There are several types of business insurance you should consider if you run a migration agency. These include:
Professional indemnity insurance
The greatest risks faced by migration agents relate to legal liability. Whether a client claims you incorrectly completed a visa application on their behalf or a disappointed client whose residency application is denied sues you, there may be a risk someone will hit you with a professional liability lawsuit. For this reason, professional indemnity insurance is a must for all migration agents.
Professional indemnity insurance can cover you against claims that the advice or service you provided was negligent or fell short of expected professional standards. Coverage starts from $250,000 for this type of insurance, but the amount of cover available can extend up to $10 million or more.
What it covers:
- Cover for your legal defence costs
- Payment of compensation if there’s a successful claim against you
- Payment of court-awarded damages to the litigant
- Cover for the cost of disciplinary proceedings or investigations
Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance is essential for any migration agent who has contact with the general public. It can provide cover against claims that your business activity caused injury to a member of the public or damaged their property. This insurance can offer between $5 million and $20 million worth of coverage.
What it covers:
- Third-party personal injury claims
- Damage to a third party’s property
- Legal fees to defend yourself
Cyber liability insurance
Cyber liability insurance is a type of insurance which is vital for anyone who collects and holds confidential or sensitive client information, including online businesses and migration agents who serve their clients remotely.
What it covers:
- Data breaches including theft of client information
- The cost of forensic investigation into the cause of the breach
- Data recovery costs
- Cyber extortion and denial of service threats
- Crisis management costs
- Advertising and communicating with customers
- Legal costs including any fines and penalties imposed
General business insurance
General business insurance may also be worthwhile if you run an office and wish to protect your building and contents. You may also consider commercial property insurance if you own your business premises.
What it covers:
- Fire, storms, theft, vandalism and collision which cause damage to your business assets
- Specialist cover for electronic equipment and other portable equipment
- Limited business interruption insurance