There you are. Your supply has caught fire, the doctor has just told you that you are ill or your product has caused damage to your customer. These are all possibilities that we would rather not think about and that we may therefore push aside with an 'Oh, but that won't happen to me'.

Nevertheless, it is good to realize that running a webshop is not entirely without risks. Fortunately, there is also good news: you can protect yourself against many of these risks through insurance.

1. Business liability insurance

As a producer you are responsible for any damage that occurs to people who have bought your product. For example, if you cause physical injury to a customer due to a production error. Imagine that your customer gets a broken arm or burn because of your product. The costs then quickly add up. And beware: you are not alone as a producer if you actually produce the products yourself. You are also seen as a producer, if:

• You purchase products from outside the EU
• Your own label is attached to products that you buy within the EU

You can take out business liability insurance for damage that your products cause to other people or their belongings. This is different from one professionalliability insurance. This insurance is mainly suitable for entrepreneurs who provide services, such as tax advisers or IT consultants.

Just like with the other insurance policies in this blog, you cannot quickly choose a corporate liability insurance policy. There is a wide range and there are big differences between prices and coverages. When looking for the right business liability insurance, pay particular attention to the conditions (what is and what is not insured), the amount of your deductible and of course the amount of the premium.

Do you already know exactly what your insurance must meet? Then you can on websites such as premium-compare.nl compare insurance policies.

2. Inventory and goods insurance

Another thing you would rather not think about: a lot can go wrong with your stock. Inventory and goods insurance covers damage in the event of fire, storm, leakage or if your belongings are stolen. Do you have your stock in your own shed, a leftover room in your house or even next to your bed? Even then, this is often not covered by the home contents insurance that you have taken out for your home and you must take out inventory and goods insurance if you want to be insured.

The damage caused by the shutdown of your webshop (after all, you cannot sell anything without products) will not be compensated. There you can possibly add a business interruption insurance before closing: this insures you against loss of turnover. And is your stock stored in your own building? To insure you against damage to it, you have another home insurance required.

Is it all starting to make you dizzy? Logically, it is also quite complicated. If you really can't figure it out, ask an independent insurance advisor for advice. It Ondernemersplein of the Chamber of Commerce also suggests that you can combine non-life insurance with many insurers for a cheaper premium.

3. Legal expenses insurance

Suppose you have problems with a supplier. For example, your product was not delivered or delivered too late. Or a customer does not pay your invoice. Then legal assistance is needed and it is nice if you have taken out legal assistance insurance. Always check what exactly your insurance covers, but generally this includes the costs for legal advice, litigation and court costs, the costs for a lawyer or bailiff and the costs of the other party.

In addition to conflicts with suppliers and customers, legal assistance insurance is also useful when customers recover personal injury and material damage, when purchasing, renting and maintaining a business property and disputes with the government (such as permits) or your accountant. Even if your webshop grows and you start hiring staff, legal expenses insurance is important. This way you are covered if you need legal assistance in case of dismissal, illness, reintegration, leave, material damage and many more matters.

Do you already have regular legal expenses insurance? Then unfortunately it does not apply to your company. If you have problems with your clients, accountant or employees, this is not covered. So you need business legal expenses insurance. More information about what to look out for when taking out this insurance can be found on the site of MKB Servicedesk.

Please note: if you only purchase legal expenses insurance when you need legal assistance, you are often too late. Many insurers have a waiting period of several months before you can claim the insurance. Still need help now? Some insurers such as DAS offer legal assistance on demand. Since this is pricey, it is, just like with the other insurance policies in this list, wise to think about this before you actually need legal assistance.

4. Disability insurance

If you have an accident or become ill (for a long time), your income will come to a standstill. Self-employed persons and entrepreneurs cannot simply make use of social assistance. There are strict conditions attached to this. For example, you may have to sell your home and business first. An occupational disability insurance can then offer a solution.

We already give you a warning: as soon as you dive into the world of disability insurance, you will be shocked by the often high costs. Nevertheless, it is good that you dive into this, because about 1 in 8 people become incapacitated for work before they can retire.

It's also easy to get lost between all the different insurance companies and coverage options. There are often big differences, so do your research and ask for help if necessary Freelance Service Desk if you can not figure it out.

On the ZZP Servicedesk site you will also find a handy list with everything you can pay attention to in order to arrive at an affordable AOV that actually suits your situation. From your waiting time (the deductible period) and the cover to an appropriate age limit, and much more.

This is not your only option to save yourself financially if you become incapacitated for work. You can also use a investment property do, you at a bread fund or set aside an amount every month if you have the discipline to do so.

5. Goods transport insurance

As a (prospective) merchant you know that one of the most common risks is involved in sending parcels. What about the packages that get damaged or even never arrive at your customer? If the customer has paid with iDEAL, you are obliged to refund the money. With freight insurance you can insure yourself against this, but if you are a small webshop it is good to weigh the cost of a single damaged shipment against the premium.

Nowadays even your great aunt is familiar with iDEAL and because we can pay almost everything with it, this is the most common payment method at web shops. It is good to know that the credit card is the most used after iDEAL. Offering this choice on your website not only ensures ease of use for the customer, but can also save you a headache in case of damaged or missing packages. When a customer pays by credit card, he or she is immediately insured. The same applies to PayPal, where the customer can easily reclaim the money if necessary.

It is wise to do this only when the situation calls for it (for example, you do not believe that the package is damaged). Not returning the money will destroy the relationship with the customer. He or she will stop ordering from you and may even recommend others to do the same.

Good luck with research! Are you really unable to figure it out? Then ask for advice from an independent insurance advisor. That can save you a lot of money in the long run!