Essential insurances

What are they?

As an independent NDIS support worker, it’s essential to have the right insurances in place to help protect you and your participants. There are three main types to consider.

Public liability insurance

Public liability insurance can respond to claims if you’re held responsible for injury or damage to property during your work. For instance, a participant might trip over equipment, or you might accidentally damage something while helping them.

Professional indemnity insurance

Professional indemnity insurance can respond if a participant claims your services, advice or care caused harm. It may help with legal costs or compensation claims relating to the professional services covered by your policy.

Vehicle insurance

If you use your car for work-related activities, including transporting participants, confirm that the insurer covers that use. A personal vehicle policy does not automatically cover every business activity.

Coverage depends on the policy: Check inclusions, exclusions, limits, excesses and the work you actually perform. An example of a claim does not guarantee a claim will be paid.

Why it matters

Without the right cover, an accident or claim could leave you responsible for significant costs. Public liability and professional indemnity address different types of risks. Even an unfounded claim can involve legal costs.

If you’re using your car for work, you need to understand whether the policy covers work-related travel and participant transport. Having appropriate insurance helps you focus on your work with a clearer understanding of the risks and protections in place.

What to expect

These indicative annual costs can help you begin planning:

These are examples from the supplied material, not current quotes or recommended levels of cover. Premiums vary with your services, insurer, claims history and policy terms. Obtain quotes for your circumstances.

How to get insured

1. Public liability

Compare insurers or specialist brokers offering cover for support workers and small businesses. Read the terms carefully and describe any physical support activities you undertake.

2. Professional indemnity

This can sometimes be bundled with public liability or purchased separately. Ensure the insurer understands all the services you provide. Only offer services within your qualifications, competence and scope.

3. Car insurance

Ask whether your proposed use needs a business-use endorsement or a different policy. Specifically explain participant transport and travel between appointments. Ask the insurer to confirm the relevant cover.

What you’ll need for applications

• Personal and business information: Your ABN, contact details and business information.
• Services: The scope of your work and the number of participants you support, if requested.
• Vehicle information: Make, model, registration and use of the vehicle.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming home insurance covers your business: Check the policy rather than relying on an assumption.
• Overlooking professional indemnity: Personal care and support can give rise to claims even when you do not provide medical advice.
• Not disclosing work-related driving: Tell your insurer about participant transport and business travel.
• Comparing only the price: Consider the cover and exclusions as well as the premium.

FAQs

Is professional indemnity relevant if I do not give medical advice?

It is worth discussing with an insurer or broker because you provide a professional support service. The cover you need depends on the services and risks involved.

Can I get cover through one provider?

Some insurers offer combined public liability and professional indemnity policies. Compare the terms and suitability of a package with separate policies.

Action steps

• Open the insurance checklist.
• Get quotes and compare policy terms.
• Confirm the services and vehicle use covered.
• Arrange appropriate cover before starting relevant work.
• Save policy documents and record renewal dates.