Understanding workaway liability and your shop’s insurance coverage

Many shop insurance policies exclude workaway liability, leaving businesses exposed when employees work off-site. Reviewing your policy with BIRA Insurance ensures you’re fully protected against these hidden risks.

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As a retail shop owner, securing the right insurance coverage for your business is essential. However, many business owners overlook one critical aspect of their insurance policy: workaway liability. This often leads to gaps in coverage that can leave your business exposed to unnecessary risks.

In this article, we’ll explain why workaway liability is generally excluded from a standard shop package insurance policy, and why it’s crucial to ensure that this vital coverage is included in your shop’s insurance.

What is Workaway Liability?

Workaway liability refers to the legal responsibility a business owner has for employees or contractors working off-site or outside the premises of your shop. This could include employees or contractors conducting deliveries, installations, or services at customer homes, other business premises, or remote locations. Essentially, workaway liability ensures that if an accident or incident occurs while employees are off-site, your business is still covered for damages, legal fees, and medical costs.

Why is Workaway Liability Typically Excluded?

Many standard shop package insurance policies are designed to cover risks directly associated with operating within the confines of your retail premises—such as damage to your building, theft, fire, and liability for accidents that happen on your property. However, they often do not extend to employees working away from the shop.

This exclusion is usually in place because the risks associated with off-site work are considered separate from the typical risks faced by retail establishments. Each business has different needs depending on the nature of their operations, and insurers tend to tailor policies to cover risks specific to the shop itself.

For businesses with employees who work off-site regularly—whether it’s through deliveries, client visits, or installation services—this exclusion can present a significant gap in coverage.

The Risks of Having Inadequate Insurance Coverage

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Without the right workaway liability coverage, your business could face significant financial consequences in the event of an incident that occurs when your employees are off-site. These could include:

• Legal Costs: If an employee is injured while working away from your shop, you could be held legally responsible. Without the right coverage, the cost of defending yourself in court and any settlement fees could be extremely high.
• Medical Expenses: In the event of an accident, you could be liable for medical expenses. Without workaway liability, these could come out of your business’s pocket.
• Reputation Damage: An unresolved incident can damage your business’s reputation and affect your customer trust. Ensuring your employees are properly insured shows that you care about their safety and well-being.
• Potential Lawsuits: If an accident at a client’s location results in harm to third parties, you could be held liable for their injuries or property damage, further highlighting the need for comprehensive coverage.

Why You Should Contact Bira Insurance for a Competitive Quotation

To ensure your business is fully protected, it's crucial to review your shop insurance policy regularly. If you’re currently operating with a standard shop package policy, it’s likely that workaway liability is excluded. By partnering with Bira Insurance, we can offer you a tailored insurance policy that provides comprehensive coverage, including workaway liability, so you don’t face unnecessary risks.

We specialise in crafting competitive quotations and helping businesses like yours secure the right insurance coverage for their unique needs. Here’s what you can expect when you contact us:

• Personalised Service: We take the time to understand your business’s specific needs, from the nature of your retail operations to the work your employees do off-site.
• Competitive Pricing: Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive and affordable insurance package that offers peace of mind without breaking the bank.
• Expert Guidance: We’ll walk you through your options and explain the importance of workaway liability, ensuring you make an informed decision about your coverage.

Don’t wait for a potential accident to expose gaps in your insurance. If you’re unsure whether your current policy covers workaway liability, it’s time to review it. By contacting us for a competitive quotation, you’ll ensure that your business is fully protected—both on-site and off-site.

Reach out today to discuss how we can help you safeguard your business, employees, and reputation with the right insurance coverage.