Insurance requirements in care tenders
Care tenders set minimum insurance levels you must hold or commit to hold before contract award, typically covering public liability, employer's liability and sometimes professional indemnity. Common levels are several million pounds for public and employer's liability, with professional indemnity often required for advisory or clinical elements. It is a pass-fail item, so you must meet or agree to obtain the stated cover. Employer's liability is also a legal requirement of at least five million pounds.
The cover commissioners ask for
Most care tenders require public liability and employer's liability insurance, and often professional indemnity. Employer's liability is legally required at a minimum of five million pounds for businesses with staff. Public liability is frequently set at five or ten million pounds, with professional indemnity stated where there is a clinical or advisory element.
Hold it or commit to hold it
You usually do not need the full cover in place at bid stage. Buyers commonly accept a signed commitment to obtain the required levels before the contract starts, supported by evidence at award. Read whether the tender wants cover now or on award, and answer accordingly.
Get the levels right
Quoting cover below the stated level is a straightforward pass-fail failure. Confirm your current certificates against each required figure, and budget for any uplift you need at award. Our free eligibility check flags insurance shortfalls before you spend time bidding.
Not sure if you qualify for a tender? We check it for free, before you pay anything, and we only take bids we believe you can win. Text TENDER to get started.
Common questions
What insurance do I need for a care tender?
Typically public liability, employer's liability and often professional indemnity. Employer's liability is legally required at a minimum of five million pounds. Public liability is commonly set at five or ten million pounds in care tenders.
Do I need the full cover before I bid?
Often not. Many buyers accept a commitment to obtain the required cover before the contract starts, with evidence at award. Check whether the tender wants the cover in place now or on award.
Is professional indemnity always required?
No. It is usually required where there is a clinical, advisory or care-planning element. The tender states whether it applies and at what level, so check each one.
Keep reading
Browse all care tender guides, or see care tender writing by service.
Got a tender to check?
Text TENDER to +44 7822 001898and we'll tell you free whether you'd qualify, before you spend a penny.