More than half (53.3%) of all Australian small businesses expect to grow in 2024, according to research released by accounting body CPA Australia. This is great news for the many dynamic entrepreneurs running these exciting ventures.

As your business grows and evolves, so could your insurance needs. Expanding your business, whether by increasing the scope of your operations, hiring more employees or opening a new location, may require careful consideration of your insurance coverage.

Ensuring you have the right insurance policies in place is crucial to help protect your growing investment and mitigating potential risks.

1. Review current policies

The first step in ensuring adequate coverage when your business is growing is to review your existing insurance policies.

The idea is to look into your current general liability, property and business interruption insurance policies to determine if they still meet your business’s needs. Expansion can often increase exposure to risks, so your existing coverage limits may no longer be sufficient.

2. Identify new risks

Growing your enterprise could introduce new risks your current policies may not cover. For example, opening a new location may expose you to different environmental hazards, customer demographics or regulatory requirements. Identifying these new risks would help you to work out the extra cover you need to protect your business.

3. Update your insurance

As your business expands, it’s often crucial to fortify it with the right insurance policies.

What’s important is to tailor your insurance strategy to your expanding business needs, so you can navigate your growth journey with confidence.

Tips for managing insurance during expansion

It’s easy to let your insurance requirements fall down your to-do list when you’re expanding. But this can increase your business risks at a time when you need to be working on the business rather than managing a claim.

As your business continues to grow, regularly reviewing and updating your insurance policies is essential. So make it a priority to do a yearly insurance audit to assess your coverage needs and make adjustments to your policies as necessary.

An experienced insurance broker can give you valuable guidance as you navigate the complexities of expanding your business, helping you to identify coverage gaps, recommend appropriate policies and negotiate competitive rates.

Talk to an AIB insurance broker today to ensure you have a comprehensive insurance strategy that aligns with your business goals.

Important notice

This article is of a general nature only and does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. It is also not financial advice, nor complete, so please discuss the full details with your Steadfast insurance broker as to whether these types of insurance are appropriate for you. Deductibles, exclusions and limits apply. You should consider any relevant Target Market Determination and Product Disclosure Statement in deciding whether to buy or renew these types of insurance. Various insurers issue these types of insurance and cover can differ between insurers.

Steadfast Group Ltd ACN 073 659 677

Important notice – Steadfast Group Limited ABN 98 073 659 677 and Steadfast Network Brokers

This article provides information rather than financial product or other advice. The content of this article, including any information contained in it, has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information, taking these matters into account, before you act on any information. In particular, you should review the product disclosure statement for any product that the information relates to it before acquiring the product.

Information is current as at the date the article is written as specified within it but is subject to change. Steadfast Group Ltd and Steadfast Network Brokers make no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information. Various third parties have contributed to the production of this content. All information is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of Steadfast Group Limited.

Childcare centres play a crucial role in the early development of children, providing a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow and learn. However, ensuring the safety of children extends beyond physical care; it also includes protecting them from potential sexual abuse.

From a childcare insurance perspective, safeguarding against sexual abuse is a critical concern that requires a proactive and comprehensive approach. By implementing robust safeguarding measures, childcare centres not only protect the children in their care but also minimise potential liabilities and strengthen their position with insurers.

This guide aims to provide childcare centres with comprehensive strategies to safeguard children, ensuring their well-being and the trust of their families.

Understanding the Importance of Safeguarding

Sexual abuse in childcare settings, although rare, is a grave concern that can have lasting impacts on children, and even family members. It is vital for childcare centres to implement robust safeguarding measures to prevent such incidents. These measures not only protect children but also uphold the integrity and reputation of the childcare centre.

From an insurance perspective, safeguarding against sexual abuse in childcare centres involves a collaborative effort between the insurer, insurance broker and the childcare providers. We offer guidance, resources, and risk assessment tools to help centres implement effective safeguarding practices. Our shared objective is to create a secure environment where children can thrive, and childcare centres can operate with confidence.

