You must provide business records that demonstrate your historical earnings. Gather documents like invoices, client payment records, bank statements showing deposits, and your filed tax returns (Schedule C) for the previous one to two years. The goal is to show a clear pattern of income that was disrupted. For gig platforms, download your earnings summaries. Consistent records are key, as insurers often scrutinize self-employed claims more closely.

This defines what event triggers coverage. An ’occurrence’ policy covers incidents that happen during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is filed. A ’claims-made’ policy only covers claims filed while the policy is active. Claims-made policies are riskier because an incident from your current work could be claimed years later, after the policy lapses, leaving you uncovered. Tail coverage (an extension) is often needed when switching from a claims-made policy.

The calculation looks at your earnings history to establish a reliable average. Gather your pay records for a meaningful period before the injury (e.g., 6-12 months, or the year-to-date). Add up all your earnings—including regular pay, overtime, bonuses, and commissions—then divide by the time period to find your average weekly wage. This average rate is then multiplied by the number of work weeks you missed due to the injury.