• Public liability – if a client or visitor is injured, or their property is damaged, due to your work.
• Professional indemnity – claims that your advice, care or support caused harm or loss.
• Medical malpractice – cover for certain clinical tasks (where agreed), such as medication support or basic dressings.
• Personal accident options – benefits if you are injured and cannot work (where selected).
• Legal expenses – help with certain disputes, including some contract and employment-related issues.
• Optional cover for loss or damage to clients’ keys (where required by contract).

• Clients falling or being injured while you are supporting them.
• Accidental damage to belongings – such as breaking a TV or piece of furniture.
• Medication errors – missed doses, wrong doses or recording mistakes.
• Allegations of poor care, neglect or not following instructions.
• Disputes over what has been agreed or included in your role.
• Accidental loss of keys or security devices for a client’s home.
• Injury to you while moving, lifting or supporting clients.
• Complaints being escalated to social workers, local authorities or regulators.

• Policies designed specifically for self-employed carers and PAs.
• Experience working with direct payment teams, brokers and councils.
• Clear, simple cover wording with no unnecessary jargon.
• Flexible options if you also work via agencies or for more than one family.
• Support to understand what families, councils and brokers expect from your insurance.

• 1. Quick Conversation – tell us what kind of care and support you provide.
• 2. Information – we’ll ask about your experience, client numbers and typical tasks.
• 3. Risk Check – we check whether you do any higher-risk clinical activities.
• 4. Quote – we approach suitable insurers and come back with clear options and prices.

• Working directly for people whose care is funded by councils or NHS.
• Meeting insurance requirements in support plans and contractual documents.
• Evidence for social workers, brokers and direct payment teams.
• Cover that moves with you if the funding arrangements change.
• Support if you also work with privately funded clients.

• Live-in arrangements where you stay in the client’s home for days or weeks.
• Higher responsibility for day-to-day decision-making and safety.
• Cover structured around live-in duties and long shifts.
• Evidence suitable for national introduction agencies and matching services.
• Support where more than one live-in or respite carer is involved.

Families and local authorities increasingly expect self-employed carers to take responsibility for their own insurance and professional standards.

• You can be personally sued if something goes wrong.
• Your own finances and assets may be at risk without insurance.
• Claims can arise months or years after an incident.
• Clear documentation and cover help show you are acting professionally.

More complex health needs are being managed in people’s homes, which can increase the risk of incidents for carers working alone.

• Supporting people with dementia, mobility problems or learning disabilities.
• Managing medication for multiple health conditions.
• Recognising when to escalate concerns to health professionals.
• Balancing independence, choice and safety in day-to-day activities.

• Compensation payments for injury or damage.
• Legal fees for solicitors, barristers and expert reports.
• Travel and time costs to attend meetings or hearings.
• Loss of income if you cannot work while issues are resolved.
• Potential need to repay charges or fees in disputed situations.
• Costs of additional training or supervision after incidents.

• What type of care do you provide – personal care, companionship, domestic, clinical?
• Who do you support – older people, people with learning disabilities, mental health needs?
• How many clients do you have, and how often do you visit each one?
• Do you provide live-in or overnight care as part of your work?
• Do you work alone or alongside family and other carers?
• How far do you travel and how do you get between clients?
• Are there any particularly complex or higher-risk tasks in your role?
• Have you ever had complaints or incidents in the past?

Situation: A self-employed carer was helping a client move from an armchair to a walking frame when the client tripped and fell.

Impact: The client fractured a wrist and the family alleged the carer had moved too quickly.

Resolution: Public liability insurance responded, funding legal support and a settlement. The carer received advice on documenting risk assessments and safe techniques.

Situation: A carer prompted and recorded medication, but a family member later alleged doses were missed.

Impact: A formal complaint was made and the GP raised concerns about adherence.

Resolution: Professional indemnity insurance provided access to legal advice and supported the carer in responding to the complaint. Improved records and clearer agreements were put in place for future clients.

• Agree a clear care plan with the client and family where possible.
• Stay within your training and competence – know when to say “no”.
• Use safe moving and handling techniques and equipment.
• Keep accurate notes of visits and any incidents.
• Follow medication support guidance and record carefully.
• Work closely with other professionals involved in the client’s care.
• Report any safeguarding concerns promptly.
• Update training regularly, especially in key risk areas.

Ideal for: Carers starting out or working with lower-risk clients.

• Core public liability and professional indemnity cover.
• Standard limits that meet many council and broker requirements.
• Simple, affordable premium structure.
• Suitable for personal care, domestic support and companionship.
• Option to add extra protections later as needed.

Ideal for: PAs and carers supporting highly complex or intensive packages.

• Bespoke underwriting considerations based on clinical tasks.
• Higher limits and specific wording where appropriate.
• Enhanced focus on governance, training and supervision.
• Support in presenting your role positively to insurers.
• Alignment with other multi-disciplinary professionals involved.

• The people you support, and their families.
• Your own finances, home and savings.
• Your professional reputation and future work.
• Your ability to keep doing the job you care about.
• Your peace of mind every time you walk through a client’s door.

• Meeting insurance conditions in direct payment agreements.
• Providing evidence of cover to brokers and support services.
• Supporting safe and transparent arrangements with families.
• Helping you demonstrate professional standards and governance.
• Aligning your cover with wider care sector expectations.