Starting work before a contract or incorporation - how bad a screwup?

[malvolio]

What's the difference in price and coverage between the Qdos offering and the PCG offering for PI?

Erm, PCG don't offer one, they don't sell insurance. They don't even give you IR35 insurance, they insure themselves against the cost of representing their members.

They have a discount deal with a couple of providers. For most basic IT contractors the QDOS is probably more than enough, but be aware that it's cover is less comprehensive than the Hiscox one lurking behind the PCG's suppliers' offering.

[jmo21]

QDOS say 5 days for their reviews that you get included when you have bought insurance through them, but it can be less.

My last contract, I emailed it at 8pm at night, and the review was in my inbox by 11:30am the next day.

The previous time, I needed it back the next day, and I think they charged £25 for that. This may have been the price on top of the fact I had the insurance - may be more if you are not a customer, not sure.

[beardedfool]

Hi one and all,

Wanted to say a huge thanks for all the advice.

Nixon Williams have been great so far, after a small false start, and I'm incorporating today.
Qdos are doing the contract review in quick time (I hope) and I'm getting insurance through them as soon as incorporated.
Agency are being surprisingly compliant but we'll see after the contract review comes back- then we'll really tell.

To answer the liability- to be fair there is a hell of a lot of catchup to do on the project in documentation and even I can't do to much damage reading and asking questions.

Interesting point from Wanderer about public liability, can't see how it would be needed but it's not a significant cost so I'll do it this time and review later.

That said I'm suitable admonished and won't do it again (promise), mainly I'm wholly appreciative of all the sensible and timely advice. It's greatly appreciated.

Craig1 - yes on VAT, will be doing flat rate. The agency, for several reasons, have a real long term interest in working with me for the future but, as I say, we'll see.
Wish it was weekly invoicing but I know they're paid by the client monthly and, whilst that shouldn't affect my contract, I'm ok to take that hit as they've changed their payment terms for me.

[TheFaQQer]

To answer the liability- to be fair there is a hell of a lot of catchup to do on the project in documentation and even I can't do to much damage reading and asking questions.

Just don't push anyone down the stairs

[beardedfool]

I always try to leave that to the 2nd week

[malvolio]

And join the PCG anyway. It would be the best £220 you'll spend getting set up

[beardedfool]

Will do.

Out of interest what level did other people go for? I presume malvolio is on the plus. Seems that's where the benefits kick in - apart from one more phone line I can use for questions rather than bothering you guys.

[TheFaQQer]

Will do.

Out of interest what level did other people go for? I presume malvolio is on the plus. Seems that's where the benefits kick in - apart from one more phone line I can use for questions rather than bothering you guys.

Plus is the way forward.

No doubt Mal has some super-dooper level which none of us mere mortals can aspire to

[malvolio]

Plus is the way forward.

No doubt Mal has some super-dooper level which none of us mere mortals can aspire to

Nope, I'm on Plus. Anything less would be penny-pinching, anything more is unnecesssary.

[beardedfool]

OK for contract reviews, but for insurance look at joining PCG and getting covered that way - www.pcg.org.uk

Malvolio- just want to be clear on that one, and I think you've probably covered it but just to be sure....

You're suggesting getting the plus PCG membership and rely on their interest in helping you, rather than getting the separate Qdos TLC35?

Is the Hiscox policy you mention a separate (from the PCG Plus membership) policy that's the equivalent to the Qdos TCL35? Or is is the PCG's overall policy that comes as part of the plus membership that they use to fight the battles they want to? I presume there's no guarantee they'll support you in difficulty but one hopes they will (and it's very likely in a landmark case)

And all of the above IR35 insurance is completely separate form the PI insurance (which I've done through Qdos as I wanted to get the contract reviews done quickly as well)

About right?