Why do web developers need insurance?
Coding error
Problem solving is second nature to a freelance developer and you encounter complex scripting challenges every day. However, one small Python error as part of a split testing project causes disruption to a lucrative ecommerce site. You fail to notice the problem for a few days, in which time client revenue is lost. Should claims of negligence be brought against you in scenarios like these, your web developer policy can assist with both defence and settlement if professional indemnity insurance is included.
Technical difficulties
There’s always the chance high tech occupations can be impacted by human error. Coffee might be spilled over your laptop, or you could get off the train in a hurry and forget your kit. Being without equipment is likely to affect your work, leading to project delays, client complaints and financial headaches. Tailor your web developer insurance to safeguard your kit and we’ll assist with paying for repairs or new equipment, so you can hit your deadlines.
Cyber attack
While working with client databases as part of server-side scripting, you’re trusted with your clients’ most valuable online assets – it can be important, therefore, to consider the threat of cybercrime. What would happen if your client’s systems were to be hacked as you work in their server? You may be held responsible and face legal action. Cyber cover with Hiscox can help your business manage the costs associated with a data breach or cyber attack and help to keep disruption to a minimum.
What insurance is available for web developers?
Professional indemnity insurance
Professional indemnity insurance may offer support for a web development business if you or a junior web developer make a mistake. This cover can also help if a client believes you got something wrong, such as an error with a bug fix, and it leads to legal action for negligence claims. Should something knock a project off course, costing your client time and money, PI cover can assist with the cost of defending a claim and compensation fees.
Cyber and data insurance
Cyber and data insurance can help to protect your business against problems relating to data and cyber breaches, however they happen. It could be a mistake on your part, such as falling for a phishing email or you might be targeted in a cyber attack. As a web developer, you’re not only dealing with confidential client data but also your own information – therefore, cyber and data insurance might be a key consideration for your small business.
Office insurance
Hiscox office insurance – a combination of buildings and contents insurance – provides financial protection from an event that prevents you from working in your premises, whether that’s a studio in the city or your office space at home. If there’s a flood, fire damage or even a break-in, office insurance can assist with the cost of repairs or replacements of your equipment too. Buildings insurance can also cover loss prevention efforts if damage to your office is imminent.
A web developer may also want to include other insurance products, including public liability cover, personal accident insurance, cover for portable equipment and employers’ liability cover.
If you’re not sure what you need, tell us a little more about what you do. We’ll help you to build your quote and explore any other insurance needs.
Build my coverInsurance for web developers: FAQs
Do I need liability insurance?
Both public liability insurance and employers’ liability cover can assist a web developer in a variety of circumstances as anyone can make a claim against you.
There will be occasions where you might need to have meetings with clients or travel in a business context. If someone claims they’ve been injured or experienced property damage because of your business, public liability can provide protection.
In addition, employers’ liability insurance is a type of cover that may be required by law (external link) as soon as you bring on any employees. This cover protects your business from the financial impact of claims made by employees around injuries and work-related illnesses.
Do you cover me for web design and development?
Yes, we understand that a web developer may work beyond this specialism to cover website design, so our insurance can be flexible to work with your choices.
For instance, you may solely focus on back-end development, front end design and interfaces or actually combine the two as a full-stack developer.
To ensure your business is covered for what it is your role entails, you simply need to tell us what this means when you generate a quote. We’ll work together with you to tailor an insurance policy with appropriate types of insurance to cover your development business.
How much does web developer insurance cost?
Small business insurance for web developers starts from £8.40 a month* with Hiscox, however, this will depend on the extent of your cover and the policies you opt to include.
As a self-employed web developer, it might pay to tailor a comprehensive policy to help protect your livelihood from the unexpected.
Read our guides to what insurance freelancers may need and how much business insurance costs for more information.
*Figures based on an average of all business insurance policies sold to at least 10% of our customer base between January 2023 and January 2024
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