Employers Liability Insurance

Employers liability insurance is a type of insurance cover that helps businesses protect themselves from the financial costs of employee injuries or illnesses that occur during the course of work. The insurance policy provides financial protection to employers who may be held liable for injuries sustained by their employees, and it is a legal requirement for all employers in the UK to have this type of insurance cover.

What Does Employers Liability Insurance Cover?

Employers liability insurance is designed to provide financial protection to employers from the costs of defending and settling employee claims for workplace injuries or illnesses. The policy covers damages and legal fees that an employer may be liable to pay following a successful claim. Some of the common areas that the insurance policy covers include:

It is important to note that employers liability insurance does not cover intentional or criminal acts that cause injury or illness to an employee. It also does not cover claims made by contract workers or self-employed individuals who work for the business.

Why is Employers Liability Insurance Important?

Employers liability insurance is important for businesses because it provides financial protection against the risks associated with employee injuries or illnesses. Without this type of insurance cover, businesses could face significant financial losses if an employee makes a successful claim against them.

In addition to protecting businesses from financial losses, employers liability insurance is also a legal requirement in the UK. All employers are required to have a minimum level of cover to ensure that they are complying with UK law.

How is Employers Liability Insurance Calculated?

The cost of employers liability insurance can vary depending on a number of factors. Some of the factors that can affect the cost of the policy include:

• The number of employees that a business has
• The nature of the work that the employees do
• The level of risk associated with the work that the employees do
• The claims history of the business

Insurance providers will typically assess these factors when determining the cost of the policy. The premium for the policy will be higher for businesses that have more employees, or for those that operate in high-risk industries.

What are the Legal Requirements for Employers Liability Insurance in the UK?

All employers in the UK are legally required to have employers liability insurance. The law requires that employers have a minimum level of cover of £5 million. This means that if an employee makes a claim against the business, the policy will cover up to £5 million in damages and legal fees.

The law requires that employers display a certificate of insurance in a prominent place in their workplace. The certificate must be visible to all employees and must include details about the insurance policy, such as the name of the insurer and the period of cover.

FAQ

What is the difference between employers liability insurance and public liability insurance?

Employers liability insurance and public liability insurance are two different types of insurance cover. Employers liability insurance provides protection to businesses against claims made by employees for workplace injuries or illnesses, while public liability insurance provides protection to businesses against claims made by members of the public for injury or damage caused by the business.

What happens if a business does not have employers liability insurance?

If a business does not have employers liability insurance, they are breaking the law. The business could face significant financial losses if an employee makes a successful claim against them. In addition to financial losses, the business could also face legal action and penalties for not complying with UK law.

What happens if an employee is injured at work?

If an employee is injured at work, they may be entitled to make a claim against their employer. The employee will need to prove that their injury was caused by their work and that their employer was at fault. If the claim is successful, the employer will be liable to pay damages and legal fees.

Can self-employed individuals be covered by employers liability insurance?

No, employers liability insurance does not cover self-employed individuals or independent contractors who work for the business. These individuals are responsible for their own insurance cover.

Can employers liability insurance be purchased as a standalone policy?

Yes, employers liability insurance can be purchased as a standalone policy or as part of a larger business insurance policy.

What is the minimum level of cover that is required for employers liability insurance?

The law requires that all employers in the UK have a minimum level of cover of £5 million for employers liability insurance.