Are you a photographer or a videographer with employees? Or are you planning on taking on one or more employees as your business grows? Even if you just work with a volunteer or an intern, you need to understand employers’ liability insurance, what it is, and why you need it.
What is employers’ liability insurance?
Employers’ liability insurance is a specific kind of insurance policy that is designed to pay out in the event an employee makes a claim against their employer. If you have an employee who is injured or involved in an accident on your premises, or while working somewhere else under your direction, they may choose to sue you for compensation. No amount of goodwill can compensate for a debilitating injury.
Employers’ liability insurance is what will pay for the legal costs as well as anything the employee is awarded on their claim.
What sort of things does it cover?
As mentioned, employers’ liability insurance exists to protect you in the case of an employee making a compensation claim against you. This could arise from a number of different circumstances and situations, including:
- Accidental injury or illness when on your premises
- Accidental injury or illness when working under your instruction
- Pain and suffering as a result of injury
- Loss of earnings
- Medical costs, as well as costs of treatment
Always remember that employers’ liability insurance is designed to protect you, the employer. It’s not designed to protect an employee in the event a claim is made against them.
Why should you seek a suitable level of cover?
The first reason that you should get employers’ liability insurance is that it’s a legal requirement. If you have an employee, you need to take out a suitable level of employer’s liability cover to protect yourself in the event a claim is made against you. There are certain exceptions, such as when using contractors, but generally speaking, any direct employee will require liability cover.
Besides the legal necessity, it also makes good sense because it gives you and your business financial protection in the event of a claim. Remember that court fees, legal costs, treatment costs, pain and suffering compensation and contingent costs can easily run into thousands of pounds. Without a suitable level of insurance cover, it’d be up to you to cover those costs by yourself.
If your business involves photography or videography, it’s possible that your employee may be at a heightened level of risk. For example, you may require them to travel to a hazardous location to get a certain shot. Or there’s always the possibility that they may trip over a rogue cable or camera case that you didn’t realise was in the way. Their eyes are likely on the subject of the shoot rather than the walkway!
Start arranging your cover today
As a photographer or a videographer, it’s an exciting point in your business growth when it’s time to take on a new employee. Remember though that accidents can happen, and as a result, you need to make sure you’re properly covered.
For more information on employers’ liability insurance, or to talk to one of our friendly team to arrange your cover, contact us today.
Frequently asked questions
What are the exceptions for employers’ liability cover?
There are some exceptions:
- If you use contractors, though you still have an obligation when using a labour-only subcontractor
- If you’re a limited company with only one other director who owns at least 51% of the company but doesn’t actually work for the company (ie: you are the only worker)
- You may also be exempt if you’re an individual using a trading name and your only other employee is a spouse, child, or parent.
Broadly speaking, however, it’s always best to ensure you have a suitable level of cover in these circumstances as compensation can still be sought.
Is there anything else I need to do when I get insurance?
Make sure you have at least one copy of your Employers’ Liability Certificate clearly on display in every place of business where you have employed persons under the cover of the policy. You can keep these digitally, provided they’re accessible to all employees.
Is employers’ liability insurance expensive?
Every business will have a different definition of the term “affordable”. When you consider how much a claim made by an employee could be, employers’ liability insurance quickly seems like a much more appealing investment. Your monthly payments will be much lower than any compensation order placed against you and will save your business finances from undue strain. Remember that in most circumstances employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement anyway.
Is employer’s liability insurance difficult to arrange?
No, not when you tap into the skills and experience of a dedicated team of photography and videography insurance specialists such as Aaduki Multimedia Insurance. We have the experience to understand how your business works and what you’re looking for in a policy, and can help you tailor something to your business and budgetary requirements. We work quickly and take as much of the stress out of the process as possible.