Caring for autistic individuals requires specialised skills and attention in order to fulfil your role appropriately. If you’re working as a paid carer for an autistic person, or are considering hiring a carer or personal assistant for an autistic family member or for yourself, we’ve covered everything you need to know about insurance for autism carers below.
This guide explores why autism carers may need insurance, the differences between unpaid and paid carers, and what families hiring carers need to know about employer’s liability insurance.
Why Paid Autism Carers Need Insurance
Paid carers working with autistic individuals face a number of unique challenges, and it’s important to have the correct insurance in place to protect yourself, your clients, and any other individuals that you may encounter while working.
Insurance is vital for managing risks related to your role, protecting yourself and your client while you’re at work. (Hiring a carer? Skip to the Employer’s Liability section).
Two core parts of carers insurance that can protect you in your role as a carer are:
– Public liability insurance: This element protects carers if you accidentally cause harm or damage while caring for the person or interacting with others.
– Professional indemnity insurance: Covers legal claims arising from the care or advice they provide, ensuring financial security in case of mistakes or misunderstandings.
Self Employed Carer Insurance
Cover available for:
- Public Liability up to £5m
- Loss or Damage to Property
- Accidental Injury & Legal Expenses
- No Hidden Fees, No Excess
Unique Risks in Caring for Autistic Individuals
All care workers need some degree of insurance. Caring for autistic individuals can involve specific tasks that may carry additional risks. These tasks include:
- Behavioural support
Some individuals with autism may display challenging behaviours, such as physical outbursts or meltdowns. Carers could be at risk of injury or may unintentionally cause harm while managing these situations. - Communication challenges
Miscommunication can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, especially with non-verbal or minimally verbal individuals. Insurance can protect against claims that may arise from a perceived failure to provide proper care. - Sensory sensitivities
Individuals with autism may have heightened sensitivities to noise, light, or touch. Carers must carefully manage their environment, and accidents, such as sensory overload leading to injury, can happen unexpectedly. - Transport assistance
For carers who help with transportation, such as driving the person to appointments or activities, accidents or incidents can occur during transit, making insurance critical in these situations.
Having insurance provides that peace of mind that you’re protected when dealing with these high-stakes, sometimes unpredictable situations.
Unpaid Carers vs. Paid Carers
Many carers of autistic individuals are in fact family members or close friends, and classed as unpaid carers. In most cases, you will not need insurance as an unpaid autism carer – but you may be eligible for carer’s allowance.
Unpaid Carers
Unpaid carers, like family members or close friends, generally do not need insurance as they are not providing professional services. There’s no need for liability or indemnity coverage in these informal care arrangements.
Paid Carers
Paid carers, whether self-employed or employed by an agency, may need to consider insurance. Since you provide professional services, you are exposed to a higher level of risk and potential claims related to your duties.
Employer’s Liability Insurance for Hiring a Carer
On the other side of the coin, if you hire a carer directly, you may be considered their employer and may need employer’s liability insurance.
Families hiring carers for an autistic individual must be aware of their legal responsibilities.
What Is Employer’s Liability Insurance?
Employer’s liability insurance is legally required in the UK. If your employee (i.e. the carer) is injured or becomes ill due to their work, this insurance provides cover from financial claims, ensuring both parties are legally and financially covered.
When Is It Necessary?
You may need employer’s liability insurance if:
– You hire a carer directly and control their work schedule and responsibilities.
– You pay the carer directly for their services, rather than through an agency.
If these conditions apply, employer’s liability insurance is a legal requirement.
Autism Carers Resource Centre
We created our autism carers resource centre to support carers specialising in autism, and anyone else who may find these resources helpful.
Find out more about carers insurance and what product fits your needs best below.
