Liability insurance reqs (Ind. Consultants)

Has anyone been on a project that wouldn’t take independents because of the liability insurance reqs? Can anyone recommend a good company to work through on these projects that takes care of its consultants – pays well, (actually pays!) good health insurance, 401K, etc.?

At least in the US, a company can legally offer Health Insurance & 401k benefits only to it's employees, not independent consultants.

At least in the US, a company can legally offer Health Insurance & 401k benefits only to it's employees, not independent consultants.

Right, so where can a consultant go to work under an umbrella? You essentially become an employee, yet still can bring in the project. Or even get access to new projects.

Right, so where can a consultant go to work under an umbrella? You essentially become an employee, yet still can bring in the project. Or even get access to new projects.

If a consultant wants to be under this kind of umbrella, he/she needs to become an employee (typically).

One of the things that defines "consultant" is the understanding that there are no benefits, just a nice big fat hourly rate. Consultants take care of their own benefits.

Yes this is true where i am from also. If you are a sole trader or independent rep, you need to take care of your Insurance policies to protect your interests. I used to work independently and it was hard especially when you are looking after a family. Now i am looking all sort of insurances to help secure my family and future interests. I think being a employee these days is a lot easier and less stressful when it comes to insurance and security.

One of the things that defines "consultant" is the understanding that there are no benefits, just a nice big fat hourly rate. Consultants take care of their own benefits.

Hahahaha... I agree with you Fumigator... :D

The only other solution I can think of is to have your own corporation and have the corporation buy insurance for you, an employee. But you have to be pulling a paycheck with taxes withheld to be able to get insurance like that.