Key Components of Safeguarding Against Sexual Abuse

  1. Robust Recruitment Processes

    • Formal Interviews: Undertake formal interviews for all candidates, including volunteers and contractors, for positions involving work with children or vulnerable adults. Analyse past experience working with these groups.
    • Background Checks: Facilitate access to comprehensive background check services, including criminal record checks and working with children checks, to ensure all staff and volunteers are thoroughly vetted.
    • References: Verify references and previous employment by enquiring with at least two previous employers regarding the candidate’s suitability for the position. Contact at least two referees supplied by the candidate.
    • Employment Prohibition: Prohibit the employment or engagement of any person from working in your organisation if they have prior convictions relating to violent or sexually related offenses.
  2. Comprehensive Training

    • Regular Training Sessions: Provide regular training on safeguarding policies, recognising signs of abuse, and appropriate responses.
    • Specialised Workshops: Offer specialised workshops led by experts in child protection and legal responsibilities.
    • Continuous Professional Development: Encourage continuous learning and staying updated with the latest safeguarding practices and regulations.
  3. Clear Policies and Procedures

    • Safeguarding Policy: Develop and implement a clear safeguarding policy outlining the centre’s commitment to child protection, aligning with industry standards and legal requirements. Posting this policy on the centre’s website can help demonstrate to parents your commitment to child safety and transparency.
    • Code of Conduct: Establish a code of conduct for all staff and volunteers, detailing appropriate behaviour and boundaries. Define boundaries for interactions between staff and children to prevent inappropriate behaviour, such as tickling, cuddling, and sitting on laps, which can be considered grooming for sexual abuse.
    • Reporting Mechanisms: Create transparent and accessible reporting mechanisms for children, parents, and staff to report concerns. Actively encourage the reporting of sexual abuse and ensure that concerns are not dismissed when raised.
  4. Creating a Safe Environment

    • Design and Layout: Ensure the physical environment is designed to promote visibility and reduce opportunities for isolated interactions.
    • Supervision: Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios and ensure constant supervision of children.
    • Open Communication: Foster an environment where children feel safe to express their concerns and parents feel confident to discuss their child’s welfare. Commit to being an environment where either a victim or employee/volunteer feels able to report sexual abuse.
  5. Engaging Parents and the Community

    • Parental Involvement: Encourage parents to be involved in the centre’s activities and stay informed about safeguarding policies.
    • Community Awareness: Raise awareness within the community about the centre’s safeguarding measures and the importance of child protection.
    • Partnerships: Collaborate with local authorities, child protection agencies, and other childcare centres to share best practices and resources.
  6. Monitoring and Evaluation

    • Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of safeguarding practices to ensure they are effective and up to date.
    • Feedback Mechanisms: Implement feedback mechanisms for parents, staff, and children to provide input on safeguarding practices.
    • Incident Reviews: Review any safeguarding incidents thoroughly to learn and improve future practices.

Developing a Comprehensive Client Protection Policy (CPP)

An effective Client Protection Policy (CPP) is essential for any childcare centre to safeguard against sexual abuse. This policy should include critical risk controls and reference the 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. Key components of the CPP should include:

  1. Leadership & Governance

    • Commitment from Top Management: Ensure the centre’s leadership is committed to child protection and actively promotes a culture of safety.
    • Clear Governance Structures: Establish clear governance structures and accountability mechanisms for safeguarding.
  2. Effective Policies and Procedures

    • Comprehensive Safeguarding Policy: Develop a detailed safeguarding policy that aligns with legal requirements and best practices.
    • Operational Procedures: Implement procedures for daily operations that minimise risk and ensure child safety.
  3. Recruitment and Training

    • Vetting and Hiring: Implement rigorous vetting processes for all staff and volunteers, including background checks and reference verification.
    • Ongoing Training: Provide continuous training for all staff on safeguarding practices and recognising signs of abuse, with relevant formal training and refresher courses held at least once a year.
  4. Code of Conduct

