It is a legal requirement for most organisations who employ staff to have Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance (ELCI).
Here you can find information on what ELCI covers, how to get it and what you should do with it. We have also provided a link to details of who is exempt from needing this insurance.
What ELCI covers
ELCI covers you against claims from employees who have been injured or become ill as a result of work. It does not, however, provide total protection from liability.
If it is proven that you have been negligent then the insurer might try and claim back any compensation that was paid out. Your renewal premiums could increase too.
This is why it's important to also have a robust health and safety policy in place that is adhered to and continually updated.
Getting ELCI
You should get ELCI cover for at least £5 million. You may need to have higher cover, depending on the level of risk created by your organisation.
Your insurance should be:
- taken out with an authorised insurer
- renewed annually
Displaying your certificate
Your ELCI certificate must be displayed in your workplace so that all employees have access to it.
You could be fined if you don't do this.
Keeping old certificates
Although you legally don't need to keep expired certificates, we recommend that you do.
Some diseases can take time to develop. Keeping your certificates allows you to show you were covered during a previous time period, should you be pursued for compensation.
Find out more
You can find out more about ELCI on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website, including details of who is exempt from needing this insurance.