Insurance Advice Please.

[Victoria.]

Hi,
I am looking for some advice on insurance please.

I recently set up as a sole trader because I have taken on some work as a self-employed support worker, this involves assisting people in their homes with cooking, housekeeping etc and also helping them to access the community in various ways.
I would also like to offer a couple of other services such as dog walking, pet sitting, errand running and general admin tasks.

I would like to know if there is an insurance that would cover all of the above, like a one size fits all?

The carers insurance cover that I've been looking at only covers me for dog walking if I am walking the dog of somebody that I support within my care work but not if I want to offer this service separately.

I'd be really grateful for some advice on this.

 

[fisicx]

@Frank the Insurance guy is the man you need to be talking to.

 

[Frank the Insurance guy]

Hi @Victoria.

I assume you are looking for Public Liability Insurance?

Insurance for the caring professions is very specific and will usually relate to the work or help you provide to the individuals you care for.

For other activities, you will need a separate insurance policy.

 

[BustersDogs]

My insurance for dog walking is through a specialist. There are very strict laws that cover dog behaviour, you really need a specialist in the market that gives enough cover, not only for legal advice but also for legal fees should an incident occur. An incident is much more likely without any kind of training in dog behaviour. You only have to look at yesterday's news to find out what can happen when people with no knowledge of dogs look after them.

 

[WaveJumper]

Just a thought I would also make sure the "extra" services you plan to offer don't somehow fall foul of the contract you may have as a support worker.

 

[Victoria.]

Hi @Victoria.

I assume you are looking for Public Liability Insurance?

Insurance for the caring professions is very specific and will usually relate to the work or help you provide to the individuals you care for.

For other activities, you will need a separate insurance policy.

Hi Frank,

Yes I have had insurance for my care work in the past from a specialist provider. I work closely with a charity and get guidance from them.
As I am branching out and offering a few more services I wanted to know if there was Public Liability Insurance that covered all of it.
Thanks for your help.

 

[Victoria.]

My insurance for dog walking is through a specialist. There are very strict laws that cover dog behaviour, you really need a specialist in the market that gives enough cover, not only for legal advice but also for legal fees should an incident occur. An incident is much more likely without any kind of training in dog behaviour. You only have to look at yesterday's news to find out what can happen when people with no knowledge of dogs look after them.

Hi,
I have worked with dogs before and have lots of experience walking dogs of all natures and sizes. I was an employed by someone then so was covered by their insurance.
I want to include a dog walking service which just offers short term solutions for people that require it occasionally.
It looks like there isn't a one size fits all for the work that I do so I'll do some more research.
Absolutely devastating what happened ?

Thanks for your input.

 

[BustersDogs]

Hi,
I have worked with dogs before and have lots of experience walking dogs of all natures and sizes. I was an employed by someone then so was covered by their insurance.
I want to include a dog walking service which just offers short term solutions for people that require it occasionally.
It looks like there isn't a one size fits all for the work that I do so I'll do some more research.
Absolutely devastating what happened ?

Thanks for your input.

You could join one of the apps for dog walkers, as they come with insurance, its part of what they deduct before they pay you.

 

[Victoria.]

You could join one of the apps for dog walkers, as they come with insurance, its part of what they deduct before they pay you.

That's good to know, thank you.