• Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
  • Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!

Is Public Liability Insurance Mandatory?

Collapse
X
  •  
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Is Public Liability Insurance Mandatory?

    Hi All,
    This is my first contracting assignment and I am doing it through my own ltd company. My accountant called me a cppl of days ago to tell me this - Public Liability Insurance is mandatory. What other types of insurance are mandatory ? I'd be grateful if you can let me know the insurance (one or more??) you hold and the premium(s) you pay for it.

    Thanks,
    Minie

    #2
    It's not mandatory.

    It may be needed if you are working from your own or hired premises, and have visitors or employees* on site.

    If you are working from another companies premises then they will have their policy on the wall some where and it will clearly define if you are covered or not. With most large companies you are.


    *Employees tend to have family come to the office and you need to make sure these family members are covered.
    Last edited by SueEllen; 17 February 2011, 10:57.
    "You’re just a bad memory who doesn’t know when to go away" JR

    Comment


      #3
      Thanks. I work for a large bank. I work from their office and have their employees around. No visitors though.

      Comment


        #4
        As SueEllen says:

        Public liability is not required unless you operate business premises where members of the public visit you (most likely you don't).

        Employer's liability is not required if you/spouse are the directors/sole employees of your company - what are you gonna do, sue yourself for wrongful dismissal?

        Professional Indemnity - not legally required but the client could sue your company if something goes wrong. As your company has limited liability, all they would get is the value of the issued shares (typically a few pounds) if you ceased trading with your LTD and started a new one.

        Here's the kicker though: Some clients insist that you have some combination of PI|EI|PL insurance or they won't do business with you. It's nothing to do with what's required by law, it's just a condition of doing business with them so in these cases you'll have to get it. It's not especially expensive, do a search of this forum for recommendations.

        Some people talk about follow on insurance for 6 years after you leave the client, but I would just cancel it as soon as I could or when I ceased trading with the LTD.

        If you work through an umbrella then all this is covered for you. LTD you have to organise your own.
        Free advice and opinions - refunds are available if you are not 100% satisfied.

        Comment


          #5
          Professional Indemnity - not legally required but the client could sue your company
          Directors or employees can be personally pursued for damages in negligence claims.

          http://www.cic.org.uk/activities/1%2...0employees.pdf
          bloggoth

          If everything isn't black and white, I say, 'Why the hell not?'
          John Wayne (My guru, not to be confused with my beloved prophet Jeremy Clarkson)

          Comment


            #6
            It's £250 and can be claimed as a cost. Buy it, forget about it. Sorted.
            'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by xoggoth View Post
              Directors or employees can be personally pursued for damages in negligence claims.

              http://www.cic.org.uk/activities/1%2...0employees.pdf
              So, does your PI insurance cover you personally or just your company?
              Free advice and opinions - refunds are available if you are not 100% satisfied.

              Comment


                #8
                A previous client insisted all contractors have public liability insurance. The basis was the client was renting a shared office with other companies with shared use of communal facilities. The HR manager told me staff are covered under the company insurance, however contractors are not. So if someone from a shared office had an accident due to some reason of my fault, then at least i am covered, was his argument.
                Seemed a step too far IMHO as how far do you go with this.

                But you can get cheap PL from places like directline, although i opted for a more comprehensive policy from kpsol (kingsbridge) - but only after i haggled for a discount (being an ex-Brookson customer).

                Comment


                  #9
                  Check policy but I think you should find it will refer to you or the "insured" which is both the company and directors.

                  PS Not that any insurance policy is worth the paper it's written on in my experience.
                  bloggoth

                  If everything isn't black and white, I say, 'Why the hell not?'
                  John Wayne (My guru, not to be confused with my beloved prophet Jeremy Clarkson)

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by diesel View Post
                    A previous client insisted all contractors have public liability insurance. The basis was the client was renting a shared office with other companies with shared use of communal facilities. The HR manager told me staff are covered under the company insurance, however contractors are not. So if someone from a shared office had an accident due to some reason of my fault, then at least i am covered, was his argument.
                    Same reason I currently have PL as I was working for client who used shared offices.

                    Never needed it before as clients who take up the entire building or have a dedicated floor tend to cover everyone working on that premises as normally non-employees don't get to wander around the parts of the building they are renting including the toilet/kitchen.

                    Originally posted by diesel View Post
                    Seemed a step too far IMHO as how far do you go with this.
                    Some people will sue anything or anyone if they think there is money to be had and they had an accident.

                    Originally posted by diesel View Post
                    But you can get cheap PL from places like directline, although i opted for a more comprehensive policy from kpsol (kingsbridge) - but only after i haggled for a discount (being an ex-Brookson customer).
                    Mines from the Co-op which was cheaper than DL.
                    "You’re just a bad memory who doesn’t know when to go away" JR

                    Comment

                    Working...
                    X