Official's Indemity

Officials indemnity insurance gives cover to the Council where there is a legal liability in respect of damages and claimants' legal costs and expenses for financial loss arising as a result of a negligent act or accidental error committed by an employee arising out of or in the course of their business activities.

Whilst Public Liability insurance provides compensation for bodily injury or damage to property in negligence, Officials Indemnity operates where there is a financial loss suffered by a third party. Financial loss is defined as a loss other than arising from bodily injury, illness or damage to property.

If you are approached by a third party wanting to make a claim against the council.

• Do not give any opinion as to liability.
• Advise the claimant that they must submit their claim in writing to the Insurance team.
• If you receive a letter of claim, do not acknowledge it but send it by fax or email the same day to the Insurance team.
• Insurance will send this to the insurance company who will deal with the claim on our behalf.

It is important that the following are adhered to once a claim has been made against the Council by a third party.

• You will be sent a claim form and this must be completed as soon as possible and returned to the Risk Management & Insurance team.
• Insurers may ask the Insurance team for further information and when asked, you must reply with the requested information as soon as possible.
• Do not enter into correspondence or discussions with the third party at any time.
• If Insurers choose to appoint a claims investigator, you must be as co-operative as possible and answer their questions honestly and in a timely manner.

If the matter goes to court, do not worry, the Insurance team will support you through the process.