Making the Switch: Moving from a Claims-Made Policy to an Occurrence-Based Policy for Childcare Providers
Moving from a Claims-Made Policy to an Occurrence-Based Policy for Childcare Providers can feel confusing, but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business. Having the right insurance cover isn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements, i’s about true peace of mind. Knowing the difference between claims-made and occurrence-based policies can make a world of difference in how well your childcare business is protected.
Understanding the Difference
A claims-made policy only covers claims that are made (reported) during the period the policy is active regardless of when the incident occurred. This means that if your policy expires or you switch insurers, you could lose coverage for past events unless you purchase run-off cover or an extended reporting period.
An occurrence-based policy, on the other hand, covers incidents that occur during the policy period, no matter when a claim is made. Even if the claim arises years later, as long as the event happened during the time your policy was in force, you’re protected.
For childcare providers, where issues or complaints can arise months or even years after an incident, the difference is critical.
The Problem with Claims-Made Cover
Many insurers offer claims-made professional indemnity and public liability policies, particularly in the childcare and education sectors. While these can appear cost-effective upfront, they carry ongoing obligations:
- You must maintain continuous cover with no gaps.
- You’ll need to purchase run-off cover if you stop operating or change insurers.
- A missed renewal or gap in cover can mean losing protection for past work.
This can lead to stress, unexpected costs, and potential uninsured risks especially during transitions or changes in business structure.
The Occurrence-Based Advantage
That’s why our insurance solution for childcare providers is built differently.
We can source Combined Liability cover including Public & Products Liability and Professional Indemnity all written on an occurrence basis.
This means:
✅ You’re covered for incidents that occur during the policy period, even if the claim arises years later.
✅ You never have to worry about purchasing or maintaining run-off cover.
✅ You enjoy continuous protection and long-term peace of mind.
Seamless Transition, No Gaps in Cover
We also understand that switching from a claims-made insurer can be daunting, especially when it comes to ensuring there’s no gap in protection.
To make the transition smooth, our Public Liability cover includes a retroactive date, so any incidents that occurred before your new policy starts (while you were covered under your previous claims-made policy) remain protected.
This ensures complete continuity of cover so you can move forward with confidence knowing that your business, your staff, and the children in your care are always protected.
Why Choose Morgan Insurance Brokers?
At Morgan Insurance Brokers, we take the complexity out of insurance for childcare providers.
We understand that no two childcare businesses are the same each has its own unique risks, requirements, and regulatory obligations.
That’s why we approach a large panel of reputable insurers on your behalf, ensuring you get the most comprehensive and competitive cover available for your specific needs.
Our role as your broker means you gain access to:
- Tailored coverage that fits your business, not a one-size-fits-all policy.
- Expert advice from insurance specialists who understand the childcare industry.
- Claims support and advocacy we represent you, not the insurer, if you ever need to make a claim.
- Ongoing reviews and updates to ensure your policy remains suitable as your business evolves.
With Morgan Insurance Brokers, you’re not just buying insurance, you’re gaining a partner who’s committed to protecting your livelihood and helping your business thrive.
In Summary
Moving from a Claims-Made Policy to an Occurrence-Based Policy for Childcare Providers policy offers long-term simplicity and security. For childcare providers, that means less time worrying about insurance technicalities and more time focusing on what matters most, providing a safe, nurturing environment for children.
With our Combined Liability policy, you’ll have:
- Public & Products Liability and Professional Indemnity on an occurrence basis
- No need for run-off cover
- A retroactive date for Public Liability to eliminate any gaps in protection
- Expert guidance and access to a wide panel of insurers through Morgan Insurance Brokers
Contact us today to make the change.
