Professional liability insurance for freelancers and self-employed in Germany
If you work as an independent professional in Germany, this insurance protects you against claims for damages caused during your work. Free advice in your language.
Free advice · No increase in the final cost of your insurance
Why do you need liability insurance as a freelancer?
When you work as an independent professional in Germany, you are responsible for any damage you may cause during the course of your work. An error on a project, a defective deliverable or an oversight can result in a financial claim that seriously affects your business.
Professional liability insurance (Berufshaftpflichtversicherung) protects you in these cases: if you cause financial, material or personal damage to a client or a third party, the insurer covers the compensation or, if the claim is unjustified, defends you legally.
Moreover, many clients in Germany require this insurance before signing a contract. Having it also conveys professionalism and builds trust.
What does professional liability insurance for freelancers cover?
This insurance covers the financial consequences of errors or accidents that occur during your professional activity.
Financial loss
Financial losses suffered by a client as a direct result of an error in your work: an incorrect report, faulty code, or wrong advice that leads to a business loss.
Property damage
Physical damage to client or third-party property caused during your work: damaged equipment, deteriorated facilities or broken items.
Personal injury
Physical injuries caused to people during your work. For example, if someone has an accident at the location where you are providing your services.
Defence against unjustified claims
If a client makes a claim against you for something that was not your fault, the insurer covers your legal defence costs and rejects the claim on your behalf.
Data loss or damage (IT)
For freelancers in the technology sector, the accidental loss of client data can be extremely costly. This specific risk can be included in your coverage.
Legal costs
In the event of a legal dispute, court and lawyer fees are covered by the insurer, regardless of whether the claim is justified or not.
Examples of situations covered by sector
Risk varies depending on your activity. Here are real examples by sector:
IT and development
You develop an application for a client and a bug in the code causes data loss or interrupts their business for hours. The compensation can amount to thousands of euros.
Consulting and project management
You give incorrect strategic advice that leads your client to make a decision that causes significant losses. Without insurance, that loss could fall on you.
Marketing and design
You publish content with an error in the client's data or accidentally use a copyrighted image. Damages can include fines and correction costs.
Tradespeople and manual work
You carry out an installation and a fault occurs that damages the client's property. Repairing or replacing the damaged elements can be very costly.
Training and teaching
A student has an accident during a class you are teaching. Or an error in training material causes harm to those who used it.
Translation and communication
A translation error in a contract or official document generates legal or financial consequences for the client. Without insurance, the liability would be yours.
Personal RC vs professional RC: which do you need?
These are two distinct and complementary policies. Many freelancers need both.
Personal liability insurance
Haftpflichtversicherung- Covers damage you cause in your daily life
- Valid outside the professional environment
- Covers damage to rented flat, bicycle, lost keys
- Cost: between €45 and €100/year
- Does not cover errors or damage related to your professional activity
Professional liability insurance
Berufshaftpflicht- Covers damage caused during your professional work
- Valid in a professional and commercial context
- Covers professional errors, client damages, data loss
- Coverage from €50,000 up to €5,000,000
- Many clients require it before signing a contract
"You cannot prevent the wind, but you can learn to build windmills."
— Dutch proverb
At Bramex we help you find the insurance that best suits your activity as a freelancer. We are affiliated with the best insurers in Germany, giving us quick and efficient access to the different offers available. We handle all the paperwork free of charge and communicate with the insurer on your behalf so you never have to worry about language barriers.
Frequently asked questions about professional liability insurance for freelancers
Which sectors most need this insurance?
It is especially recommended if you work in IT, project management, consulting, marketing, media, training, design, translation or as a tradesperson. In general, any professional activity where an error could cause losses to a client.
How much does professional liability insurance cost?
The price varies depending on your activity and the coverage you need. You can choose from different amounts: around €50,000, €3,000,000 or €5,000,000. The right amount depends on your individual risk situation. Contact us and we will calculate it for you with no commitment.
Is this insurance compulsory for freelancers in Germany?
It is not required by law, but many clients require it before signing a contract. It is also highly recommended because there is always some risk that could jeopardise your activity and financial stability.
How long does the contract last?
The contract runs for one year and renews automatically unless cancelled at least 3 months before it expires.
Does personal liability insurance already cover my professional activity?
No. Personal liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) covers damage you cause in your daily life, but not damage related to your professional activity. To protect your business you specifically need professional liability insurance (Berufshaftpflicht).
Can I take out both policies at the same time?
Yes. In fact, many freelancers have both: personal liability for their daily life and professional liability for their work. They are complementary and do not overlap. At Bramex we can advise you on both options.
Are you a freelancer or self-employed person in Germany?
Fill in the form and we will send you the best available offers for your activity. We calculate the most suitable coverage and advise you for free and in your language.