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): Bundles General Liability + Business Property. Great for freelancers who need both coverage types with cost savings.
Workers’ Compensation: If required in your state or by clients—even as a solo contractor.

Step 3: Consider Client Requirements

Sometimes the choice is made for you—many client contracts mandate insurance coverage. Always:

Read your contract for minimum coverage limits (e.g., $1M per occurrence).
Check if they want to be listed as an Additional Insured.
Be prepared to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before starting.

Step 4: Think About Budget and Flexibility

Freelancers love flexibility—your insurance policy should too. At Bunker, we offer:

Monthly or annual billing options
No long-term commitments
Instant COI generation
Industry-specific coverage for 100+ professions

Whether you’re just getting started or scaling up, there’s a policy to match your budget and workload.

Step 5: Talk to an Insurance Expert (or Use a Platform Like Bunker)

Don’t try to decode policy language on your own. Use a modern platform like Bunker that understands freelance needs—and offers guidance tailored to your profession.

Our dashboard helps match you with the best policy in minutes and delivers your COI instantly so you can get back to doing what you love.