Millions could be left without insurance as lockdown eases: Urban Jungle

Millions of people could find their insurance policies don’t cover them for work related accidents that take place at home as lockdown eases across the UK, according to Jimmy Williams, co-founder and chief executive officer of Urban Jungle.

Insurers have applied home and contents policies to home workers and the self-employed, with many employees required to work from home by governments looking to contain the spread of COVID-19. However, as government advice changes, some home workers might find they aren’t covered as their policies may be domestic only, Williams warned.

Williams argued the lines between home and office work are likely to remain blurred for some time, and urged the insurance industry to ensure employees remain covered by accepting working from home arrangements as the new normal.

“It’s crazy that someone who spills a cuppa on their laptop while working from home might not be covered by their contents insurance,” said Williams. “It's time all insurance policies officially reflected the big changes that are taking place in society. Changes such as flexible working, variable circumstances and an abundance of digital devices.”

Urban Jungle launched in 2016 and provides insurance to generation rent and millennials. Williams highlighted the speed with which young people in particular have adapted to changes in employment arrangements, but argued governments, insurance companies, banks and others are not always supporting them in adapting to change.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has said home insurance for office-based workers that are working from home as a result of the pandemic will not be affected, but guidance states: "If you are able to return to work, but are choosing to work from home more often, then you may need to inform your insurer that your pattern of work has changed."

Home working pledges made by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) are next reviewed and updated on April 30, 2021, with Williams warning disputes could follow, pitting the self-employed and homeworkers against the insurance industry. Policyholders should check their policies before this date, he said.

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