For any tradesperson running their own business, you will know that it is a challenging road to follow! As a tradesperson, you could have to manage several employees or sub-contractors. On top of that, you will juggle many tasks like payslips, new regulations, taking on new clients, HR and much more.
The team here at Rhino have worked with tradesmen and women for years. We understand your day-to-day life and want to make it easier for you by having trade insurance as one less thing to worry about. Let's take a look at Employers' Liability Insurance and why you need it if you have any staff members.
Employers' Liability Insurance is a ubiquitous addition to our popular Public Liability Insurance policies. Employers' Liability Insurance covers you as an employer in case one of your employees or staff members gets injured, causes injury or damages a customer's property whilst doing the work you set for them.
In the UK, this type of trade insurance is a legal requirement if you have anyone working for you. If you don't have it and one of your employees accidentally breaks their arm whilst at work you could be in for double trouble - a claim arising from the injury and a fine for not having insurance in place.
Simply put, if you are a business owner or self-employed tradesman or woman and have people working for you, then you need this insurance. If you don't have it, the authorities can fine you up to £2,500 per day if you aren't covered.
Accidents are commonplace in a high-risk industry like the trades. That's why you are taking a big gamble on your business if you avoid having this type of insurance. Not only does it protect your employees (whether they are full-time, part-time or temporary) and clients, but it also protects yourself financially.
A final point on this matter is that Employers' Liability Insurance is more often than not a contractual obligation. So if you are working with other contractors, a local council or a business, they will likely demand proof of this type of insurance before signing any contracts to begin work.
In the UK, any tradesperson must have a minimum of £5 million worth of cover. This, of course, depends on what type of trade/ work your business carries out, as you may need a higher level of protection because of the risks attached to your work.
The most important thing to remember about having Employers' Liability Insurance is that it's not a burden. It grants you peace of mind and that all-important reassurance that if anything goes wrong, you will have protection if a legal case of a claim is needed to be paid.
It may be hard to do, but just for a second, think about your work and calculate how much a severe claim may cost you. It could be an eyewatering sum when you think it through, so having insurance is a far better idea than having to fork out some vast compensation claim.
A short and brief way to explain this is Public Liability Insurance isn't a legal requirement, but you'd be crazy not to have it. It covers you for any claims made by a customer, public member or third party who suffered damage or injury because of your work.
Alternately, as we have shown above, Employers' Liability Insurance covers you for any claims made by your employees, whether they be permanent, part-time or temporary staff members. This could be down to them being injured whilst doing the work you set out or causing injury or damage to a third party.
Here's what you can expect from a policy here at Rhino:
So there you have it. What Employers' Liability Insurance is, how does it differ from Public Liability Insurance, what the limits are and why you should choose Rhino Trade Insurance for your next policy.
If that isn't enough, we also have a vibrant online presence showcasing our office personality - want to get some of our merch or see some of the latest figures in the trades? Follow us on social media for more. Alternatively, if you want to hear more about our trade policies, call one of our expert trade professionals now on 0116 243 7904 or get a quote in less than 60 seconds now.
From the danger of working at height to the possibility of structural damage, fascia installers face challenges every day. But don't let these risks deter you – with the right processes and proper insurance, you don’t need to worry.
The question that often arises is: Is Public Liability Insurance a legal requirement for tradesmen in the UK?
Llike any trade, garden gate installation comes with its own set of risks and challenges. This is where insurance comes in, providing you with the peace of mind and security you need to focus on what you do best.
Tell us your trade and get a tailored insurance quote for your business in seconds
Our team of experts are available to talk to Mon-Fri 08.30-17.30 and Sat 10.00-14.00
