Insurance – FAQ’s

1) What cover do I automatically get as an IOS member or ASA Swim School?

As an IOS Member the membership benefits include an element of insurance for Civil Liability, Personal Accident and Loss of Revenue brief details of which are included on your IOS Confirmation of Cover document issued to you by the IOS.

As an ASA registered Swim School you do not automatically get any insurance protection.

2) I am not a Teacher/Coach and I am not a member of the IoS can I apply for ASA Swim School Insurance protection?
 
Yes, as long as the swim school is registered with the ASA, and as such adheres to their requirements regarding compliance with the ASA Code of Ethics and Child protection procedures, and the ASA Judicial laws and Rules.

3) I am an IoS member and already have insurance, why do I need extra insurance protection?

IoS membership insurance is specific to the personal/individual, however if an IoS member falls into the following categories more specific business protection should be sought

• Any individual with a trading name
• Any individual owning their own swimming pool, irrespective of turnover
• Any Limited Company, irrespective of turnover
• If they employ anyone, irrespective of turnover

4) What happens when I start to work with other people?

We recommend that you consider the relationship with those people – please refer to the Managing People section.

The Schools are required by law to have Employers’ Liability Insurance for people who they employ.  However, people who they would normally think of as self-employed may be considered as being their employees for the purposes of Employers’ Liability Insurance.  Whether they choose to call their contract a contract of employment or a contract for services is largely irrelevant.  What matters is the real nature of their relationship with the people who work for them and the degree of control they have over the work those individuals do.

In addition by having other individuals involved with your school you will need to apply for the more specific business protection provided by the ASA Swim School policy.

5)  Why do I need Employers Liability Insurance?

Please see our response to question 4 above, however, in general, Schools will need Employers’ Liability Insurance for someone who works for them if any of the following apply:

• they deduct national insurance and income tax from the money you pay them
• they have the right to control where and when they work and how they do it
• they supply most materials and equipment
• they have a right to any profit your workers make although you may choose to share this with them through commission, performance pay or shares in the company.  Similarly, they will be responsible for any losses
• they require that person only to deliver the service and they cannot employ a substitute if they are unable to do the work
• they are treated in the same way as other employees, for example if they do the same work under the same conditions as someone else who is employed

6) Does the Status of my Swim School have any insurance implications?

Please refer to the answers to question 4 and 5 above.

7) Is it going to be expensive and what are my payment options?

The price of insurance is based on the size of your business and scope of insurance protection you require, although we can advise that preferential rates apply to ASA registered swim schools. 

Monthly payment options are available for premiums in excess of £200.

8) What do you mean by Turnover?

All income going through the business in a 12 month period, this would include but not be limited to fee income, funding, grants, sale of products etc.

9) What declarations do I have to make on an annual basis?

At present Perkins Slade will require confirmation that you have registered the swim school as a separate entity with the ASA and by virtue of having done so you confirm that you adhere to the ASA Code of Ethics and Child Protection Policy.  
 
In addition you are asked to declare that to the best of your knowledge and belief  there are no known incidents or circumstances that might give rise to a claim and there are no Material Facts that should be disclosed to insurers.

A Material Fact is something which could affect/change the insurers opinion of your risk eg: convictions, change in ownership or status of the company.
 
10) How should I report accidents/incidents to the insurer?

We would refer you to the Incident Reporting and Incident Recording guidelines detailed within the summary of the cover and also attached to the policy documents forwarded to you when insurance is put in place. 

Claims should be reported to the Perkins Slade Claims Department.

11) What activities are covered by the ASA Swim School Civil Liability Policy?

Any activity authorised and recognised activity of the Governing Body being the ASA.  Please refer to ASA or Perkins Slade for guidance.

12) What other insurances should I consider as a Swim School?

We would recommend that your individual circumstances be discussed with Perkins Slade Limited to highlight your individual insurance needs, however it is recommended that you consider the following additional classes of insurance:

• Property & Assets Insurance – material loss of or damage to physical property for example as a result of fire, theft etc.
• Loss of Revenue – interruption to your income following damage to a swimming pool as a result of an insurable peril, for example closure of the pool as a result of fire damage
• Personal Accident Insurance for proprietor(s)/employees and/or the participants in the class - Personal Accident insurance offers an immediate lump sum payment in the event of a fatal accident or accident leading to a permanent total disablement.  The protection operates whilst participating in an authorised or recognised activity which is advised and agreed with the Insurers

In addition we would recommend that if you have an office at home or equipment used for your business at your home you check with your household insurer to ensure that you are not in breach of the conditions under your household insurances.