I was injured at work. Must my employer have insurance?

What the Law Says

The Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 makes it a legal requirement for most employers in the UK to hold valid insurance against liability for injury or disease sustained by their employees during employment.

This law applies to any employer who has at least one employee — even if that person is a part-time, temporary, or family member working for the business. It does not apply to self-employed individuals with no employees, or certain public bodies covered by Crown immunity (though many choose to insure anyway).

Employers must maintain insurance policies with a minimum coverage of £5 million (though most insurers offer £10 million as standard), and keep written records of the policy — including insurer name, policy number, and dates of cover — for at least 14 days after it ends. These records must be available for inspection by enforcement officers or employees on request.

Failure to comply is a criminal offence. Employers can face a fine of up to £2,500 for each day the insurance is not in place, plus additional penalties for failing to display the insurance certificate or keep proper records.

Statutory Text

Every employer shall, at all times when he has in his employment any persons to whom this Act applies, have and maintain insurance against liability for injury or disease sustained by such persons in the course of their employment.

— Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, s. 1 — Duty to insure

What to Do

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