Web Developer Insurance: Checklist & Cost
Web developers are equal parts engineer and artist. You juggle code, UX, SEO and client expectations, often all before your second cup of coffee. But the intangible nature of your work does not mean tangible risks do not exist. One botched deployment, copyright claim or data‑breach allegation can upend your cash flow and reputation overnight.
This guide walks you through why insurance matters, which policies actually protect a modern dev shop, and how to secure solid coverage without torching your budget.
Download: Web Developer Insurance Checklist
Download our checklist of coverages Web Developers need to have!
Why You Need Insurance As A Web Developer
Rising Legal & Cyber Costs
The average U.S. data‑breach claim topped $4.8m last year, and six‑figure copyright settlements are no longer unicorns. Although you might not have millions of records or sensitive data, it can still be a very expensive problem. Shouldering those expenses yourself can stall growth or end operations entirely.
Contract Requirements
Many mid‑market and enterprise clients mandate proof of General Liability (GL) and Tech Errors & Omissions (Tech E&O) before signing a master services agreement.
Credibility & Client Trust
Showing certificates of insurance (COIs) up‑front signals professionalism and reassures clients that any mishaps won’t become their problem.
Types Of Web‑Developer Insurance You Need
| Policy | What It Covers | Why Devs Need it |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | Bodily injury & property damage in the physical world (e.g., a client trips in your office). | Low‑risk, low‑cost; often a contract checkbox. Often required to purchase E&O policy. |
| Tech Errors & Omissions (E&O) | Financial loss from coding errors, downtime, missed deadlines, or botched integrations. | Your primary shield against project‑failure lawsuits. |
| Cyber Liability | Data‑breach response costs, ransomware payments, notification expenses, and regulatory fines. | Hosting client data—even briefly—makes you a target. |
| Media Liability Endorsement | Copyright, trademark, libel, and slander claims tied to images, fonts, text, or video. | Perfect for agencies that handle creative assets alongside code. |
| Workers’ Comp | Medical bills & lost wages for on‑the‑job injuries. | Required in most states once you hire employees. |
Pricing Snapshot (Based On $500K Annual Revenue)
| Carrier | GL | Tech E&O + Cyber | Media Liability | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insurer 1 (Premium Coverages) | $250 | $2,800 | $330 | $3,380 |
| Insurer 2 | $259 | $1,995 | Included | $2,254 |
The Bottom Line
Insurance isn’t a luxury—it’s operational infrastructure for a modern dev shop. Secure General Liability and a well‑crafted Tech E&O/Cyber package, tack on Media Liability, and you’ll cover 95 % of the exposures most developers face.
Skimping to save a few hundred bucks today can cost six figures in court tomorrow.
About The Author: Austin Landes, CIC
Austin is an experienced Commercial Risk Advisor specializing in property & casualty risk management for religious institutions, real estate, construction, and manufacturing.