Social Work members are eligible for professional liability coverage through the CASW-Aon Insurance Program at significantly discounted rates. All social workers should consider such coverage given the increasingly litigious climate in which we practice.
Social workers face situations daily where they are open to the possibility of lawsuits and sizeable defence costs. Clients could hold you responsible for malpractice, mistakes or errors arising from your performance of professional services. The liability insurance coverage provided by your employer may not fully cover you. For example, there may be no coverage for disciplinary defence costs incurred in responding to a complaint to the BC College of Social Workers regarding an RSW.
Depending on the plan you select, you will be covered for:
- professional liability
- disciplinary defence costs
- general liability
- office contents (fire, theft, vandalism)
- students working under your supervision
- legal entity coverage (if you incorporate)
You will also be automatically eligible to obtain free legal consultations as part of your professional liability coverage. You will receive free, confidential legal advice by telephone on questions regarding potential civil claims or disciplinary complaints, including
- confidentiality – client files/records
- release of information
- response to a subpoena
- conflict of interest
- sexual involvement with a client
- incompetence
- other professional misconduct issue
Application form for CASW Professional Liability Insurance
Please note that you will require your BCASW membership number to complete the application.
For further information: contact Aon Reed Stenhouse at 1-800-951-CASW.
Important Reminder: You must be a BCASW member in good standing to qualify for this insurance and to submit a claim. Aon does not verify your membership status on a regular basis. If your membership with BCASW has lapsed at the time you make a claim, your insurance will be void, regardless of whether your insurance premiums have been paid.
