The ABI confirms that anyone following the Government’s latest Covid guidance to work from home where they can will not normally have to tell their home insurer, unless in specific circumstances. The position on this remains unchanged from the ABI’s commitment made in April this year.
Mark Shepherd, ABI’s Assistant Director, Head of General Insurance Policy, said:
“Insurers have and will continue to support their customers throughout the challenges of the pandemic, including paying up to £3bn in the UK for Covid-related insurance claims. These latest measures will shift the focus back on working from home for many, and our guidance should give clarity and peace of mind for those needing to work from home.”
Home insurance
If you are an office-based worker and will continue to work from home, it will remain the case that you don’t need to contact your insurer unless any of the following applies:
- You have visitors to your home on business matters, for example, if you have a face to face client meeting.
- Your business makes or sells goods from your home or you store any of these items at your home, particularly if the goods valuable or include hazardous or flammable material (such as gas cylinders or fireworks)
- You’re offering any other services from your home. For example, this would apply to jobs such as providing beauty treatments, hairdressing, child minding, dog grooming or being an exercise instructor.
- You’ve adapted your property (i.e. using an outbuilding as your home office or have undertaken any major renovation works) or acquired new business equipment that belongs to you. Cover for any business equipment (i.e. laptop) will usually be the employer’s responsibility but check with your employer if unsure.
Anyone who has established, or is planning to establish, a business from home during the pandemic, or has moved the running of their business to their home premises, should discuss the cover required with their insurer or broker.
It is important to make sure that your policy documentation is accurate, and your policy cover remains right for you. If you are not sure, you should contact your insurer or broker to check.
-ENDS-
Notes for Editors
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