For many UK accountants, working from home has become more than a convenience. It is now part of how the profession operates. But while software, client communications, and compliance tools may adapt easily, accountancy insurance can be more complex when your office is also your living space.

We help professionals find cover that reflects how and where they work, particularly when traditional business settings no longer apply.

Why Working from Home Does Not Eliminate Risk

It is a common misconception that working remotely means fewer risks. In practice, risks may simply change. Client data is still being handled, financial advice is still being issued, and equipment is still in use. Whether you are self-employed, a contractor, or part of a wider practice, having the right cover in place could help protect you from claims that arise unexpectedly.

Key Insurance Covers for Remote Accountants

Professional Indemnity Insurance

This is often seen as essential for anyone offering accounting advice or handling client records. If a client claims that an error in reporting or advice led to financial loss, professional indemnity insurance could help cover the costs of defending or settling that claim. It may also be required by your professional body or regulator.

Public Liability Insurance

Even when working from home, you might still meet clients or couriers at your property. Public liability insurance could assist if someone is injured or property is damaged in connection with your work activities. It can also apply when visiting a client’s premises.

Cyber Insurance

Accountants frequently access and store sensitive financial data. If that data is lost, stolen, or compromised through a cyber event, cyber insurance could support the costs of responding, managing legal issues, and restoring your systems.

Contents and Equipment Cover

Standard home contents insurance may not protect business-specific equipment. If your laptop, printer, or client files are damaged, lost, or stolen, specialist business contents cover could make a difference in how quickly you recover.

Employers’ Liability Insurance

If you hire admin staff or junior bookkeepers to support you, even on a part-time basis, you are likely to need employers’ liability insurance by law. This protects against claims from employees who are injured or fall ill because of their work.

Home Setup or Business Premises? The Line Can Blur

Remote working often blurs the distinction between personal and business assets. A laptop used for work may not be covered under your personal home insurance. The same applies to client records, software licenses, or even professional memberships.

We help remote-working accountants identify the covers that apply to their home-based business activity so nothing important is left exposed.

What Could Go Wrong? Real Examples of Home-Based Claims

• A client receives incorrect VAT advice over email and incurs penalties after filing late.

• A contractor’s laptop is lost while working from a co-working space, exposing client data.

• A courier delivering files trips on the property steps and suffers an injury.

These situations may seem unlikely, but claims like these do occur and can be financially and legally stressful to resolve without insurance support.