Free checklist

Employers' liability certificate checker

Most UK employers must have employers' liability insurance by law. Use this checklist to make sure a certificate shows what it should.

Tick off each point

The employer's name matches the business (and any subsidiaries covered are listed)
The policy number is shown
The start and expiry dates are current
The limit of indemnity is at least £5 million
The insurer's name is shown and it is authorised in the UK
The certificate is signed on behalf of the insurer
It is displayed where staff can see it, or they can easily read it online

0 of 7 checked. Anything unticked should be raised with the insurer.

Who needs employers' liability insurance?

Under the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, most businesses with employees need cover of at least £5 million. Some family businesses and public bodies are exempt. HSE's guidance on gov.uk sets out the exceptions.

Penalties

Up to £2,500 for every day a business is not properly insured.
Up to £1,000 for not displaying the certificate or not making it available.

Keeping old certificates

The law no longer requires old certificates to be kept, but keeping them is sensible: some injury claims, such as industrial disease, arrive decades later and the old insurer needs to be traced.

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