Employer liability insurance

To request an employer liability insurance quote click HERE

If you would like information on a combined business liability insurance policy click here

Employer liability insurance in brief
As a UK business owner or employer, you have a legal responsibility towards your employees, customers and the public. You could be held legally liable and risk being sued if an employee or a member of the public is injured as a result of your negligence or breach of duty. Liability insurance is designed to pay any compensation and legal costs that occur if an employer is found to be at fault. If you employ anyone it is most likely that you will need to have employers' liability insurance.

What is employer liability insurance?
Employers Liability Insurance is required by law once an employee is taken on. The prescribed legal minimum is currently [2001] £5m of cover against bodily injury, illness or disease sustained in the course of employment. Over the past ten years their has been a huge increase in litigation, the emergence of the 'sue them' culture, record-breaking court awards and a whole raft of new liabilities not though of when the legislation was drafted, have all added to industry losses. Employers Liability insurance became a legal requirement in 1972 as a direct result of the 1969 Employers Liability Act. We are able to offer competitive rates, high levels of service with easy to understand advice.
What does employer liability insurance cover?
The definition of an employee is anybody you have on your premises who is assisting you in your work. It may be on a part-time basis, a full-time employee, students on work experience courses, a self- employed sub-contractor, a person working on a trial basis to see if they are suitable and even voluntary workers. They are all technically employed by you, because they are under your instruction and working on your premises. You will therefore need Employers Liability Insurance to cover employees against accidents and injuries to themselves whilst working.

What does the employer liability policy cover for you?
The policy itself covers you for claims made against you if an employee is killed, injured or contracts an illness or disease whilst working for you in connection with your business. It also covers you for the claimant's costs and expenses plus the cost of your legal representation at a Coroner's Enquiry, and in any Court proceedings made against you by an employee. You will also be covered for costs and expenses incurred in the defence of a prosecution relating to the welfare of employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This is now extended to cover the Education (Work Experience) Act 1973.

Potential claims against you
Some examples of the types of claims which could arise are an employee working at height, for instance painting a mural on a wall. They may slip and have an accident. An employee using a piece of machinery may sever a limb, a finger or a hand. Another common incident that arises is the inhalation of fumes. Over a period of time this could lead to illness and possibly death.