For a quick quote, you can contact our quote department directly at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and you will be contacted ASAP.
The gig economy isn’t slowing down—if anything, it’s spinning faster than a New Orleans streetcar in rush hour. More people than ever are working for themselves, setting their own hours, and building income streams that don’t involve clocking in or out. Whether it’s rideshare driving, photography, web design, catering, or even dog-walking through three feet of Louisiana rain, self-employment has become the new normal.
But here’s the catch: when working for yourself, there’s no HR department handing out benefit packets. Health, liability, disability—those responsibilities land squarely on one set of shoulders: the self-employed. And while being your own boss has its perks (mainly no one breathing down your neck for TPS reports), it also means protecting the business and income from risks that could stop it cold.
After 40 years of serving clients across Louisiana and Mississippi, Dan Burghardt Insurance has seen it all—from contractors who forgot to insure their tools to food-truck owners who didn’t realize their “kitchen on wheels” needed commercial auto coverage. The good news is that protecting self-employment income doesn’t have to be complicated.
Health Insurance: The Non-Negotiable
Freelancers sometimes skip health coverage to save money, figuring they’ll get around to it “next month.” Next month often turns into next year—until a trip to urgent care costs more than a new laptop.
Self-employed professionals can enroll through private markets, health-care exchanges, or professional associations that offer group plans. The key is to look for coverage that fits both budget and lifestyle. Skimping on health insurance might feel like saving money, but it’s like driving through hurricane season without windshield wipers—everything’s fine until it isn’t.
For a quick quote, you can contact our quote department directly at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and you will be contacted ASAP.
Liability Insurance: Because Accidents Don’t Send Calendar Invites
Even the most careful professionals make mistakes. A dropped camera lens at a wedding, a client slipping on the porch during a consultation, or a cracked laptop belonging to someone else—these are the moments when general liability coverage earns its keep.
Independent contractors and freelancers, especially those working in clients’ homes or offices, face potential claims for property damage or bodily injury. Liability insurance helps cover those unexpected “oops” moments so one small mishap doesn’t turn into a financial disaster.
Professional liability (often called errors and omissions insurance) goes a step further. It protects service providers like consultants, designers, and accountants from claims of negligence or incomplete work. Even unfounded claims can be expensive to defend, and courtrooms aren’t known for their sense of humor.
Business Property & Equipment Coverage
Freelancers depend on their tools—cameras, laptops, trucks, instruments, or even power drills—to get the job done. Standard homeowners or renters insurance typically won’t cover equipment used for business purposes.
A business property policy can insure those valuable items against theft, fire, or accidental damage. In Louisiana, where a summer thunderstorm can turn an office window into a fish tank, that kind of coverage can make all the difference.
Auto Insurance for Gig Workers
Rideshare and delivery drivers often assume the app’s insurance has them covered. That’s true… but only part of the time. Most personal auto policies exclude commercial use, meaning an accident during a delivery or a rideshare trip may not be covered.
Hybrid policies now exist specifically for gig drivers, combining personal and commercial protection. It’s a small adjustment that prevents a big headache later. And for anyone using a personal vehicle for business errands—like running supplies to a client—commercial auto insurance is worth considering.
Because nothing says “bad day” like realizing your insurance stopped working halfway between Metairie and Marrero.
Disability & Income Protection
No one likes to imagine getting injured or sick, but for freelancers, downtime means zero income. Disability insurance replaces a portion of income during recovery, keeping bills paid while health gets back on track.
Short-term policies cover temporary setbacks, while long-term options step in for extended illness or injury. It’s not the most exciting topic, but neither is explaining to the landlord why the rent is late because a ladder had other plans.
Cyber Liability & Data Protection
Freelancers and small business owners handle client information daily—emails, contracts, billing records, and payment details. One accidental data leak or cyberattack can cause serious legal and financial trouble.
Cyber liability coverage helps cover the cost of recovery, notification, and legal defense if digital information is compromised. With remote work and online transactions now standard, this type of protection has become just as essential as fire insurance once was.
Life Insurance & Retirement Planning
Self-employment doesn’t come with a company-sponsored retirement plan, but that doesn’t mean skipping the future. Life insurance protects family and business partners, while annuities, IRAs, and other retirement vehicles help replace the corporate 401(k).
The trick is setting it up early and treating premiums as part of the business budget—not as an afterthought. Think of it as paying future-you a salary. Future-you will be grateful.
Operating a Business from Home: Don’t Overlook the Risks
Running a business from home comes with convenience—and hidden exposure. Many self-employed professionals assume homeowners insurance automatically covers their business operations, but that’s rarely the case.
Standard policies usually exclude business-related property, equipment, and liability. If a client visits a home office and slips on the front step, or if a fire damages inventory stored in the garage, a traditional homeowners policy may not cover those losses.
That’s where In-Home Business Insurance comes in. It’s designed for freelancers, consultants, and small business owners who operate from home—covering business property, inventory, and client-related liabilities under one tailored policy. It fills the gaps left by homeowners insurance and ensures the home-based business doesn’t become a personal financial risk.
Depending on the size and nature of the operation, coverage may include:
- Business property protection for tools, computers, and equipment
- Inventory coverage for goods stored on-site
- Liability protection for client visits or delivery-related injuries
- Loss of income coverage in case of property damage or business interruption
More information about protecting home-based operations can be found at dbiagency.com/services/in-
Local Insight, Statewide Service
After four decades of helping Louisiana residents navigate the unpredictable world of insurance, Dan Burghardt Insurance remains a trusted resource for those working independently. Licensed in both Louisiana and Mississippi, the agency serves clients in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, St. Bernard, Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Baton Rouge, Hammond, Houma, Thibodeau, LaPlace, Lake Charles, Bossier City, Central, Lafayette, Monroe, Shreveport, and Alexandria.
The gig economy has changed how people earn a living, but not the need for protection. The freedom of self-employment works best when paired with smart coverage that keeps that freedom safe.
For a quick quote, you can contact our quote department directly at (504) 441-RATE (7283) or complete the Online Quote Request form and you will be contacted ASAP.
Final Thoughts
The modern freelancer is part entrepreneur, part accountant, part everything. From marketing to customer service to tech support, it’s all part of the gig. Insurance might not be the most glamorous part of that equation, but it’s the safety net that keeps the show going when things go sideways.
Whether it’s protecting equipment, income, or reputation, the right policy helps every freelancer sleep a little better at night. And that’s something worth insuring.
