School breaks are anything but a break for applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy providers. As classrooms close for the holidays, providers often shift services into client homes to maintain continuity of care. But with that shift comes an increase in exposure to risks that can jeopardize your business if your coverage isn’t aligned. Before holiday chaos sets in, review your ABA insurance services to verify they meet the seasonal demands of in-home care.
The Liability Shift During Holiday Breaks
When therapy moves from the structured environment of a school or clinic to the varied terrain of a client’s home, your liability shifts dramatically.
- Spending more hours in client homes increases the risk of environmental hazards, such as uneven flooring or poorly restrained pets. (It’s a common misconception that homeowners are liable for all accidents that occur on their property — but that’s not always the case when your employees are present as part of their job duties.)
- If a therapist trips on cluttered flooring or gets bitten by a family pet, your business may be held responsible through workers’ compensation or general liability claims. Homeowners’ insurance often excludes coverage for worker-related incidents or certain breeds of animals. The same applies if a therapist accidentally injures a client — your general liability coverage, not the homeowner’s policy, would respond.
- The increased use of personal vehicles by therapists commuting between multiple homes can elevate auto liability.
- The seasonal spike in demand often necessitates the hiring of temporary staff who may be less familiar with established protocols and procedures.
Protecting Staff and Clients When the Setting Changes
In-home sessions call for a heightened commitment to safety and compliance.
Safety Protocols for Home Visits
- Pre-visit risk assessments: Identify potential trip hazards, aggressive pets, or inadequate privacy.
- Refresher training on mandatory reporting: With new faces in the home, staff must remain vigilant to meet compliance.
- Update emergency contacts: Confirm all client records reflect holiday travel or backup caregivers.
Watch for Cyber Risks
- Remote communication increases vulnerability: Providers using shared or unsecured networks to access records are at higher risk of data breaches, especially when working outside their usual environment.
- Personal device access: Staff logging into systems via personal devices may inadvertently compromise protected information. In fact, compromised credentials and human error remain among the leading causes of data breaches.
Insurance Policies To Review Before Year-End
The holiday season is the ideal time to revisit your insurance portfolio — before gaps turn into claims.
- Workers’ compensation: Confirm part-time and seasonal employees are included in your policy.
- General liability: Check that your coverage extends to third-party injuries occurring in clients’ homes.
- Auto insurance: If employees use their own vehicles for work, verify that your policy addresses non-owned auto liability.
- Cyber liability: With more remote work comes increased exposure — ensure your coverage protects against breaches stemming from the use of personal devices.
Holiday Breaks Don’t Have To Break Your Practice
Increased session hours, environmental unpredictability, and new faces in familiar spaces all combine to create elevated risk during school holidays. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept increased exposure.
With proactive planning and the right coverage in place, you can continue delivering high-quality care without unnecessary liability.
Don’t wait for a claim to uncover a gap. Contact us now to review and adjust your insurance ahead of the holiday season.
About Olson Duncan Insurance
Established in 1945, Olson Duncan Insurance has more than 70 years of experience serving the insurance and risk management needs of California residents and businesses. During our seven decades, we’ve earned the trust of our clients and the outstanding reputation of professional integrity by consistently offering individuals and businesses quality insurance products at fair, competitive prices, backed by exceptionally responsive service.