    • Behavioural Standards: Establish a clear code of conduct that outlines acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
    • Boundary Guidelines: Define boundaries for interactions between staff and children to prevent inappropriate behaviour, such as tickling, cuddling, and sitting on laps, which can be considered grooming for sexual abuse.
  5. Incident Reporting and Response

    • Reporting Mechanisms: Create transparent and accessible reporting mechanisms for any concerns or incidents.
    • Response Procedures: Develop clear procedures for responding to allegations of abuse, including support for affected children and families.
    • Independent Investigation: Appoint an independent person to investigate any incident of suspected sexual abuse.
    • Documented Reporting Process: Establish a documented reporting process with escalating procedures. If an employee is under investigation (internally or by the police) for committing sexual abuse, it is crucial to consult with an HR lawyer or legal counsel to determine appropriate actions, which may include suspension or termination based on the investigation’s findings and legal advice.
    • Policy for Reporting Suspicion: Implement a policy for employees and volunteers to report reasonable suspicion of sexual abuse to the senior management of your organisation, and ensure that police authorities, your insurance broker and insurer are notified.
    • Confidentiality Assurance: Assure that the details of those reporting sexual abuse will be kept private and confidential.
  6. Ongoing Review and Best Practice

    • Annual Policy Review: Conduct an ongoing review of the CPP at least once a year to maintain current best practices in safeguarding procedures and observe any changes to legislation.
    • Documentation Retention: Ensure secure retention of all personnel employment, incident, and investigation reports, liability insurance policies, and other relevant incident-related correspondence. Adhere to the current privacy legislation regarding documents containing personal data.
  7. Reference to the 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations

    • Embedding the Principles: Ensure the CPP aligns with the 10 National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, which provide a framework for creating a child-safe culture.
    • Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update the CPP to incorporate the latest guidance and best practices from the National Principles.

Protecting Vulnerable Individuals

Implementing a robust Client Protection Policy with the above features is essential for:

Responding to Suspected Abuse: Guidance

In the unfortunate event of suspected abuse, it is crucial to act swiftly and appropriately. Your insurance broker and the insurer can provide guidance and support throughout the process:

Conclusion

From an insurance perspective, safeguarding against sexual abuse in childcare centres is an essential aspect of risk management. By working together with childcare providers, we can create a safe and nurturing environment that protects children, supports families, and upholds the reputation of childcare centres. Through comprehensive safeguarding measures, continuous education, and collaborative efforts, we can ensure the well-being of the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society.

Together, we can build a future where every child is protected and cherished, and every childcare centre operates with confidence and security.

For further assistance and to learn more about how we can support your childcare centre in safeguarding efforts, please contact our childcare insurance team.

 

References:

  1. AIB/Ansvar Sexual Abuse Insurance Supplementary Questionnaire
  2. Australian Government Department of Education, Skills, and Employment. (2022). National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
  3. Australian Institute of Family Studies. (2021). Child Safe Organisations: Information for organisations.
  4. Working with Children Checks. (2022). https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/)
  5. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). (2020). Guidelines for Child Care Providers.

When you’re going out alone for the first time, there’s lots to organise and even more to pay for. While it is not always at the top of an entrepreneur’s To-Do list, ensuring you have the right startup business insurance cover is critical.

It can help protect your new business and its assets if something goes wrong. Without it, you may struggle to recover and remain viable after an accident or incident.

So, what insurance do new enterprises like yours need to start a business? Steadfast Technical Broking Manager Annette O’Brien shares some advice.

Getting the business basics in place

Start-up businesses are often advised to take out public and product liability insurance.

The first covers you for third-party injuries or property damage caused by your negligence. The second can help protect your business if a person or their property is harmed or damaged by a product you’ve manufactured or supplied.

Property insurance is designed to safeguard your assets – think plant and equipment, furniture, ICT devices and the like – against property damage, weather events such as storms, machinery breakdown and theft.

If you intend to hire employees or contractors, you will need to take out workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance will help protect against loss from work-related injuries and illnesses.

And should your employees need to use their own or company vehicles for work related purposes, you’ll likely need a comprehensive motor insurance policy.

