Maybe you’d like to start your own online business soon—one you can run from home, but just as easily from a coffee shop, a vacation home, or a sunny spot abroad. That, of course, is the beauty of online entrepreneurship: as long as your laptop and internet connection are working, you can get to work from just about anywhere.
But what about your insurance when you start your own business? And what if you go on a “workation” for a few weeks or months each year? As a self-employed person, you’re responsible for the risks you take. That’s why it’s a good idea to set up some types of insurance right away, while others depend mainly on the kind of work you do.
Commercial Liability Insurance
With a self-employed business liability insurance—also known as AVB—covers damage you cause to others while working. This includes damage to property as well as personal injury. Consider a situation where you’re working at a client’s location and accidentally damage something, or someone trips over your loose laptop cable.
If you work primarily online, this risk may seem small. Still, an AVB can be a wise choice if you visit clients, collaborate on-site, or use other people’s equipment. Clients may also ask for proof of this coverage before working with you.
Professional Liability Insurance for Service Providers
Professional liability insurance (BAV) is especially important if you provide advice or work in the service industry. This includes consultants, marketers, copywriters, web designers, coaches, and advisors. If you make a professional error that causes your client to suffer financial loss, the client can hold you liable for it.
This coverage is different from that provided by general liability insurance. General liability insurance primarily covers injury to people or damage to property. Professional liability insurance supplements that by providing coverage for financial losses resulting from an error in your work or advice.
Would you like to purchase this insurance, and do you also work for clients abroad or carry out assignments abroad? If so, be sure to check carefully whether this is covered. You’ll often need a supplemental module for this.
Disability Insurance for Self-Employed Individuals
As a salaried employee, you usually continue to receive your pay if you get sick. As a self-employed person, things work differently. If you are temporarily or long-term unable to work due to illness, an accident, or mental exhaustion, your income may come to a halt.
With a self-employed disability insurance—also known as AOV—you can insure a portion of your income in case you become unable to work. This can be important even if your work is mainly done on a laptop. Your business often depends on your time, energy, and health.
As a self-employed person, you are not currently required to purchase disability insurance, although this is expected to change. The government is working on a mandatory disability insurance program for the self-employed. According to current projections, business owners will be required to have this insurance starting in 2030. Until then, you can decide for yourself whether and how to protect your income if you become ill or are unable to work.
Business Travel Insurance for a Workation
Do you occasionally go on a workation or work temporarily from abroad? If so, be sure to check whether your current travel insurance also covers business trips. That’s not always a given. Business travel insurance can come in handy if you encounter damage, lost luggage, or unexpected expenses during your workation.
Also, keep an eye on your business equipment. For many online entrepreneurs, a laptop is indispensable. If you work a lot on the go, it’s a good idea to check whether your equipment is properly insured during a trip.
Business legal protection insurance
As a business owner, you may also run into issues related to agreements. A customer doesn’t pay, a client is dissatisfied, or a dispute arises over a contract. With business legal protection insurance, you can get legal assistance with these types of conflicts. This insurance isn’t required, but it can come in very handy.
Please note: Are you leaving the Netherlands permanently? If so, different rules apply.
Are you planning to go abroad for an extended period, or are you actually planning to emigrate? If so, your situation may change.
If you spend more than 8 months outside the Netherlands within a 1-year period, you must deregister with the municipality. This may have consequences for your insurance policies, health insurance, tax matters, and other obligations. In that case, have your insurance coverage reviewed again to ensure it fits your current situation. This will help you avoid thinking you’re properly insured when your circumstances have since changed.
Well-Organized, Stress-Free Business Operations
Running a business online gives you the freedom to organize your work the way you want. Do you continue to live and be registered in the Netherlands, but occasionally work temporarily from abroad? In that case, you can arrange many types of insurance based on your Dutch residency status. This way, you can get to work with peace of mind, no matter where you are: at your kitchen table, in a vacation home on the Wadden Islands, or perhaps even on the other side of the world.
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