Friday, July 10, 2009

Employers Liability Insurance - Protect Business and Your Employees

By Ben Ashfalk

Employers liability insurance gives protection to the business owner (employer) and the worker (employee) alike. It is effective in three cases. First, in case your employee falls ill, second, he suffers an injury and third, in case of an employee's death. Acquiring employers liability insurance is a legal obligation for every business. There is no escaping it. However, if you are your only employee or you don't hire anyone outside your family, only then can you make an exception.

Employers liability insurance is a legal obligation in many countries of the world, such as the USA, Britain and many others.

So how can this insurance benefit you, the business owner? In case your employee(s) decides to file a lawsuit against you for an accident they suffered, the medical and legal and other costs will be covered by your insurance provider.

What the claims bring about will depend upon whose negligence caused the accident in the first place. If the employee was at fault, the extent of his fault will determine as to whether your costs are cut down or they completely vanish.

The punishment for not purchasing employers liability insurance is very severe. Your business will be fined heavily each day you do not have liability insurance for your employees. Furthermore, your business may be shut down entirely by health and safety regulators, in addition to heavy fines, if you fail to purchase employer liability insurance.

In addition, your liability insurance certificate has to be displayed and accessible in your place of business. Your employees have to able to see it and access it. Some other highly visible places to display a copy of your certificate is the information board of your building, or have an electronic scan of the certificate on your website.

Employers liability insurance will only cover your employees. For people outside of the organization, you will need a Public liability insurance policy. This is meant to cover the case of a visitor suffering an accident inside your organization's premises.

Employers liability insurance doesn't cover claims such as wrongful termination of an employee or sexual harassment or sex discrimination etc.

It is important that your EL insurance is issued and serviced by an authorized insurer. If it is not or you are unsure, you may be at legal risk. The premium costs also vary so it is in your best interest to find a reputable insurer that provides great service and coverage at a reasonable cost.

Employers liability insurance is a protection for both the employee and the employer. The employee gets coverage in the event of an accident, and the employer is able to save money. This insurance plan is surely a relief.

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