Making sure you have the right insurance for your domiciliary care agency can feel like a bit of a minefield. It can be confusing to know what kinds of company insurance you must have versus those that might be necessary or useful based on the kind of service you’re running.
In this blog, James Burgan of Attis Care outlines the required insurance for domiciliary care providers, optional but recommended coverage, considerations and costs when buying insurance, as well as how to find the correct domiciliary care insurance for you.
What insurance do domiciliary care providers need?
There are four types of insurance that are required for domiciliary care businesses:
Employers’ Liability insurance
Employers’ Liability insurance is required by law and covers the business against any legal action from employees in respect of an accident or injury suffered while at work. Should an employee launch a claim for compensation, for example, for a back injury incurred while moving a service user, this insurance policy can provide cover for defence costs as well as any potential compensation
Public Liability insurance
Public Liability insurance covers you for action taken against the company by a third party. This could be a service user injuring themselves or having an accident while in your care, for example. Public Liability insurance can cover your defence costs and any potential compensation if a claim is successfully instructed against the company. Typically, Public Liability will also extend to cover allegations of potential abuse made by a service user or their family.
Medical Malpractice
Medical Malpractice occurs when a medical or healthcare professional, through a negligent act or omission, deviates from standards in their profession, thereby causing injury to a service user. This could be, for example, a failure to administer or prompt the use of medication.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
This pays your legal costs, as well as any compensation payments that may be due, if your client takes legal action against you for a mistake you have made when providing professional services or advice that causes them a financial loss.
Other types of domiciliary care company insurance
Directors & Officers Insurance
Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance protects company leaders and employees from personal liability claims alleging negligence, errors, or omissions in business decisions. Such claims require costly investigations and legal defence, even without court proceedings. Without coverage, personal finances are at risk, making D&O insurance essential for safeguarding individuals involved in a company’s daily operations and leadership.
Cyber insurance
Traditional insurance often excludes cyber threats, making cyber insurance essential. It covers data breaches, ransomware, cybercrime, and offers extensions for business interruption and system restoration. With domiciliary care providers handling sensitive data, cyber insurance is vital and highly recommended for protection.
Considerations and costs when buying domiciliary care business insurance
When purchasing domiciliary care insurance, several key factors influence coverage (what is included and what isn’t), as well as cost.
Insurers may require proof of registration - i.e. with the Care Quality Commission, Care Inspectorate Scotland or Wales, or RQIA in Northern Ireland.
The number of employees directly impacts employers’ liability premiums (i.e. how much it will cost).
The scope of services - such as personal care, medical support, or palliative care - will determine risk levels and associated costs.
Additionally, operating a 24-hour service can increase premiums due to heightened exposure.
Understanding these considerations helps ensure you obtain suitable and comprehensive coverage while managing costs effectively. It’s always a good idea to consult an insurance broker to align policy terms with your specific needs as a company.
Reviewing and renewing your domiciliary care insurance
As a domiciliary care business evolves - whether through staff changes, new services, or increased client numbers - risks may change too. At renewal, check for gaps in cover, update the insurer on any changes, and confirm that policy limits, endorsements, and exclusions still align with the care you’re providing. Your insurance broker can help make sure that the insurance is still suitable for your domiciliary care business.
Finding the right domiciliary care insurance for you
Some insurers offer tailored insurance packages specifically designed for domiciliary care providers, combining multiple types of cover into one policy. Towergate (with Markel) and Gallaghers (with Aviva) are among the main providers in this space. These bundled solutions are particularly well suited for new start-ups, offering comprehensive protection and simplifying the insurance process during the early stages of business.
For more specialist domiciliary care providers, or a domiciliary care provider that expands beyond their original scope, working with a specialist insurance broker becomes increasingly valuable. A broker can offer tailored coverage that adapts to your evolving needs, ensuring you remain protected as your services grow.
Attis Care by Attis Insurance Brokers is a leading specialist in domiciliary care insurance, providing bespoke cover designed to meet the specific needs of care providers. With in-depth industry knowledge, a personalised approach, and dedicated in-house claims support, Attis Care ensures your organisation is protected against key risks. Their flexible solutions offer peace of mind, allowing you to focus on delivering quality care.
James Burgan is a UK-based care sector professional with nearly 18 years of experience, beginning as a care home receptionist in 2005 and advancing to a senior leadership role. In 2023, he joined Attis Insurance Brokers to launch and lead Attis Care, a specialist division offering tailored insurance, proactive risk management, staff-focused compliance support, and sustainability guidance for care providers.
