Why Standard Landlord Insurance Is Often Not Enough
Many providers mistakenly assume that a standard landlord policy will provide adequate protection. However, once accommodation is occupied by vulnerable individuals and support staff are involved, additional exposures arise.
These may include:
- Injury to residents or visitors
- Allegations of negligence
- Safeguarding issues
- Employee liability claims
- Damage to buildings and contents
- Loss of rental income following an insured event
Having the right insurance in place helps protect both the organisation and the people it supports.
What Cover Should Be Considered?
Property Owners Insurance
Protects the building against insured events such as fire, flood and escape of water.
Public Liability Insurance
Provides protection against claims made by third parties for injury or property damage.
Employers' Liability Insurance
A legal requirement where staff are employed.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Important where support workers provide advice, guidance or practical assistance.
Abuse and Molestation Cover
An essential consideration when accommodating vulnerable adults, families or young people.
Legal Expenses Insurance
Provides access to legal assistance and helps with the cost of defending claims.
Business Interruption Insurance
Helps protect income and covers additional expenses if the property becomes unusable following an insured event.
Management Liability Insurance
Protects directors, trustees and senior managers against claims relating to their management responsibilities.
How Should the Risk Be Presented?
Insurers need a clear understanding of the activities being undertaken. For example:
“Provider of local authority commissioned supported accommodation offering low-level practical support and housing management. No personal care, medication administration or CQC-regulated activities are undertaken. All care and safeguarding services are provided by the placing authority or external agencies.”
Presenting the risk correctly can make a significant difference to the availability of cover and premium costs.
Which Insurers Offer Cover?
A number of specialist insurers and underwriters are active in this sector, including:
- Markel
- DUAL
- Travelers
- Allianz
- Aviva
- Zurich
- Pen Underwriting
- Altea Insurance
- CFC Underwriting
Each insurer has different underwriting requirements, so using a specialist broker familiar with supported accommodation risks can help secure appropriate cover.
Speak to a Specialist Broker
At SRS Insurance, we understand the differences between regulated care services and non-regulated supported accommodation. Whether you provide emergency accommodation for families, housing for young people aged 16+, or temporary accommodation commissioned by local authorities, we can help arrange insurance tailored to your operation.
Contact SRS Insurance to discuss your requirements and obtain a quotation from insurers with experience in the supported housing sector.
