We are delighted to announce that we are now working as a partner service with Towergate Insurance, a Hertfordshire based national insurance specialist. Across the various partner services, we haven’t previously worked with an insurance provider, but seeing as they are the most popular among our members, have proven to be value for money and can provide bespoke care cover, we have started to work with them closely. Why not give us a call and discuss how we work them and how this could help your organisation?
Here is a summary of some of the requirements Towergate told us that they have come across in the 36 years they have been providing insurance and risk management solutions to the UK social care sector:
EMPLOYERS LIABILITY
This is the most common requirement and provides cover for employees who are injured whilst at work. The usual limit required is £10m which is a standard limit provided by insurance policies.
PUBLIC LIABILITY
This covers injury to third parties (service users and members of the public) and damage to third party property for which the provider is legally liable. The required limits range from £2m to £10m. Most policies provide a limit of £5m as standard. Increased limits can be obtained through a variety of methods. Towergate insurance have recognised the need for providers to have in the region of £5m to £10m indemnity so they supply a policy with a £10m limit as standard.
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
This provides cover for injuries caused by medical errors including the maladministration of drugs and medicines. Some providers will ask for this cover only if nursing care is provided. The Towergate policy includes this for all clients.
PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY
Professional Indemnity (commonly known as “PI”) provides cover for purely financial losses as a result of services rendered. The type of organisations who usually have this cover are accountants, insurance brokers, architects etc. who provide professional advice services. Many get confused between this and Medical Malpractice cover. It should be noted however that there are circumstances that this could be suitable for a care provider. If, for example, training is provided to external candidates, especially if a fee is charged. In addition, if a benefits application is completed incorrectly on someone’s behalf then there is potential for a purely financial loss to be incurred.
These are just some of the key points that care providers need to adhere to with insurances. If you have any queries regarding these or another part of your policy, please contact HCPA and we will put you in touch with our contacts at Towergate for advice, they can work with you to make sure that you have the right insurance for your care organisation. Towergate can also offer a care-specific legal tool called elXtr which gives you access to an online portal and various legal documents, including a staff handbook, as well as 24 hour legal helpline.
For more information, visit https://www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/care-and-medical-insurance.
We hope this partnership will be of benefit to you. To discuss your own insurance needs you can give us a call on 01438 739280 or email newcare@towergate.co.uk