Bottom line: For most solo directors operating outside IR35 on direct contracts, Qdos is the better starting point — lower entry price, in-house specialist legal team, and a strong track record defending contractor cases. Kingsbridge is the better choice when your agency or end client requires fee-payer coverage, or when your contract value is higher and you want a wider cover limit.
Why this comparison matters
IR35 insurance is not a commodity product. The two providers dominate the UK contractor market and take materially different approaches to coverage, legal representation, and pricing. Choosing the wrong one — or buying the wrong tier from the right one — can leave you underinsured at the point you most need the protection.
If you're not already familiar with what IR35 insurance covers and why you need it, read our IR35 Insurance guide first. This comparison assumes you've decided to buy — the question is which provider.
Qdos: the specialist contractor insurer
Qdos (formerly TLC35) has positioned itself as the specialist contractor-direct IR35 insurer since IR35 reform accelerated. Their key differentiator is their in-house legal team: when an HMRC enquiry opens, Qdos handles the defence with their own IR35 specialists rather than referring cases to an external panel solicitor.
Why this matters: In-house specialists have handled thousands of contractor IR35 cases. They know the arguments, the HMRC tactics, and the case law. The first 24–48 hours of an HMRC enquiry — what you say, what you don't say, and how you respond — can significantly influence the investigation's direction. Having a specialist firm handling your response from day one is valuable.
Qdos also offers IR35 contract reviews and status assessments as standalone products — useful if you want to review a specific contract before signing rather than buying full annual cover.
Qdos pricing (indicative, 2026)
| Policy level | Cover limit | Approx annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | Up to £50,000 | From £99/year |
| Standard | Up to £100,000 | £150–250/year |
| Premium | Up to £250,000 | £300+/year (rate-dependent) |
Kingsbridge: the agency and supply chain specialist
Kingsbridge is the market leader for agency-placed contractors and supply chain IR35 arrangements. Their key differentiator is fee-payer coverage: policies can be structured to cover the agency or end client (the fee-payer) in addition to the contractor — which is why many recruitment agencies recommend or require Kingsbridge specifically.
When off-payroll rules (Chapter 10 ITEPA 2003) apply, the fee-payer holds the primary liability if a determination is found to be incorrect. Kingsbridge's ability to cover the fee-payer's liability makes them the preferred insurer in supply chain arrangements where the agency is exposed alongside the contractor.
Kingsbridge's legal representation is via a panel of specialist solicitors — not in-house. Quality is consistently strong, but the model is different from Qdos's direct specialist team.
Kingsbridge pricing (indicative, 2026)
| Policy level | Cover limit | Approx annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | Up to £50,000 | From ~£199/year |
| Standard | Up to £100,000 | £250–350/year |
| Fee-payer included | Up to £100,000 | Higher — quote-based |
Head-to-head comparison
| Factor | Qdos | Kingsbridge |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | From £99/year | From ~£199/year |
| Maximum cover | Up to £250,000 | Up to £100,000+ (quote-based) |
| Legal team model | In-house IR35 specialists | Panel solicitors |
| Fee-payer coverage | Contractor only (standard) | ✓ Available |
| Agency recommendation | Less common | Widely recommended |
| Contract review service | ✓ Available separately | ✓ Available |
| HMRC investigation response | Direct in-house specialist | Referred to panel |
| Best for | Direct contracts, cost-sensitive | Agency-placed, supply chain |
Which to choose: a decision guide
Choose Qdos if:
- You contract directly with end clients (no agency in the chain)
- Price is a factor and you want the lowest entry cost
- You value in-house specialist representation from day one of an enquiry
- You want to buy contract reviews alongside your insurance (Qdos bundles these well)
Choose Kingsbridge if:
- Your agency has asked for Kingsbridge specifically — or requires fee-payer coverage
- You're in a supply chain arrangement where the agency holds IR35 liability
- You want a higher cover limit as standard
- Multiple parties in your supply chain need to be covered under the same policy
If you're genuinely unsure:
Get a quote from both. Both insurers can advise on which product fits your specific contracting arrangement, and the quotes are free. The difference in premium is real but not large in the context of a daily rate — a £100/year difference in insurance is less than a single day's earnings for most contractors.
Written by Desh Naidoo-Cann · Founder, Apex Assets Group · MBA Finance
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Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from Qdos to Kingsbridge mid-year?
Does Qdos cover historical periods before I took out the policy?
My agency says I must have Kingsbridge — is this a legal requirement?
Is there a meaningful quality difference in claims outcomes?
Important: This article is for general information only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax rules change — always verify with HMRC or a qualified accountant before making decisions. Published 18 May 2026 for 2026-27.