While some new business owners baulk at the cost of business insurance, O’Brien says having coverage in place is part and parcel of operating professionally.

“Many insurers offer a business package that incorporates some or all of these common policies – your broker can help you source one that’s competitively priced and compatible with your business needs,” she says.

Seeking specialist cover

Depending on the nature of your enterprise, it may also be wise to take out specialised cover. If you provide professional services or advice, you’ll likely need professional indemnity insurance to help protect against claims related to errors, omissions or negligence.

In today’s world, cyber insurance is fast becoming a must-have, particularly for businesses that handle and store customers’ personal data.

Cyber-attacks and data breaches are now a daily occurrence – the Australian Cyber Security Centre received 94,000 cyber-crime reports in FY2023 – and they can be disruptive and damaging, particularly for organisations that lack the resources to remediate them.

Given the average cost per crime report is now $46,000 for small businesses, most start-ups would fall into that category, O’Brien points out.

“Cyber cover can help you mitigate the costs associated with data breaches and privacy violations,” O’Brien says. “Without it, your new business may struggle to recover from a significant incident.”

Cover to safeguard your new enterprise into the future 

Insurance can help safeguard start-up businesses like yours against unexpected damage, disruption and disaster.

If you need help to determine the type and level of cover that’s right for your new enterprise, contact your AIB broker today.

Important notice

This article is of a general nature only and does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. It is also not financial advice, nor complete, so please discuss the full details with your Steadfast insurance broker as to whether these types of insurance are appropriate for you. Deductibles, exclusions and limits apply. You should consider any relevant Target Market Determination and Product Disclosure Statement in deciding whether to buy or renew these types of insurance. Various insurers issue these types of insurance and cover can differ between insurers.

Steadfast Group Ltd ACN 073 659 677

Important notice – Steadfast Group Limited ABN 98 073 659 677 and Steadfast Network Brokers

This article provides information rather than financial product or other advice. The content of this article, including any information contained in it, has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information, taking these matters into account, before you act on any information. In particular, you should review the product disclosure statement for any product that the information relates to it before acquiring the product.

Information is current as at the date the article is written as specified within it but is subject to change. Steadfast Group Ltd and Steadfast Network Brokers make no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information. Various third parties have contributed to the production of this content. All information is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of Steadfast Group Limited.

Many small business owners have embraced the online business model because of the obvious benefits of lower overheads – no expensive lease agreements, no store fit out costs or maintenance and utilities. This might lead you to believe that there are also fewer apparent business risks associated with having no physical store presence. However, just because you don’t have a ‘bricks and mortar’ business location, doesn’t mean you are not exposed to similar potential financial losses. Having adequate eCommerce insurance is an important way to protect your growing business. So when it comes to insurance for online business, what type of exposures should you consider?

What Is eCommerce Insurance?

E-commerce business insurance refers to a range of insurance products designed specifically for businesses that operate and sell online. These insurance policies are tailored to address the unique risks associated with conducting business over the internet.

Do Online Sellers Need Insurance?

The simple answer to this question is – yes! While you may not run the risk of customers getting injured on your property, you have many of the same risks as any other retailer or service provider plus a couple of more specific ones. If your online business sells goods or services you could definitely benefit from business insurance that could mitigate a number of key exposures.

What Types Of Risks Do Online Businesses Face?

Depending on the type of business that you run, you still have the potential for your products to fail, be stolen or damaged or for your services to be called into question. In addition, operating in a digital space means you are exposed to the specific risks associated with data breaches or cyber crime.

Potential financial losses and liabilities associated with digital or online-only businesses can include everything from your website or online store going down, to the physical loss of your products due to theft, fire, weather damage or transit issues. You may be held responsible if your products cause physical injury or harm to someone and your reputation may suffer damage if a client feels you have been negligent.

Having appropriate online business insurance in place can protect your ecommerce business against potential legal action from customers or third parties who may claim to have suffered injury or property damage as a result of using your goods and services. This can include covering legal costs should you need to defend yourself against such claims and may even cover compensation that you may be required to pay.

