Freelancing in California offers freedom, flexibility, and the chance to build the kind of career you want. But it also comes with risks—especially when clients, equipment, or property are involved. That’s where general liability for freelancers becomes an important part of protecting your income and your reputation.
If you’re a solo professional in California, here’s what you need to know.
Do Freelancers Need General Liability Insurance?
In most cases, yes—freelancers in California benefit from having general liability insurance, even though the state does not legally require it for independent contractors.
Why it matters:
- Many California clients, especially in tech, construction, wellness, and creative services, require freelancers to show proof of general liability insurance before signing a contract.
- California is one of the most lawsuit-heavy states in the U.S. According to the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, California businesses face some of the highest litigation costs nationwide.
- Even small claims—like a client tripping over your equipment—can cost thousands in legal fees.
General liability insurance helps protect you from common business risks, including:
- Accidental bodily injury
- Property damage to a client’s home or office
- Damage caused while working onsite
- Personal or advertising injury claims (like copyright or slander in marketing)
For most solo workers, it’s a simple way to prevent a single mistake from becoming a financial disaster.
How Much Does General Liability Insurance for Freelancers Cost?
The good news: it’s usually affordable.
Across California, general liability insurance for freelancers typically costs:
- $25–$65 per month for low-risk professions
- $75–$150 per month for medium-risk work
- $150+ per month for higher-risk fields like construction, photography, or home services
Your price depends on:
- The type of work you do
- Whether you work onsite or remotely
- Your business revenue
- The amount of coverage you choose (most freelancers choose $1 million per claim)
For many California professionals, the cost is less than one dinner out—and provides peace of mind worth far more.
Which Types of Freelancers Need General Liability Insurance the Most?
If your work involves people, property, or physical locations, insurance is especially important. This includes:
- Photographers & videographers (equipment accidents are common)
- Handymen, contractors, and home service providers
- Event planners, DJ services, and caterers
- Fitness trainers and wellness practitioners
- Hair stylists, beauty technicians, and estheticians
- Freelancers who work inside client homes or offices
Many California venues and property managers require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before letting you work onsite.
Which Types of Freelancers Don’t Need General Liability Coverage?
Some freelancers face minimal risk of physical accidents or property damage, such as:
- Remote graphic designers
- Writers and editors
- Virtual assistants
- Software developers
- Data analysts
However, even low-risk freelancers may still need coverage if:
- A client contract requires it
- They occasionally visit client offices
- They want protection from accidental copyright or advertising injury claims
For most California freelancers, it’s a safety net—not a luxury.
Other Types of Business Insurance for Freelance Workers
General liability isn’t the only coverage California freelancers should consider. Depending on your field, you may also need:
Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions Insurance)
Protects you if a client claims your work caused financial loss. Common for designers, consultants, and tech freelancers.
Business Property Insurance
Covers equipment like cameras, laptops, or tools—especially important if you work outdoors or travel.
Cyber Liability Insurance
Protects against data breaches, client information leaks, and cyberattacks—critical in California, where privacy laws like the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) hold businesses to high standards.
Workers’ Compensation (For Those Hiring Help)
Required in California even if you hire just one employee, including part-timers.
How Is General Liability Different From Professional Liability Insurance?
Many freelancers confuse these two types of coverage, but they protect you from different risks:
| General Liability | Professional Liability |
| Covers physical accidents | Covers mistakes in your work |
| Bodily injury + property damage | Missed deadlines, errors, contract disputes |
| Needed for onsite work | Needed for service-based or advisory work |
| Protects your business from lawsuits about accidents | Protects your business from lawsuits about negligence |
Most California freelancers benefit from having both, especially those in consulting, design, coaching, and creative services.
Bottomline: How HUMANO Helps Freelancers Protect Themselves
HUMANO makes it easy for California freelancers to protect their business without high upfront costs or confusing paperwork. With Low Down Payment, Pay-As-You-Go Workers Comp and access to hundreds of carriers for general liability, professional liability, and other coverages, HUMANO helps solo professionals get affordable protection that fits their budget.
Whether you’re a designer in Los Angeles, a photographer in San Diego, or a contractor in Sacramento, HUMANO helps you get the right coverage—so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.