If you are an independent contractor, you may not think you need any type of liability insurance. However, like any small business owner, it’s a good idea to have at least basic insurance. There will always be people out there who will try to sue anyone for any reason. No matter what his line of work, you never know if he might be responsible for something in some way. Don’t risk it – invest in general liability insurance for contractors.

Even if your job mainly consists of sitting in front of a computer all day, you are not fully protected from potential lawsuits of some kind. Independent contractors have virtually the same legal obligations and liability exposures as large companies and firms. Depending on your industry, you could be liable for anything from bodily injury to advertising libel to copyright infringement.

There are some industries where general liability insurance is required by law for independent contractors. What if your business starts to grow and you have to start hiring employees yourself or hire others? You will need protection for them too.

What to Look for in Contractors General Liability Insurance

You do not want to purchase contractors general liability insurance from any company. Here are some things to look for in a business insurance provider:

• Simple monthly payments are always good, especially if you’re cash-strapped. Choose a provider that has flexible payment plans to make everything as seamless and simple as possible.

• Make sure the coverage includes all the essentials: bodily injury, slander/libel/defamation, and property damage. The ideal general liability insurance plan should include these at a minimum.

• Global coverage is important, as many contractors work with companies in other countries. You must be covered for your work anywhere in the world, even though your covered claim must be filed in the US or a US territory.

• If you have a home-based business, you should be able to get an insurance policy that is tailored to your specific needs. Some companies offer just that. Errors and omissions insurance is something to consider, as is software copyright infringement. Read home-based insurance policies carefully to find out what is covered. There are risks that you may not even be aware of.

• The amount of time an insurance company has been in business is an extremely important consideration. If it has been around for a long time, even decades, then it is a sign that the company is doing something right.

Which provider is right for your needs? If you need contractors general liability insurance, a good place to start is Hiscox Business Insurance. Its origins date back to 1901. Today, the Hiscox Group employs over 2,000 people in 13 counties. You can get custom plans with flexible payments.