Insurance For Online Business

Broadly, insurance for online business falls into several main categories: liability cover, business continuity protection and transit insurance. Let’s take a look at the types of cover you might want to consider.

 1. Cyber Liability Insurance

Online retailers and eCommerce sites are most affected by cyber liabilities, as the point of sale overwhelmingly relies on websites and IT. If you were affected by a cybercrime you would likely suffer business interruption and it could impact your business profitability.

Cyber insurance protects against losses due to cyber incidents such as data breaches, hacking or accidental loss of customer information. Cybersecurity is one of the most significant challenges for an online business nowadays. Potential exposures include data breaches and the associated fines and penalties; cyber attacks where your data is encrypted and held to ransom; data loss and recovery costs and reputational harm.

 2. Business Interruption Insurance

Depending on how specialised your business is, you need to consider how much you might be affected if an integral part of your business e.g. machinery breakdown such as refrigeration units or storage facilities such as warehouses was unavailable or offline for any period of time.

Business Interruption Insurance provides compensation for lost income and other expenses if the business is unable to operate due to physical loss or damage from natural disasters such as fires or floods. It can cover financial losses such as lost profits, employee wages, fixed costs such as rents, temporary relocation and recovery costs.

 3. Workers Compensation / Employers Liability Insurance

The nature of work engaged in by online retailers and eCommerce operations may include exposure of employees to office, warehouse and shop hazards such as slips, trips or falls or risks associated with heavy lifting.

While Workers Compensation insurance regulations differ by state or territory and by the size and type of business that you run, Employers Liability Insurance can provide cover for compensation for medical and hospital expenses and rehabilitation services should an employee be injured in the course of carrying out their duties.

 4. Management Liability Insurance

If you run a manufacturing or labour intensive operation and depending on the size and scale of your business, you may have a greater risk exposure to employee unforeseen actions or wrongful acts in your business operations.

Management Liability Insurance can safeguard you against claims arising from mistakes, actions or decisions made by your company directors, managers, officers and employees. It can cover the cost of investigating, defending and settling claims by a third party, as well as paying compensation the business is liable for.

 5. Inland Marine Insurance

Don’t let the term ‘inland marine’ confuse you. This isn’t cover for transporting goods on a ship. If your eCommerce business transports products, materials or equipment over land via truck or train, you may be exposed to risks of your products being lost or damaged in transit or while being stored in a warehouse.

Inland Marine Insurance can protect you should you lose products, materials or equipment due to theft, rough handling that causes damage or bad packaging resulting in damage. It can also cover you for damage or financial losses incurred while your goods are being held by a third party such as a warehouse or logistics company.

E-commerce insurance is crucial for online businesses due to the particular vulnerabilities they face, such as cyber threats, logistical challenges, and the global nature of access, which can expose them to various regulatory environments and litigation risks.

If you operate an online business contact AIB’s business insurance experts for assistance in selecting and getting a tailored quote for a policy that covers your specific needs.

Australia is home to more than 100,000 manufacturing businesses. If yours is one of them, you’re probably familiar with the challenges that come with operating in this sector. There’s no shortage of things that can go wrong and without the right insurance cover in place, it’s easy to end up out of pocket or, in a worst-case scenario, out of business. If you’re exploring insurance for a manufacturing business, these are some of the more common exposures you need to safeguard against.

Product liability Insurance

If a customer suffers an injury to themselves or their property because of using or consuming your products, they may decide to seek compensation. Product liability insurance can help cover those settlements and the costs associated with product recalls.

Errors and omissions extensions

Public and product liability wording can be extended to cover amounts that the insured becomes legally liable to pay as compensation for financial loss, arising out of a negligent act, error, or omission in connection with the business.

“Say, for example, you’ve fabricated a lift for a shopping centre and that lift proves to be faulty, tenants within the centre may claim they’ve suffered financial losses as a result,” Steadfast Broker Technical Manager Michael White explains. 

The nature of your business is an important factor to consider when determining the level of cover you’re likely to need.

