In case you’ve been away from Planet Earth for the last 2 or so years, you may not have heard of the recent pandemic that swept across the globe and forced everyone–from teachers and doctors to dentists and marketers–inside. With pretty much every business having to adapt to remote working on the fly, work-at-home jobs are now the norm.
But, is work from home work covered by your home insurance policy? When it comes to work from home insurance, there are a few things you need to know. We’ve created this article for you to use as a guide as you navigate the complex world of home insurance and remote working. Let’s get started.
Is Working From Home Covered By Home Insurance?
While home insurance will cover damages to your personal property, making sure that your remote business property is covered is also exceptionally important. From laptops, desktops, and other work-related equipment to furniture, clothing, and any other possessions that you use for work, your home insurance should cover them in case of an accident or theft.
However, it’s important to note that work-at-home jobs are not automatically covered by most basic home insurance policies. If you work from home regularly, you may need to purchase additional coverage through what is known as work from home insurance or business interruption insurance.
Are Employers Liable For Employees Working From Home?
Employers are still responsible for their employee’s safety and well-being when they work remotely; however, different countries have different regulations regarding work-at-home liabilities.
In the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for setting work-at-home safety standards. If you work from home, be sure to check with your employer and/or local government to make sure that they are compliant with the regulations in your area.
Do I Need Additional Insurance To Work From Home?
It depends on the type of work you do, how often you work at home and if there are any laws or regulations that require you to have extra coverage. Generally speaking, if you work remotely less than 25% of the time, then additional insurance may not be necessary.
However, it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced insurance broker or contact your insurer directly to determine what kind of work-at-home coverage is required by law or recommended by your home insurance provider.
Does Renters Insurance Have The Same Coverage As Home Insurance?
No. While both types of insurance provide coverage for personal property and liability, home insurance typically provides more comprehensive coverage that includes damage to the structure of your work-at-home space, medical payments for visitors to your work-at-home space, and other additional benefits. Renters insurance does not usually cover these types of damages or losses.
Will Home Insurance Cover My Freelance Business?
This depends on the type of work you do and if it is classified as a business activity or a hobby. Most home insurance policies will cover businesses related to entertainment such as photography, music, or video production; however, they may exclude any work that has an income-generating purpose.
Insurance From The Pros
If you’re looking for work from home insurance, Bethany Insurance can help! We provide affordable and flexible work from home insurance plans that are tailored to fit your individual needs. Whether you’re a freelancer, remote worker, or entrepreneur, we have the right solution for you.
Contact us today for more information about our work from home insurance options.
