Direct Payments Factsheet
B7: Insurance
Employed Personal Assistants
As an employer, you are legally required to have insurance for your staff. Accidents can occur in various ways, such as a personal assistant tripping and falling. In such cases the personal assistant might hold you, the employer, responsible.
Whilst some comprehensive household policies may include employer’s liability and public liability Insurance, most do not. It is essential to check with your insurance company and not assume coverage. This insurance must be in place before your personal assistant can start work.
Employer liability insurance
If your employee is injured whilst working for you and you are found legally liable, employer liability insurance will cover legal costs and compensation. By law employers are required to have this insurance.
Public liability insurance
This insurance will protect you against any damages or injuries caused by you or your personal assistant while working for you. The council cover the cost of this insurance as part of your direct payment. While we do not recommend specific insurance providers the Direct Payment Support Service can guide you on where to obtain coverage.
It is advisable to choose a policy that includes protection in case your personal assistant takes you to an industrial tribunal or if you need to make someone redundant. The insurance company will explain the terms and conditions you must follow.
Using a Vehicle
If your personal assistant is providing transport for you in their own vehicle, they need to obtain the appropriate insurance cover. Advise them to contact their insurance company to request business cover and show you a copy of the policy. If the personal assistant is driving your vehicle, ensure they are added to your insurance cover.
Self-employed Personal Assistants
If you hire a self-employed personal assistant, they are responsible for covering the cost of their own insurance. It is essential you ask for a copy of their policy before agreeing to purchase services from them.
Agency
It is the agency’s responsibility to have appropriate insurance cover before offering their services. You should request to see a copy of their insurance policy before using the direct payment to purchase services from them.