Property and machinery damage

Property insurance can help you rebuild and re-open, should your premises be knocked out of action by a natural disaster, while machinery insurance can assist you to replace any plant that’s damaged or destroyed.

Food processing businesses that keep a significant volume of ingredients or stock in cold storage may wish to add machinery breakdown cover to their policies.

If equipment or parts aren’t available or need to be imported, the rectification process can be extremely protracted.

“Specialist machinery can’t be purchased off the shelf,” White says. “It could take months or even years before it’s delivered and then it may need to be commissioned by a representative from the supplier. It’s important business owners understand just how long it can potentially take before their lines are up and running again.”

Business interruption insurance

Business interruption insurance can be critical for manufacturing businesses. Designed to help your enterprise keep operating after a catastrophic event, such as a fire caused by faulty equipment, it can cover ongoing operational costs while you recover.

Business interruption insurance can also provide financial relief if supply chain disruption makes it impossible to obtain the materials needed in the manufacturing process.

“Without the right cover in place, a significant disruption to production could send your manufacturing business to the wall,” White says.

“Business interruption insurance is there to keep you ticking over financially until you’re able to recommence operations.

Injuries in the workplace

Regardless of the nature of your business, there’s always a risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace. Implementing stringent workplace health and safety procedures and ensuring all employees receive adequate training before setting foot on the factory floor can help you reduce it.

Your employees are entitled to seek compensation for any physical or mental injuries they incur while on the job. Should that occur, workers’ compensation cover can help you defray the cost.

Insurance for manufacturers in all sorts of times

If you haven’t reviewed your business insurance for a while, now is a great time to do so. A broker can help ensure you have the right cover for your specific business needs and circumstances.

Contact an AIB Insurance broker today to discuss your manufacturing cover needs.

Important notice

This article is of a general nature only and does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. It is also not financial advice, nor complete, so please discuss the full details with your Steadfast insurance broker as to whether these types of insurance are appropriate for you. Deductibles, exclusions and limits apply. You should consider any relevant Target Market Determination and Product Disclosure Statement in deciding whether to buy or renew these types of insurance. Various insurers issue these types of insurance and cover can differ between insurers.

Steadfast Group Ltd ACN 073 659 677

Important notice – Steadfast Group Limited ABN 98 073 659 677 and Steadfast Network Brokers

This article provides information rather than financial product or other advice. The content of this article, including any information contained in it, has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information, taking these matters into account, before you act on any information. In particular, you should review the product disclosure statement for any product that the information relates to it before acquiring the product.

Information is current as at the date the article is written as specified within it but is subject to change. Steadfast Group Ltd and Steadfast Network Brokers make no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information. Various third parties have contributed to the production of this content. All information is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of Steadfast Group Limited.

Property can be an excellent long-term investment, but it doesn’t come without risks.

There can be a chance your tenants may default on the rent, steal items from the property or cause damage that their bond may not cover.

The rental income you rely on to pay the mortgage could disappear if a natural disaster renders the premises uninhabitable for an extended period of time.

That’s where landlord insurance comes in.

A specialised form of cover designed to protect property owners who rent out commercial or residential spaces by mitigating some of the most common risks associated with being a landlord.

While having a landlord insurance policy is not mandatory, it’s highly recommended by real estate professionals and financial specialists who’ve seen landlords suffer significant losses and hardship from tenant-related events.

What’s typically covered in a landlord insurance policy?

A landlord policy typically comprises a combination of building, contents and landlord insurance.

Property damages from natural disasters (such as fire, flooding and storms) are likely to be covered, as are possessions kept on the rental premises for maintenance purposes, such as tools and gardening equipment.

The landlord component of the policy typically covers loss of rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable. This could happen as the result of a covered event, rent default, damage or theft by tenants and their guests, liability in the event of an accident, and legal expenses, if necessary.

What landlord insurance doesn’t cover are the regular costs associated with being a landlord.

This could include construction defects, normal wear and tear, and ordinary expenses, such as plumber’s bills for clearing drains.

