Sole Proprietor Insurance

You may think a one-person business is inherently low risk, but sole proprietors face many of the same risks as larger companies. From lawsuits to data breaches and fires, unexpected events can devastate a small company.

If something goes wrong with a project you're working on, such as a venue canceling an event planner's reservation or a supplier runs out of a material an interior designer needs, your clients could hold you responsible, even if the problem wasn't your fault. A client could, for example, pin blame for a data breach on your IT consulting company if you recommend faulty software.

Your clients could also come after you for a mistake made by a subcontractor (i.e., a handyman, painter, keynote speaker, or floor installer) that you hired.

Plus, sole proprietors are not separate entities from their business. That means you're directly liable for business mistakes – and your personal assets are at stake, too.

You may need insurance to comply with the law. Vehicles registered to businesses, such as an EMS worker's ambulance, must be covered by commercial auto insurance.

If you drive your own car for work (e.g., a janitor's, electrician's or carpenter's van), you'll want hired and non-owned auto insurance instead. This policy is less expensive and pays for your liability in using a personal, leased, or rented vehicle for work.

Business insurance for sole proprietors is essential, especially those without funds set aside for legal fees or other sudden costs. Whether you’re a software developer, IT consultant, PC builder, general contractor, education consultant, project manager, or nurse, you’ll need to protect your clients and yourself with the right coverage.

Sole proprietors of all types (e.g., HVAC contractors, landscape designers, etc.) can save money on business insurance coverage with two packages common across several industries.

A business owner's policy (BOP) combines commercial property insurance with a general liability policy.

A general liability insurance policy is the coverage that most small business owners purchase first. It covers basic third-party (non-employee) liability claims, including bodily injury and property damage, such as a tree trimmer or caregiver accidentally damaging a client's house. The policy is especially beneficial for sole proprietors who invite the public into an office or storefront, handle delicate client equipment, or have an active social media presence.

Commercial property insurance is critical for protecting your work equipment and your building, if you own it. This policy is valuable even if you’re renting an office space, as your landlord’s policy won’t cover your company’s belongings.

Technology errors and omissions insurance (tech E&O) combines errors and omissions insurance and cyber liability insurance.

This policy is crucial for sole proprietors in the tech industry and professional services, as it covers the cost of lawsuits over the quality of your work, including any security recommendations. It bundles errors and omissions insurance with both forms of cyber liability insurance:

First-party cyber liability insurance helps your tech company recover from a data breach or cyberattack. It covers expenses like the cost of credit monitoring services, crisis management, and cybersecurity incident investigations.

Thirty-party cyber liability insurance protects sole proprietors in the event that a client sues you for failing to prevent a data breach or cyberattack at their business. If you find yourself in this kind of dispute, this covers your attorney fees, settlement, court-ordered judgments, and other legal costs.

Chat with an insurance agent to find out more about bundles and discounts.

TechInsurance helps small businesses of all types (e.g., recruiting, occupational therapy, etc.) compare business insurance quotes with one easy online application. With the right insurance for a sole proprietorship, your business can withstand lawsuits and other costly incidents. Start an application today to find affordable policies from trusted U.S. carriers.