A practical guide to the questions you need to ask before taking out professional indemnity insurance as an ADHD coach.
Why you need insurance - and when
- You need professional indemnity insurance as soon as you start coaching clients, including while you are still in training and building your accreditation hours.
- A good insurer will ask for evidence of your training at this stage, and later for your accreditation once you hold it.
- Do not wait until you qualify to get covered.
Explaining your role to an insurer
- Be clear that you are a coach, not a therapist or diagnostician. You do not diagnose, treat, or offer clinical support.
- Ask whether they have insured ADHD coaches before.
- Confirm whether you work with adults, children, or both; whether you work with parents; and whether you work online, face to face, or both.
- Ask whether the policy is affected if your working arrangement changes.
Questions to ask about your practice
- Can you coach clients in the UK from abroad if you travel?
- Can you coach clients not based in the UK?
- Does the policy cover group coaching and workshops as well as one-to-one?
- Does it cover digital downloads, training products, or memberships?
- Are you covered if you later bring on associates or subcontracted coaches?
Safeguarding
- If you coach anyone under 18, ask specifically about safeguarding requirements.
- You may also need to hold a current DBS check.
- Do not assume your policy covers this without asking directly.
Public liability
- Public liability insurance is generally only relevant if you are meeting clients face to face.
- If you coach entirely online, your professional indemnity policy is likely sufficient, but confirm this with your insurer.
GDPR and data protection
- How long do client records need to be retained and what storage security is required?
- Are you covered if a laptop containing client data is lost or stolen?
- Is cyber liability included?
- Are you covered for accidental GDPR breaches such as session notes or recordings being shared with the wrong person?
Legal expenses
- Ask whether legal expenses are included, particularly cover for contract disputes with clients.
- This is not always standard but is worth having.
Before you sign
- Confirm the excess and maximum claim amount.
- Check whether the insurer requires supervision or ongoing CPD as a condition of cover.
- Check whether the policy auto-renews and how to cancel if needed.