Insurance quote checklist for freelancers

What documents should I compare?

Ask for the quote, schedule, full policy wording and endorsements, and keep the versions together. A summary or a price alone cannot answer every question. Use the policy document guide to identify where to look, then ask the provider to point to the wording behind each answer.

For US professional services, start with E&O questions for consultants. For a UK business, first distinguish professional indemnity and public liability. These categories are not interchangeable, and this worksheet does not select cover for you.

Printable insurance quote comparison worksheet

Print this page and complete the blank spaces offline. Use one sheet per quote. Keep personal details, policy numbers and confidential client information off this website. Record the document and page supporting each answer; mark unresolved points rather than guessing.

1. Quote reference and document dates

Record locally: ____________________________________

2. Services and activities described

Does the description match your actual work? Which wording confirms this?
__________________________________________________

3. Limit, sublimits and defence costs

What applies to the situation you are discussing, and where is it stated?
__________________________________________________

4. Deductible, retention or excess

What would you pay, when, and under which clause?
__________________________________________________

5. Exclusions and conditions needing clarification

Question, document reference and written answer:
__________________________________________________

6. Prior work, policy dates and reporting

Record the question for your adviser; do not infer coverage from dates alone.
__________________________________________________

7. Client contracts and overseas work

List the relevant requirement and the person who will clarify it.
__________________________________________________

8. Total payable and outstanding questions

Record currency, policy period, fees, payment terms and follow-up owner.
__________________________________________________

Worked example: two quotes with different service descriptions

A fictional freelance marketer receives two proposals. One describes strategy and campaign implementation; the other lists consultancy. The marketer also changes campaign settings for clients. Instead of selecting the cheaper proposal, they write: “Does your services description include making approved changes in client advertising accounts? Please identify the relevant wording and any restrictions.”

They keep the response alongside the proposal and compare the remaining terms separately. If the answer is unresolved, that row stays open. This example shows a comparison method; it does not establish that either proposal covers an error or that an insurer will accept a claim.

Choose your next question

• Different policy dates? Read the claims-made and prior-work questions.
• Overseas clients? Use the territory and jurisdiction checklist.
• Managing client accounts? Prepare a digital marketing agency insurance brief.
• Comparing several proposals? Read how to compare business insurance quotes.

Scope and sources

This is an original organisational worksheet, not an insurer application or professional review. The Insurance Information Institute explains US professional liability; the ABI introduces UK business insurance categories. Use them for background, and use your own documents and an appropriately qualified adviser for decisions.

Updated 12 October 2026. AI-assisted educational content; not independently reviewed by an insurance professional.

Keep a comparison note

For each quote, separately record the insurer, document version, date and remaining questions. Do not enter confidential or personal information on this site. Your checkmarks are temporary and disappear when you leave or reload the page.

Read how to compare quotes beyond price for the full method.