Working from home – are you covered?
With millions more people across the UK now working from home, should you inform your insurer?
The Association of British Insurers (ABI)1 has issued reassurance that, if you are an office-based worker now working from home because of government advice or because you are self-isolating, your home insurance cover will not be affected. The ABI has stated: ‘You do not need to contact your insurer to update your documents or extend your cover’.
Will my work laptop be covered?
If you’re using company property such as a laptop or mobile, you should check with your employer whether they have the correct insurance policy in place to cover these items outside of the usual place of work. Such equipment is not usually covered by a standard household insurance policy, but it is worth checking your policy document.
What if I have an accident whilst working from home?
Your home environment is under your own control so there is a duty upon you to look after your own safety. Therefore, if you were to suffer an accident whilst working at home, your employer would generally only be responsible if it was due to their negligence, meaning that they had failed to take reasonable care for your safety and the accident was due to that negligence.
If you have a protection policy such as Accident and Sickness or Income Protection, and you have an accident or suffer an illness that prevents you from working, you may be able to make a claim.
Do you have the right cover in place?
If you are unsure whether you have the right insurance cover in place, contact us for advice on your own individual circumstances.
1ABI, 2020