What to Know About Insurance When You’re a Freelancer or Side-Hustler

So, you’ve got the full-time grind and a side hustle. Or maybe you’ve ditched the 9-to-5 entirely and are fully freelance. Either way, welcome to the multi-income lifestyle — where financial security means having more than one stream of income, a backup plan, and… insurance (yes, really 😅).

According to the 2025 Cake & Arrow survey, 50% of Gen Z believe side hustles and multiple income streams are the key to financial security — and they’re not wrong. But here's what many don’t talk about: being your own boss also means being your own benefits department. Let’s break down what insurance looks like when you’re the business and the employee.

1. No Employer = No Built-In Coverage

When you freelance or run a side hustle, you don’t get those employer-provided benefits — like health, disability, or life insurance. That means you're in charge of your own safety net.

👉 What to do: Start with the essentials — health insurance (through the Marketplace or your parents’ plan if you’re under 26). Then consider add-ons like dental, vision, and mental health support depending on your budget.

2. What If You Can’t Work?

If you’re sick or injured and can’t hustle, your income stops — yikes.

👉 Pro Tip: Consider disability insurance. It’s not just for construction workers. If your work relies on you showing up (physically or mentally), this policy can help cover bills if you're temporarily out of commission.

3. Protect Your Gear (and Your Grind)

Laptop? Camera? Inventory? If your side hustle relies on stuff, protect it.

👉 Get renters or business property insurance — depending on how much equipment you have. Even better: if you’re running your biz from home, renters insurance might already cover some of your gear.

4. Keep It Legal (and Safe)

Let’s say you're a freelance graphic designer or sell products on Etsy. If a client claims you messed up a project or someone gets hurt using your product, you could be on the hook.

👉 Look into liability insurance — especially if you work with clients, the public, or products. It’s the kind of thing you hope you never need… but will be very glad to have if things go sideways.

5. You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

Insurance can feel like a lot, especially when you're balancing multiple gigs and trying to just keep life together. That’s where we come in.

Wells Insurance is an independent agency, which means we shop around for you and find policies that match your hustle — and your budget. From health to renters to liability coverage, we’ll help you build a custom setup so you can stay covered while you chase the bag.

TL;DR: If You’re the Boss, Act Like It

Side hustles aren’t just “extra cash” anymore — they’re part of Gen Z’s bigger picture for financial freedom. That means thinking ahead, protecting your income, and building your own safety net.

Ready to adult like a CEO?
👉 Visit wellsins.com/personal-insurance and let’s get you set up with insurance that works as hard as you do.