Due to the lockdown, many firms have closed workplaces, meaning that millions of people across the UK have been temporarily required to work from home.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has issued reassurance that, if you are an office-based worker and you are 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’.
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 should any damage, loss, or theft occur.
Such equipment is not usually covered by a standard household insurance policy, but it is worth checking your insurance policy document to check.
If you are receiving visitors to your home on business matters, you should check this with your insurer as having additional people coming to your house could be an insurance risk and affect your insurance premium.
There may also be restrictions in the cover provided, such as theft and loss of money being excluded, unless there is evidence of forcible and violent entry to the property.
Your home environment is under your own control so there is a significant duty upon you to look after your own safety. 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 Income Protection, and you have an accident or suffer an illness that prevents you from working, you may be able to make a claim.
ABI home insurers have implemented business continuity plans and are continuing to handle claims and support customers, as well as prioritising those in vulnerable circumstances.
If you are unsure whether you have the right insurance cover in place, contact us for advice on your own individual circumstances.
Why it’s important to have home insurance
