Do I need to purchase additional insurance if I am working from my home?

As a professional, you are legally obligated to protect clients and others while they are on your premises. The majority of massage therapists in Canada carry Professional Liability Insurance either as a requirement of their Regulatory Body or as part of their membership with various Provincial Associations. It is recommended that you also carry Commercial General Liability to protect yourself and your clients should they injure themselves on your property, either through a fall or other circumstances, eg. your massage table collapsing or a fall from your table. Lawsuits due to this type of injury are not covered under your Professional Liability.

You will need to advise the Insurance Company who provides the fire insurance on your home or tenants policy that you are operating a business from your home. Their main concern is that a client will fall on an icy driveway or sidewalk. This type of incident will generally not be covered under your house or tenant insurance unless you have purchased special coverage. If you are unsure if you have this coverage, you should contact your insurance provider.

David Stark & Gail Smith
Registered Insurance Brokers with Lackner McLennan Insurance Ltd.