Insurance
Everyone who employs someone in the UK must by law have some form of Employers’ Liability Insurance in place.
What is Employers’ Liability Insurance?
Employers’ Liability Insurance will provide compensation and costs if your Personal Assistant injures themselves in the course of working for you. The policy also protects you if the Personal Assistant causes an accident or injury to someone else whilst they’re in your employment.
It would protect you, for example, if your Personal Assistant:
- trips and falls down stairs whilst doing your housework and injures their back
- has an accident whilst doing your shopping
- hurts themselves whilst helping you get up from a chair
Why do I need it?
Claims for accident or injury can be extremely costly. What’s more, if a claim is successfully brought against you, you may be liable to pay legal costs as well as any compensation due.
Another important consideration is the peace of mind that having a policy in place can bring you. If an accident does happen, you can relax, knowing that your insurance company will handle everything for you.
Choosing an Employers’ Liability policy
There are a number of policies available specifically designed for people who employ others in their homes. SILC will be happy to help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
We have information about insurers who offer policies specifically for people who are employing Personal Assistants. To find out more, including how much cover you need; and which employees your policy must cover contact one of SILC’s Independent Living Advisers.
Do I need other insurance policies?
Although Employers’ Liability is the only policy that you’re required to have by law when you employ a Personal Assistant, there are other insurances that could provide useful protection for you and which you should consider.
SILC can help you decide which one’s right for you.
Home contents insurance
This is designed to protect the possessions in your home against loss or damage. The ’accidental damage’ aspect of the policy can protect you if your Personal Assistant breaks or damages something belonging to you.
Legal expenses insurance
Although it’s extremely unlikely, a dispute with your Personal Assistant could lead to them taking you to an Employment Tribunal. If this happens, taking on lawyers to defend your interests can be extremely costly.
Legal expenses insurance is designed to cover such costs. Often, an element of Legal Expenses insurance is included as part of another insurance policy, so check this before you look for separate cover.