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Real Claims from UK IT Contractors: How One Project Went Wrong (and Got Covered)

IT

Working as an IT contractor often comes with the freedom to choose projects, clients, and locations. But with this independence comes responsibility. Even a single error or misunderstanding during a contract could result in legal or financial consequences. That is why IT contractor insurance remains one of the most important safety nets for professionals in this field.

We support contractors by helping them arrange cover that reflects the technical, legal, and operational risks that can come with specialist work.

What Happened: A CRM Migration That Missed the Mark

One contractor was hired to lead a CRM system migration for a national retailer. Despite thorough planning, a misconfigured data field caused hundreds of duplicate customer records. The client delayed their launch and claimed the contractor’s actions led to a loss of revenue and brand damage.

Legal proceedings followed. Thankfully, the contractor had professional indemnity insurance in place. This type of cover can respond to claims of negligence or professional error and may provide financial support for legal defence and compensation, depending on the policy terms.

Why Professional Indemnity Insurance Matters

This is one of the most commonly requested policies in IT contracts. It is designed to help protect against:

  • Allegations of mistakes, omissions, or poor advice

  • Breach of contract or failure to meet deadlines

  • Intellectual property disputes

  • Accusations of data mishandling

We help contractors compare providers offering this cover, with limits and extensions that match the complexity of their work.

Additional Covers IT Contractors Should Consider

Cyber Liability Insurance

A growing number of IT contractors work with sensitive systems and data. If a data breach occurs during a project, cyber insurance may assist with response costs, legal advice, regulatory reporting, and reputational damage. This is especially relevant for developers, software consultants, and network engineers.

Public Liability Insurance

Although often associated with physical trades, public liability insurance can be essential for IT contractors as well. It may help cover the cost of claims if a client or member of the public suffers injury or property damage in connection with your work, such as during on-site visits or meetings.

Portable Equipment Insurance

Laptops, specialist devices, and other tools are often central to daily work. If your equipment is lost, damaged, or stolen, equipment insurance could help replace the items quickly, helping you stay operational and meet client deadlines.

One Mistake Could Lead to a Claim

Even experienced professionals can encounter problems. A late delivery, a miscommunication with a client, or an overlooked security setting could be enough to trigger a claim. Insurance does not eliminate risk, but it can reduce the impact of mistakes when things go wrong.

By helping contractors find suitable cover, we support them in continuing their work without fear that one incident could affect their income, credibility, or future contracts.