PAYING FOR PEACE OF MIND

Landlord insurance has proven a worthwhile investment for Rodney Holder, whose property portfolio includes a block of units in the central Queensland town of Rockhampton as well as houses in Canberra and Brisbane.

His policy covered the cost of making good the damage caused by one less-than-careful tenant in his Canberra property, including torn curtains, a hot pot burn mark on a newly laid floor and a broken door on a new oven.

“As with any insurance, you’re paying for peace of mind,” Holder says. “It’s also tax deductible and a cost of doing business.”

Other claims can be significantly larger, warns Jo Napoli, the Principal of real estate agency The Rental Specialists.

She recently helped a client evict squatters from their investment property and says the bill for lost rent, new locks, damage to the premises and cleaning came to just under $10,000.

After being provided with a copy of the condition report, tenancy ledger, photographic evidence of the damage and invoices for repairs, the client’s insurer paid the claim within 14 days, Napoli says.

COVER WHEN IT COUNTS

If you’re a landlord or considering becoming one, it’s a good time to consider the benefits of landlord insurance. It could also be worth reviewing your level of cover to check it remains right for your circumstances.

Contact your AIB Insurance broker today to discuss your unique insurance needs today.

Important notice

All information in this article is of a general nature only. This article does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. It is also not financial advice, nor complete, so please think about whether this type of insurance is appropriate for you. Deductibles, exclusions and limits apply. You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement or any Target Market Determination in deciding whether to buy or renew this type of insurance. Various insurers issue this type of insurance and cover can differ between insurers.

Steadfast Group Ltd ACN 073 659 677

If you run a healthcare business, you might know it comes with a range of challenges and risks. From physical therapy clinics to chiropractic offices, these practices face a number of potential liabilities. And these can have significant financial and reputational consequences.

In this guide, we explore some of the common insurance covers healthcare businesses should consider.

But first, let’s look at a case study that shows how insurance can work in healthcare. 

Dr S Tarek Shalabi is Cosmetic Doctor Brisbane‘s owner and co-founder. The business specialises in non-surgical cosmetic medicine. As a medical practice, the firm is required to carry public liability and professional indemnity insurance. As an injectables cosmetic clinic, contents insurance is also a must, given the high-value nature of the product. 

The practice has never made a claim on its policies. Dr Shalabi credits this to the resources his medical indemnity insurer has in place to help prevent a situation from arising where he would need to make a claim.

“They are extremely helpful in situations where we would like to discuss a complex situation, for example, in cases where we have specific requests from patients which deviate from our normal practice,” says Dr Shalabi.

“They have a full team of doctors and medicolegal professionals available 24/7, in addition to a multitude of online guides, resources and case studies,” he says. 

“They provide a great platform to discuss cases where there may be no immediate ‘right answers’ and provide us reassurance and backing when making decisions. On multiple occasions, they have guided us through the correct course of action to provide the best outcomes for our patients and to reduce the risk of a claim,” he adds.

What are the main insurances healthcare businesses may need?

Given the nature of their work, healthcare businesses are exposed to a range of different risks. These include everything from malpractice claims to property damage and even theft. 

So, it’s important for businesses operating in the healthcare sector to have a well-thought-out risk management strategy, including appropriate insurance policies. Let’s take a look at some of the main policies healthcare businesses may need.

PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE

Healthcare businesses are at risk of being sued by patients if they believe a healthcare professional has provided substandard care or has been negligent in their treatment, resulting in harm or injury.

Professional indemnity insurance cover helps to protect healthcare professionals from claims related to errors, omissions or negligence in providing their services. It can cover legal defence costs, settlements and judgments.

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

Public liability insurance provides protection for property damage and personal injury claims arising from accidents that occur on the business premises or as a result of business operations. 

“This type of cover is essential for protecting against risks such as slip-and-fall accidents and equipment malfunctions,” says Steadfast’s Broker Technical Manager, Michael White.

