Does My Helper Have Liability Insurance? A Guide for Families

What to know about caregiver protections on Herewith

When you book in-home care services on Herewith, you’re eligible for two types of insurance for homecare workers.

Workers Compensation:

If you hire a Helper on Herewith for ongoing help, you are eligible for workers’ compensation insurance, which is included in the Herewith Service Fee at no additional cost.

Professional Liability Insurance:

All Helpers on the Herewith platform are also covered by professional liability insurance coverage of up to $1 million, whether you book for one-time help or ongoing in-home care services.

How much does workers’ compensation cost?

Herewith provides workers’ compensation insurance at no additional cost when you hire a Helper for ongoing help (full time or part-time) on our platform. Learn how to get started booking a Helper for ongoing care.

When does workers’ compensation coverage take effect for my caregiver?

Workers’ compensation becomes available when you elect to use HomeWork Solutions to manage payroll for Helpers you’ve hired for ongoing in-home care services.

Coverage starts as soon as your EIN is processed by HomeWork Solutions. Please note that your plan only covers Helpers hired via the Herewith platform while they are working onsite. Some insurance limitations may apply.

If the EIN is received within 10 days after employment begins, your coverage will be retroactive to the first day of employment. Coverage is applicable only as hours are logged by your Helper(s). If you have no hired Helper for 30 days, your policy will lapse. You can restart your policy when you next hire.

Is there anything workers’ compensation doesn’t cover?

“Although workers’ compensation insurance provides broad coverage for work-related injuries and illness, there are some exclusions. For example, injuries outside of work aren’t covered, and commuting to and from work generally isn’t covered, though there may be coverage in some states. Also, intentional injuries and those occurring as a result of substance abuse or intoxication aren’t covered.” (Bhalu Insurance FAQs)

What are the limits for the workers’ compensation policy and how much coverage do I need?

“Workers’ compensation is unique in that there are no limits for the benefits. This coverage is designed to make the injured worker whole in both health and income.

Workers’ compensation coverage is a one-size fits all type of policy in that the coverage itself is the workers’ compensation statue in which the claim applies. This means there is an unlimited medical expense payout and specified statutory lost wage benefit when an injury occurs.” (Bhalu Insurance FAQs)

Is my caregiver liability insurance policy specific to my Helper or my household?

“Policies are specific to a household and NOT specific to a Helper. This means that you can change a Helper throughout the year and not have to set up a new policy. We just ask that you let us know, in case we need to check a driving record.” (Bhalu Insurance FAQs)

How do I make a workers’ compensation claim?

If an injury or incident occurs, first seek medical attention for those affected. Then, immediately provide a claim form to the employee if they have been injured or may have been injured. The form can be found here: Workers’ Compensation Claim Form (DWC 1) & Notice of Potential Eligibility (ca.gov)

Cal-OSHA also requires that the employer provide notification to that agency under certain circumstances. The required form can be found at: EMPLOYER’S REPORT OF OCCUPATIONAL INJURY OR ILLNESS (ca.gov)

To submit a claim during working hours, contact:

RT Specialty Claims Department

RT Specialty Insurances Services, LLC

Toll Free: 800-366-5810 - ext 994443

After working hours, call:

Guard’s 24/7 Client Service: 888-NEW-CLMS

Additional information on claims reporting can be found on the Policyholder Service Center accessible at www.guard.com. Upload claims documents and photos online at the Policyholder Service Center.

What should I do if there’s a change in my loved one’s circumstances?

In the case that your loved one no longer needs care, you can call Herewith support at 415-506-9776 and we will take care of closing your Herewith account, including canceling your policy.