Payroll insurance explainer guide – Protect your business with these tips

Updated on 7 August 2023

Running a business in the UK can be difficult. There are so many things to think about, from sales and marketing to HR and accounting. One thing that many business owners don’t think about is payroll insurance.

 
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This can be a costly mistake, as payroll insurance can protect your business from a wide range of risks. In this guide, we will explain what this type of insurance is, why you should have it, and how to find the right policy for your company.

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What is payroll insurance?

Payroll insurance is a type of insurance that covers errors and non-compliance mistakes related to the running of payroll. This includes things like incorrect calculations, missed payments, and other mistakes that could lead to financial losses for your business.

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Why should my company have payroll insurance?

There are a few reasons why a company should have this kind of insurance.

Payroll insurance can be claimed when your company is fined by HMRC or is facing penalties due to non-compliance. This could be for things like incorrect PAYE payments or failing to submit a return on time.

It can help reduce the cost of legal action being taken against the company. If an employee is not paid their wages correctly, they may take legal action against the company. This insurance can help protect the business from these costs.

How much does payroll insurance cost?

The cost will vary depending on the size and type of your business, as well as the level of coverage you choose. However, it is typically quite affordable, with policies starting at around £100 per year.

What is the best way to reduce the cost?

The best way to reduce the cost of this form of insurance is to shop around and compare prices. You should also make sure you choose the right level of coverage for your business.

What features should I look for when purchasing payroll insurance?

When purchasing this type of insurance, you will need to decide on the level of coverage that is right for your business. There are three main types of coverage:

  1. Fixed indemnity: This type of coverage pays a fixed amount for each claim, regardless of the size.
  2. Incidental indemnity: This type of coverage pays for damages that are not related to payroll, such as libel or slander.
  3. Aggregate limit: This type of coverage sets a limit on the total amount that the policy will pay out in a year.

When choosing a policy, you should also consider the following features:

  • The amount of coverage that is available
  • The deductible amount
  • The maximum payout per claim
  • The number of claims that can be made in a year

How do I choose the right payroll insurance for my business?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. You will need to consider the size and type of your business, as well as the level of coverage that you need. It is also important to read the fine print, so you know what is and is not covered by the policy.

Where to find the best payroll insurance providers?

There are a number of payroll insurance providers in the UK. You can find a list of them on the internet, or you can ask your accountant for recommendations.

What are some common mistakes businesses make with payroll insurance?

There are a few common mistakes that businesses make when it comes to selecting this kind of insurance. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • Not understanding what is and is not covered by the policy
  • Choosing the wrong level of coverage
  • Not reading the fine print
  • Not renewing their policy on time

What features should I look for when purchasing payroll insurance?

When purchasing, you should look for a policy that covers the following:

  • The amount of coverage that is available
  • The deductible amount
  • The maximum payout per claim
  • The number of claims that can be made in a year

You should also make sure that the policy has a low deductible and covers the cost of hiring new employees.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when purchasing payroll insurance?

The most common mistake to avoid when purchasing insurance is not reading the policy carefully. Make sure you understand what is and is not covered by the policy. You should also make sure that the policy has a low deductible. This will help reduce the cost of any claims you may need to make.

Closing words

For more information, please contact your local insurance specialist. They will be able to answer any questions you have about payroll insurance.

This guide has explained what this form of insurance is, why you should have it, and how to find the right policy for your company. This insurance can protect your business from a wide range of risks, so it is important to consider purchasing a policy. Thanks for reading!

FAQ

What is payroll insurance?

Payroll insurance is a type of insurance that covers errors and non-compliance mistakes related to the running of payroll.

How much does payroll insurance cost?

The cost will vary depending on the size and type of your business, as well as the level of coverage you choose. However, it is typically quite affordable, with policies starting at around £100 per year.

What happens if I don’t have payroll insurance?

If you don’t have payroll insurance, your business is at risk for costly mistakes related to payroll. This could lead to financial losses, employee dissatisfaction, and more.

How often do I need to renew my policy?

Policies typically need to be renewed on a yearly basis. However, it is important to read the fine print to make sure you are aware of the renewal date.

What is the maximum payout per claim?

The maximum payout per claim will vary depending on the policy that you choose. Make sure to read the fine print to find out how much coverage is available.

How many claims can I make in a year?

The number of claims that you can make in a year will vary depending on the policy that you choose. Make sure to read the fine print to find out how many claims are available.

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