What exactly is liability insurance?

Liability insurance for businesses—or BPLI for short—protects you when you, your work, or your equipment causes harm to someone else. This includes injuries, property damage, or financial consequences resulting from such incidents.

It’s not the kind of insurance you hope you’ll ever need. It’s the kind of insurance that ensures one unfortunate moment doesn’t jeopardize your entire business.

At Oddny, we believe that good information should be clear, honest, and easy to understand.

That’s why we explain insurance in plain language. No complicated terms. No industry jargon. Just so you can quickly understand what it means for your work and your business.

Because, ultimately, insurance is about security. It’s about taking on projects with confidence, running your business professionally, and being able to focus on what you do best.

A solid foundation for yourself, your clients, and the future of your business.

Which creative professions is this general liability insurance policy intended for?

For creative freelancers and small businesses whose work takes them out into the world—physically, digitally, in studios, on location, or at clients’ sites. We’re here specifically for:

Do you work in a general partnership (VOF), a limited liability company (B.V.), or as a freelancer/self-employed person without employees? This insurance may be a good fit for you as well. You don’t need to know the exact policy name in advance; start by considering what you create and where your work is most vulnerable.

What’s covered?

Injury to persons and damage to property

If you, your work, your employees, or your equipment cause damage—injury, death, or damage to others’ property—the General Liability Insurance (AVB) can compensate for the damage, subject to the terms and conditions and up to the insured amount. Financial consequences, such as business interruption for your client, may also be covered.

Product liability

Do you deliver a product that later causes damage—a defective prototype, an installation that fails, a circuit board that comes loose? That, too, may be covered.

Legal Assistance

In the event of a covered claim, costs for legal assistance may also be included. This includes determining liability, conducting legal proceedings if necessary, statutory interest, and salvage costs.

Employer Liability

Do you have employees, temporary workers, or interns? Injuries they sustain due to a workplace accident or occupational disease may be covered. Damage to employees’ personal belongings that occurs while they are working may also be covered.

Environmental damage to persons

Liability for injuries caused by environmental damage is also covered.

Retroactive Coverage (optional)

Damage that occurred before your policy’s effective date but was reported only afterward can be covered retroactively for up to three years. Condition: the damage was not known at the time the policy was issued.

Standard coverage limit

€2,500,000 per claim, with a maximum of €5,000,000 per insurance year. You can adjust this amount to suit the nature of your work—ask us for advice if you’re unsure.

Where does the insurance apply?

Throughout Europe. For professions in healthcare and personal care, coverage is limited to the Netherlands.

What is not covered?

No insurance policy covers everything. That’s not a catch—it’s just how the system works. To be clear, in plain language:

Not sure if your situation is covered? Send us your question via the contact page. We’d rather be upfront about what we can and can’t do than have you find out when you file a claim.

Three real-life scenarios

On-site photography

You’re setting up a photo shoot at a client’s home, for example. A tripod tips over and hits an expensive mirror. The damage: €3,200. With general liability insurance, you usually don’t have to foot that bill alone—if the damage is covered, you file a claim and we’ll handle the rest.

Architecture on a construction site

You visit an ongoing project on-site and accidentally knock over a ladder. A contractor’s employee is injured. In addition to medical expenses, he files a claim for lost income. The general liability insurance can cover the damages and legal proceedings, subject to the policy terms.

Styling During an Event

A decorative element you installed falls down. A visitor is injured. Liability is attributed to you. The general liability insurance (AVB) will then assist with assessment, coverage, and legal proceedings if the claim is covered under the policy.

How much does liability insurance cost for self-employed professionals?

The correct answer: it depends on a few things. Your field of work. Your revenue. The coverage amount you choose. The deductible you agree to. And whether you mainly work from a desk or are often on location.

For many creative freelancers, premiums at Oddny start at €9.63 per month. Higher-risk fields—such as on-site work, or work in healthcare and personal care—may cost more.

You’ll see upfront what premium corresponds to your chosen coverage. If your work, revenue, or risk changes, we’ll take the time to review your policy again.

CTA: Calculate your premiumCTA link: https://shop.oddny.bsurance.net/shop/

Is liability insurance mandatory for freelancers and self-employed individuals?

Not by law. In the Netherlands, no freelancer or self-employed person is legally required to purchase liability insurance.

But in practice, the situation is different. Many clients—especially larger companies, government agencies, and event venues—require valid general liability insurance before allowing you to work for them. Sometimes it’s specified in the contract; other times, it’s requested verbally. Having a policy in hand can therefore open doors that would otherwise remain closed.

And then there’s the personal aspect: without coverage, you’re on the hook for every damage claim yourself. For a broken laptop, that’s manageable. For a personal injury claim amounting to tens of thousands of euros, it’s a whole different story.

Frequently Asked Questions About General Liability Insurance and Liability

What exactly does AVB mean?

AVB stands for Business Liability Insurance. It covers the financial consequences when your business or work causes harm to others—such as personal injury, property damage, and resulting business interruption.

How does liability insurance work?

You pay a monthly or annual premium. If damage occurs for which you are held liable, you report it to Oddny. The claim is assessed, damages may be reimbursed up to the insured amount, and legal proceedings can be arranged if necessary.

What is the difference between general liability insurance (AVB) and professional liability insurance (BAV)?

General liability insurance (AVB) covers physical damage—personal injury and property damage—resulting from your work. Professional liability insurance (BAV) covers professional errors: errors in advice, design flaws, or defects in delivered work that cause financial loss without anyone being injured or anything being damaged. Both types of coverage are relevant for many creative disciplines.

Does the insurance also apply on location or at clients’ homes?

Yes, that’s exactly where general liability insurance is often relevant. Many creative professionals work in studios, on sets, at clients’ homes, on construction sites, or during events. Be sure to always check whether your specific activities are covered under the policy.

Am I insured abroad?

Yes, throughout Europe. For medical care and personal care, coverage is limited to the Netherlands.

What if I close my business?

You can cancel the insurance on a daily basis. If you close your business, you can purchase separate coverage for residual risk—damages reported at a later date.

Can I adjust the policy if my work changes?

Absolutely. We actually recommend doing so. Many entrepreneurs don’t notify their insurer when their business changes. As a result, coverage can fall behind reality. At Oddny, making an adjustment is a conversation, not a bureaucratic hurdle.

How much does liability insurance cost for a freelancer or self-employed person?

At Oddny, the premium for many creative freelancers/self-employed professionals starts at €9.63 per month. The exact premium depends on your field, revenue, coverage amount, and deductible. You can easily calculate your premium using the shop CTA.

What should you look out for as a creative freelancer or self-employed professional?

Don’t just look at the price. Above all, check whether your work truly aligns with the coverage: do you work on-site, use clients’ equipment, deliver physical products, work with the public, or rely on larger clients who require general liability insurance? That’s where making the right choice begins.

How do you sign up with Oddny?

1. Tell us about your work

No jargon-filled forms. Just a few questions about what you do, who you work for, and what risks are involved.

2. Get a fair quote

You’ll get a clear breakdown of your premium and what’s covered, in plain language. Feel free to ask questions—for us, protection starts with understanding what you do.

3. Get covered in minutes

Online, on your own time. Your policy will be in your inbox before your coffee gets cold.

Why Oddny?

We’re here for creative freelancers and self-employed professionals. Not “also for”—exclusively for. We understand that your work is personal. That your income depends on it. That a misunderstanding with a client costs not only money, but also time, energy, and focus that you’d rather spend elsewhere.

What that means in practice:

“A work is never finished, only let go.”— Paul Valéry

We’re here for the journey in between.