This guidance applies to both individual and limited company subcontractors.
All self-employed subcontractors need basic Public Liability Insurance (PL) relevant to the work on any assignment. We provide access to cover that is incredible value and in addition is only a cost for the time you are working on an assignment.
Cover can depend on whether you are an individual sole trader (“CIS” as it is known in construction), a limited company contractor or if you are “dual status”, contractually self-employed but subject to supervision, direction or control (SD or C).
If you are working as an individual sole trader (if you work in construction under the “CIS” scheme) you are not, and are not subject to, the right of supervision, direction or control in the manner that you provide your services (how you do your work). As you may well be aware this allows you to receive your payments as a self-employed subcontractor.
The cover also applies where you work via a limited company that you own or have a material interest in. What we call a limited company contractor (LCC). It is worth noting that the insurance covers your actions and activities as an LCC however it would not automatically provide cover if you engage others to work for you where they are not individually contributing.
Where you are “dual status”, so contractually self-employed but subject to PAYE on your income then cover applies but the cost implications are significantly less. This is because as you are subject to SD or C then the circumstances where you might be deemed responsible are lessened.
In all circumstances the cover provides protection in the event of any claim in respect of your legal liability to third parties for accidental bodily injury or damage to third party property arising from your business activities.
If there is a claim you will receive an information form to complete and this will be forwarded to the broker; ACM Broking, who deal with all claims. ACM Broking will require all information and any witness statements as soon as possible.
We may become aware of a potential claim via the agency, the client or another relevant party. In all cases ACM Broking will need as much information as is possible and so again we will require the completion of an information form. If we receive a claim from any other party we will always provide you with any information we receive.
Where there is any dispute surrounding a claim then this will be a matter for our insurers. However as we are your contractor we will always do our utmost to provide assistance to all parties to bring about a swift and fair conclusion to any claim and particularly where this might lead to any delay to the settlement of any outstanding invoices due to you, for example in respect of the retention of any policy excess, this will always be kept to a minimum.
Public Liability covers legal liability to third parties for accidental death, bodily injury or accidental damage to third party property arising out of the business. It includes authorised costs and expenses incurred in administering the claim.
The broker is ACM Broking (see below for their website) the insurers are QBE Insurance (Europe) Ltd.
Should you or any contract you are going to work on require cover or levels of cover that differ from the above please contact us so we can agree any necessary amendment.
The Policy Number is; Y102322QBE0119/A/00572 and the current period of Insurance is from 30th September 2022 to 29th September 2023.
Standard indemnity is limited to £2million for any one incident. The territorial limits of the insurance are Great Britain, Northern Ireland, The Isle of Man and The Channel Islands. Including temporary visits anywhere in the world.
The policy excludes manual work in USA or Canada.
The standard policy excess is £500 for each and every claim for third party property damage. £2,500 excess for third party property damage in respect of welding activities.
Principal Extensions include Legal Defence costs arising out of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act and a Principals Clause.
Principal Exclusions include work on an offshore installation (unless specifically stated). Railway Safety Critical work and Professional Indemnity claims.
Should you require cover beyond anything set above please contact us as we are normally able to assist.
For more information on our insurance brokers please visit the ACM Broking website at: www.acmbroking.com
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