Hi all!
Firstly let me say that liability insurance is not cheap!
There is a certain company already mentioned within the thread that does indeed appear to offer "cheap" liability insurance, however if you look through this and other forums, you will see that their small print excludes much, without being very clear. In fact some on this forum have tried to claim, only to be told that the policy does not cover them!
If you employ staff, then the law requires you to hold "Employers Liability" by purchasing a "cheap" policy, you will in fact be complying with current legislation, however, if you run into any problems, regarding the Health & Safety, employment issues etc, you could very well find that the policy will be of very little use, and that you may be personally liable for any award the courts or others may make.
The other issue that could arise, is the actual "Scope of Works" that you undertake, what this means is the area's and types of work that you actually undertake. Most policies, prohibit you from working in airports, churches, offshore installations, commercial kitchens etc.etc. Some allow "office cleaners" to clean windows (internal) others do not.
Public Liability is normally added onto your insurance, however, again, this sort of cover has different meanings to different people, you should ensure that you understand fully, exactly what is covered and what is not.
Product Liability is another type of insurance that is well worth considering, this would cover damage caused by staff to your client's items, as an example a carpet or large monitor etc.
Key Loss Insurance, yet another add on, this does exactly what it says on the tin. Staff or you lose your clients office/property keys, the insurance pays.
Motor Insurance, if you use any vehicle for business purposes, you must inform your insurance company of this fact, yes the insurance costs will be higher. As a very quick example, a window cleaner using their own car recently had their ladders come adrift from the roof rack, went straight through another parked cars windows, insurance refused to pay out, he had to pay out of his own pocket, now struggling to obtain personal and business insurance!
Theft or damage to tools/carrying/transporting chemicals or goods for re-sale.
Again you need to consider this and ensure that you comply with the relevant regualations. You may think that because you carry commercial vehicle/premises insurance that you would automatically be covered, check the small print carefully! Dont have premises? Run your business from home? Does your insurance company know? Most home based policies will not cover you, or your storage area (Garage/Shed/Spare Room)
Best advice!
List all the types of work that you currently carry out, visit a specialist broker, inform him/her of your set up and take his advice, pretend to be a bit dense, get them to list your requirements on paper, then shop around for that cover.
It wont be cheap, especially if your involved in builders cleans or window cleaning.
Regards,
Rob
