Q -Is it safe to put my personal details online?
A - Yes - whenever we ask you for personal information, we do so within a secure environment and all details sent between your PC and our web site are encrypted. Why not find out more information about our security.
Q - Who are Commercial Risks?
A - Commercial Risks (UK) Ltd is a general insurance intermediary, specialising in providing insurance and advice to the Educational Sector, under the Educational Risks Insurance brand. Commercial Risks (UK) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Find out more about Commercial Risks.
Q - Why should I buy this type of policy?
A - It is commonly a contractual requirement between Ofsted, Schools or LEA’s and The Consultant, Assessor or Inspector to ensure that Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance cover is obtained and maintained for the duration of the contract and for a suitable period thereafter (known as run off cover). You can contact us to find out more about run off cover.
Q - I undertake some work direct with schools or LEAs - is this covered?
A - Yes. You can buy cover online for direct fee income up to £80,000 annually. If you earn more than this through direct work, please contact us and we will provide a quotation.
Q - I have a limited company - can I still take out the insurance?
A - Yes, you can take out cover as an individual contractor, a sole proprietor, a limited liability partnership or a limited company.
Q - What levels of cover should I select?
A - We cannot recommend the levels of cover, however you should always take into account any limit specified in a contract you are entering into.
Q - Can I increase my cover?
A - Yes. In order to arrange this, please contact us and we will provide a new policy for the increased level of cover.
Q - What am I not covered for?
A - We have highlighted what we believe are the most important exclusions in the Policy Summaries. It is not possible for us to list everything you will not be covered for and we strongly advise you to read the Demands and Needs statement and the full policy wording. If you have any doubts about what is not covered, please contact us.
Q - What does "Claims Made basis" mean?
A - See our Definitions Section.
Q - Will the Professional Indemnity section cover work carried out prior to the start of the policy?
A - See our definition of Retroactive Cover.
Q - Why buy online?
A - Immediate cover and policy documents available 24/7
Q - Can I get instant cover and policy documents - I’m starting a contract today?
A - No problem! As soon as your credit card details have been validated, we will confirm your cover on screen, and to the email address you have provided.
Q - When does my cover begin?
A - Unless you choose otherwise your policy will being instantly. Alternatively you can select a start date up to 30 days in the future.
Q - When will I get confirmation of cover?
A - Your full policy document will be emailed to you as soon as you have completed the online transaction.
Q - When does my cover stop?
A - Professional Indemnity cover ceases immediately the policy finishes and therefore if a claim is made after that time it will not be met, even if it results from work undertaken during the policy period, unless you have renewed your policy. Public Liability claims could be made against you at any time in the future and these will be dealt with by insurers provided that the incident causing the claim occurred during the policy period.
Q - How do I renew my policy?
A - We will remind you approximately 4 weeks before your policy expires, and offer you the opportunity to buy another policy. You will need your policy number, last name, date of birth and credit card number to buy again.
Q - Can I get duplicate documents?
A - Yes, just contact us at any time and we will email duplicate documents to you. We will not charge for emailing duplicates.
Q - Can I cancel the policy mid term?
A - Cover is arranged on a minimum and deposit basis. This means you may cancel the policy up to 14 days after you have bought cover and enjoy a full refund of premium. If you cancel cover after this period, there is no refund of premium.
Please note that should you carry out an inspection, assessment or consultation in between buying and cancelling this policy then no refund will be granted, whether the cancellation request is within 14 days or not.
Q - Do you make any charges?
A - Most requests you make to us will not incur an administration charge however we reserve the right to make an administration charge in circumstances where the work involved is considered by us to be disproportionate to the activity normally associated with this type of policy.
Q - How can I pay?
A - You may pay online using a valid credit card or debit card. Alternatively you can contact us to purchase by telephone. You will still need a valid credit or debit card to buy over the phone.
Q - What is Insurance Premium Tax (IPT)?
A - Insurance Premium Tax is imposed by the Government and is currently payable at 5% on the premium. Insurance Premium Tax is not recoverable. All premiums quoted on this site are inclusive of IPT.
Q - How can I make a complaint?
A - We operate a comprehensive complaints procedure.
Q - What should I do if a claim is made against me?
A - Please refer to claims for details of what you should do and should not do in the event of a possible claim being made against you.