Employers' Liability Insurance

If you own or manage a business with at least one employee, it's a legal requirement to have Employers' Liability Insurance. It protects you against claims made by your employees as result of a workplace injury or illness.

You could be fined up to £2,500 for each day your business operates without the correct employment liability insurance.

This type of policy can cover a number of accidents and incidents which could potentially result in a claim. Some examples include:

• An employee being struck by a falling object on a building site
• A cleaner who is harmed by a hazardous substance
• An employee who slips as a result of a wet floor in your business office space

According to the Health and Safety Executive, 1.8 million working people suffered from a work-related illness in 2021/22. Slips, trips and falls remain the most common workplace accident, with handling, lifting or carrying and being struck by a moving object being the second and third-most common. 

These are two key business insurance types. The difference between them is related to who the claim against your business has come from.

If your business operations regularly come into contact with the public, you'll need to consider if it's worth having public liability insurance in place, in the event of needing to make a claim. Alternatively, you'll require employers' liability insurance in the event of an employee inside the business making a claim against you.

The cost of your Employers' Liability Insurance is dependent on a number of factors, including the nature of your business, the level of cover you choose and your compulsory and voluntary excess.

To gain an insight into how much your policy could cost, get a quote online with us today.

If you hire subcontractors for 'labour-only' purposes, they'll often be using your tools and materials to carry out their job roles. This means they are legally considered as your employees, so they'll need to be covered by your Employers' Liability Insurance.

Alternatively, subcontractors who are 'bona-fide' provide their own tools and materials, so will not need to be covered. 

You shouldn't need to worry about taking out this type of policy if you are self-employed, unless a contract requires you to have one. You typically only need employers' liability insurance when you employ somebody else.

We can help you find Self-employed Liability Insurance if this is something you are interested in. Feel free to contact the team today to find out more.

If you need to make a claim, call our UK landline on 03303 439 244. Lines are open 24/7. One of our claims handlers will guide you through the process. Have the following on hand to ease things:

• Your personal details
• Your policy details
• Details relating to your claim
• Supporting evidence (e.g. photos or police reports)

Learn more about the process of making a claim.