Insurance

Patoss Full or Associate Members may elect to join the Professional Indemnity Insurance Scheme, which has been negotiated by Patoss with an Independent Insurance Broker.

Why have Professional Indemnity Insurance?

If you teach or assess outside school or college premises it is unlikely to be covered by institutional policies. Professional Indemnity Insurance provides cover for the legal costs, compensations and expenses in defending a claim against you, if you are alleged to have provided inadequate advice or services.

Who should have Professional Indemnity Insurance?

If you hold a qualification which meets the requirements for Full or Associate member of Patoss and are doing any teaching or assessment work privately you must be insured under the terms of Patoss membership. If the teaching or assessment work you are doing is not covered by your current employer or by any other policy, you should be insured under the terms of Patoss membership.  It would be wise of you to ask to see a copy of your employer’s policy to confirm you are covered.

How does it work?

On top of the membership fee there is a small annual administrative surcharge payable to Patoss. The premium for insurance is handled and paid for separately between the member and the insurance agents which Patoss facilitates, with an introduction, and proof of Patoss Membership.

Why can’t I just pay it in one go to Patoss?

Patoss is not an insurance broker and can only give members access to these specifically negotiated reduce rate. As each policy is unique and can be tailored to individual requirements and circumstances, the applicant must communicate and pay directly to the broker.  Patoss have been advised against holding a combined umbrella policy as any infringement from the few could affect the rate of the many. 

Is Professional Indemnity Insurance covered through the cost of my annual Patoss membership?

No. Professional Indemnity premiums are payable in addition to the membership fee but combined are typically lower than Professional Indemnity premiums without the Patoss Insurance Scheme.

Who do I pay my Professional Indemnity Insurance premiums to?

Professional Indemnity premiums are paid directly to Arthur J Gallagher, the insurance broker.  This is in addition to the membership fee and administration charge payable to Patoss.  Once membership is confirmed with Patoss an invitation to join the insurance scheme together with forms are sent to you from Arthur J Gallagher.

 Why can’t I just pay it in one go to Patoss?

Patoss is not an insurance broker and can only give members access to these specifically negotiated reduce rate. As each policy is unique and can be tailored to individual requirements and circumstances, the applicant must communicate and pay directly to the broker.  Patoss have been advised against holding a combined umbrella policy as any infringement from the few could affect the rate of the many.  What’s it going to cost me?  

 What saving do I make?

 Typical Professional Indemnity Insurance without the Patoss Scheme starts from around £250*

 By becoming a Patoss member with insurance you gain access to the raft of membership benefits while saving in the region of £75 on insurance. This is compared with typical insurance of £250, taken outside of the scheme, and which does not give you any of the benefits of Patoss membership.

 Can I get other insurance through this scheme?

Additional insurance for things such as; Public Liability, Office Contents and Personal Assault are available at competitive rates through the broker. There is no additional administration fee if you wish to extend cover.

Tutor & Assessor Index

To be listed on the Patoss Tutor and Assessor Index members must show proof of Professional Indemnity Insurance. Whether that is through the Patoss Scheme or another Insurance broker so long as they are regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) 

Would I still be covered for historical claims if I no longer hold Professional Indemnity Insurance?

No, members are only covered while they have a current policy. If your policy or membership lapses you are no longer covered, even if you were covered when any alleged infringement or misconduct occurred. 

Members who are retired from providing professional services.

Patoss extend a Retired membership option for Full or Associate members considering retiring at a membership rate of £40 per year. With this comes an additional reduction in a Retired Professional Indemnity Insurance. Typical policy cover is £56.00 per year*.

*Rates may fluctuate: When published the figures detailed were accurate based on a typical policy issued at that time and are detailed here as guidance only. It does not consider personal circumstances which may affect the rate given to individuals.

You can find answers to more questions in our Insurance FAQ page.