Are you insured to work from home?

Do you need to let your insurer know if you, like millions of other UK workers, are currently working from home?

No, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has responded. It recently issued guidance stating that, if you are an office-based worker remote working due to government advice, or self-isolating after coming into contact with the disease, this will not affect your home insurance cover. It reiterated: ‘You do not need to contact your insurer to update your documents or extend your cover’.

WHAT ABOUT MY WORK LAPTOP?

If your employer has provided you with equipment to facilitate remote working, such as a mobile phone or laptop, then you will need to get in touch with them to check whether their insurance policy covers these items outside of your usual place of work. A standard contents insurance policy won’t usually cover these kinds of items, so it’s worth checking your policy wording.

AM I COVERED FOR ACCIDENTS WHILE REMOTE WORKING?

You are responsible for your safety in your own home, so your employer wouldn’t be held responsible unless your accident was directly related to their negligence. In other words, they would be liable if they had failed to take reasonable care for your safety and this is what resulted in your accident. If you suffer an accident or illness while working at home, you may be able to make a claim if you’ve taken out an additional protection policy, such as Accident and Sickness or Income Protection.

IS YOUR COVER ADEQUATE?

If you’re unsure about the insurance cover you need, get in touch for guidance on your personal circumstances.