What Carer insurance do i need?
You may have noticed when looking for carer insurance that there are a number of different types available. We found the following descriptions when comparing the best cover available..
Throw into the mix the terminology for personal assistant, personal carer or straightforward carer it becomes a mind field in determining which is the right policy for you!
From our research into the carer insurance market there are two main types of cover either for someone that is 'self employed' or someone 'employing a carer'.
If you are self-employed you will need cover for 'public liability' (see below) which will cover you for damage or loss of property & personal injury. Policies also provide additional cover for accidental injury, loss or damage to a property and an element of legal cover.
Compare home buyers protection insurance
If you employ a carer you need 'employee liability insurance' (see below) which covers you, the employer, against claims in the event of injury to your employee as a result of their work. Additional cover is also provided for public liability and legal cover.
Home Employment and Direct Payments insurance is the same and provides a similar cover that has been designed for those that receive support from the government and when you are hiring a carer or paying an organisation to provide care services or hiring a personal assistant.
If you receive support from the government/council or are self funding your own care, hiring one or multiple personal assistants or carer means that you are regarded as an employer; it is a legal requirement for you to provide employers liability insurance.
What is public liability insurance?
Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement, but is recommended if members of the public come to your home or premises or if someone could be injured by something your business does.
It's also possible for an organisation that you work with/for requires you to have public liability cover as a contractual requirement. A public liability insurance policy will cover you for any damages claimed, plus an element of legal cover.
Compare home buyers protection insurance
What is employers’ liability insurance?
If you have any employees it is a legal requirement to take out 'employers liability insurance'. This will provide cover for your employees if they are injured in the course of their work. If you only employ occasional carers or personal assistants you must still have cover in place. Some insurance providers such as Surewise do provide short term cover.
You can be fined up to £2,500 per day if you don't have suitable cover.
Top tip -
It’s worth comparing payment options and some providers offer monthly payments at no additional cost. If you’re looking for a short term policy take a look at Surewise.
Return to Blog home page