BUSINESS PACK INSURANCE

A good business insurance pack protects the physical assets of a business, including the building, equipment, furniture and supplies, against perils such as fire, theft or vandalism. It can also provide cover for business interruption if the premises become temporarily unusable. In the case of cosmetic injectables, if they need to be kept in cold storage, the business would need to take out cover for deterioration of stock in cold storage. 

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE

If the health business has employees, workers’ compensation insurance is required by law. It provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. 

CYBER INSURANCE

In today’s digital world, like most other businesses, healthcare businesses are increasingly vulnerable to data breaches and cyberattacks. Cyber liability insurance helps cover the costs associated with data breaches, including legal expenses, notification and credit monitoring services and potential liability for compromised patient information.

DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT COVER? 

A risk management strategy, including the right insurance, is essential for every healthcare business. 

Talk to your AIB Insurance broker today to find out more.

Important notice 

This article is of a general nature only and does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. It is also not financial advice, nor complete, so please discuss the full details with your Steadfast insurance broker as to whether these types of insurance are appropriate for you. Deductibles, exclusions and limits apply. You should consider any relevant Target Market Determination and Product Disclosure Statement in deciding whether to buy or renew these types of insurance.   Various insurers issue these types of insurance and cover can differ between insurers.

Steadfast Group Ltd ACN 073 659 677

Even the most careful tradies can have an accident or lose their tools. Whatever size the project, whether you’re a handyman, plumber, builder, carpenter or electrician, being properly insured can bring real peace of mind to you, your clients and your employees.

PUBLIC LIABILITY

For some tradies, public liability insurance is mandatory, and most building contracts above a certain value require this cover.

Compulsory or not, it always makes absolute sense. If you accidentally cause injury to someone or damage property, you could be liable for damages and significant financial loss. Costs could include medical and rehabilitation expenses, repairs and/or legal fees.

It can also be harder to find work if you aren’t insured. Some customers want to know they’ll be compensated if something goes wrong.

COVER FOR YOUR TOOLS

You can’t work without your tools. If they’re stolen from a worksite, a storage shed or the back of your truck, the right tool insurance can help you replace them allowing you to return and get on with the job.

YOUR VEHICLE

Your ute, truck or wagon is another business essential. You might be tempted to save a few dollars by not mentioning to your insurer that you use the vehicle for work, but you run the risk of having a claim rejected if it relates to your job.

Some policies include accessories and modifications such as your signage, racks and tow bar when they’re assessing the vehicle’s replacement value.
They may also have more flexibility in terms of the number of drivers covered – this is important if your team shares the driving.

LOSS OF INCOME

Worksites can be hazardous, exposing tradies to dangers such as incomplete electrics, working at height, noise and manual handling. And, of course, anyone can become too ill to work. When you work for yourself and don’t have sick leave, you have the extra worry of no income.

Income protection insurance can help bring the security of an income if injury or illness stops you from working for an extended period. Some trades insurance policies include an income protection option, or you can purchase standalone cover.

REDUCING RISKS

The ideal scenario for any tradie is to avoid accidents altogether. The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ report for the 2021/22 financial year highlights some of the most important ways to stay safe.
 
1. Handle with care
 
Lifting, pushing, pulling or bending accounted for almost a quarter (24%) of the accidents reported. Safe lifting techniques and using mechanical aids wherever possible can help to reduce the strain.
 
2. Keep tidy
 
Slipping and tripping accounted for 17% of injuries. Keeping your workplace free from trailing wires, cables, hoses and spills could help make them safer.
 
3. Keep a look out
 
A lot is going on at a worksite and it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. At 16% bumping into or being hit or cut by an object or vehicle was the third most common type of accident.

DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT COVER?

When your livelihood is at stake you may not be able to afford to make mistakes. Your AIB insurance broker can help you explore our Tradies insurance packages and tailor the protection you need.

Important note
This article does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. It is also not financial advice, nor complete, so please think about whether these types of insurance are appropriate for you. Deductibles, exclusions and limits apply. You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement or any Target Market Determination in deciding whether to buy or renew these types of insurance. Various insurers issue these types of insurance and cover can differ between insurers.
Steadfast Group Ltd ACN 073 659 677

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