If you’re 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 whatever reason. No matter what his line of work is, you never know if he might be responsible for something in some way. Play it safe: Invest in contractors general liability insurance.

Even if your job mainly consists of sitting in front of a computer all day, you’re not completely 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 publicity libel or 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 as well.

What to look for in general liability insurance for contractors

You don’t want to buy contractor 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 are cash-strapped. Choose a provider that has flexible payment plans to make everything as seamless and simple as possible.

• Make sure coverage includes all the essentials: bodily injury, libel/slander/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 protected for your job anywhere in the world, although your covered claim must be filed in the US or a US territory.

• If you have a home 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 well as 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 length 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 contractor general liability insurance, a good place to start is Hiscox Business Insurance. Its origins date back to 1901. Currently, the Hiscox Group employs more than 2,000 people in 13 counties. You can get custom plans with flexible payments.