4.11.9 Foster Carers Insurance Issues |
Contents
1. Introduction
Many insurance companies exclude from their policies damage to carers homes and contents caused by children in their care. Bexley Council recognises that foster carers should not be financially disadvantaged in this way and has taken out contingent insurance cover to protect foster carers where their own policies exclude the loss.
2. All Risks
This policy covers the home and contents of foster carers, where accidental or deliberate damage is caused by children in their care, and where no claim can be made under the carers existing household cover. There is a £250 excess on the policy and in the event of a claim being successful the Children and Young People’s services department will pay the excess. The sort of claims which would be covered by this policy are for example a foster child smashing a television or furniture.
The policy does not cover normal wear and tear to the home, for example replacing carpets where the tread has been worn because of increased use.
3. Public Liability
Foster carers are responsible for the negligent acts of children in their care and, as with the All Risks insurance, claims may be excluded from the normal household policy. Cover is provided in respect of foster carers legal liability to pay compensation to third parties for accidental death or bodily injury or accidental damage to property. An example of the type of claim which would be dealt with by this policy may be where a child damages a neighbours property.
In the first instance foster carers should report all claims to their Social Worker giving brief details of the incident. The Social Worker will then report the incident to the Insurance Section and the appropriate claim form will be sent direct to the foster carer. To avoid unnecessary delays the foster carer will then liaise with the Insurance Section direct.
Insurance Section
Room 217
Civic Offices
Broadway
Bexleyheath
DA6 7LB
Telephone: 020 8294 6350
End