What insurance do I need as a 1099 contractor?
John Johnson
Updated on March 13, 2026
General liability insurance is essential for independent contractors because: It protects you and your business. Independent contractors have the same legal obligations and liability exposures as larger firms. They can be sued for damaging client property, causing bodily harm, or advertising injury.
Are independent contractors covered by insurance?
The short answer is ‘yes. ‘ Independent contractors do need insurance, and for a variety of reasons. In addition to liability insurance, an independent contractor may need other forms of insurance, including errors and omissions insurance, workers’ compensation, and possibly a business owners policy.
How do independent contractors get insurance?
You can buy health coverage through the individual Health Insurance Marketplace®. You’re not considered an employer only because you hire independent contractors to do some work. “Employees” are generally workers whose income you report on a W-2 form at the end of the year.
What is going on with Nationwide insurance?
On July 1, 2020, Nationwide completes its two-year transition to operate as a fully independent agency carrier, with 99% of the company’s formerly captive agents transitioning to Nationwide’s independent agency channel and continuing to partner with the company.
Who is liable for an independent contractor?
The general rule regarding independent contractors states that a person who hires an independent contractor cannot be held vicariously liable for the wrongdoing of the independent contractor.
Does Nationwide own progressive?
No, Nationwide and Progressive are not the same company. Progressive and Nationwide are two separate companies, and both of them are independent corporations owned by investors and shareholders.
What does general liability cover for a contractor?
Contractor General Liability Insurance protects contractors financially from amounts they become obligated to pay due to damages or medical payments because of bodily injury, property damage or personal/advertising injury to third parties occurring during the policy period caused by or relating to the contractor’s work …
Can a 1099 independent contractor be an employee?
If you have any doubt whether or not a worker qualifies as a 1099 Independent contractor you can voluntarily provide workers’ compensation coverage as if that person were an employee. If you are a 1099 employee, you can buy a policy or ask the business paying you to provide coverage under their policy.
What to do with 1099 insurance if you are an employee?
If you are a 1099 employee, you can buy a policy or ask the business paying you to provide coverage under their policy. The company or the worker can file Form SS-8, Determination of a Workers Status for Purposes of the Federal Taxes and Income Tax Withholding with the IRS.
Do you have to carry workers comp if you are an independent contractor?
The general rule is that employers do not have to carry workers’ compensation insurance for workers who qualify as 1099 Independent Contractors. However, this rule has one major exception.
What kind of insurance do I need as an independent contractor?
Medical and disability coverage. This type of coverage provides medical coverage to you as an independent contractor, since most contractors do not have their own health insurance or disability insurance. If you become ill or hurt, this is coverage that you will appreciate owning. Who Should Buy Independent 1099 Contractor’s Insurance?