Working in your pajamas, coffee in hand, cat on the keyboard… remote working is now part of the norm. But when it comes to home insurance, has your policy kept up? Not always. And that’s where it can get tricky.

Remote working: home or business?

Your home insurance is designed to cover… your home. That makes sense.
But as soon as you start working from home, especially on a regular basis, certain gray areas arise.

In general:

• Your home remains covered (fire, water damage, theft, etc.).
• Your personal equipment is also covered.

Where it gets complicated is when we talk about paid work from home.

Work equipment: pay attention to the details

Computer provided by your employer? Often covered by your employer’s insurance, not yours.
Computer, monitor, printer that you bought for work? They may be covered… but often with a limit.

In other words:
👉 A $1,200 laptop is fine.
👉 A complete $6,000 office with specialized equipment? Not guaranteed.

Civil liability: the point everyone forgets

What if a client, colleague, or even a delivery person is injured at your home during your working hours?

• your type of work
• whether you receive people at home
• whether you sell goods or services

Your home insurance normally covers personal liability, but not always professional activities.
Again, it all depends on:

Self-employed ≠ salaried teleworker

This is THE key distinction.

• Salaried teleworker: often few changes are required, but you still have to declare it.
• Self-employed home-based worker: in this case, we often talk about an endorsement or separate insurance.

Yes, even if you work alone, in silence, without coming and going.

Should you call your insurer?

Short answer: yes.
Honest answer: better to ask a question today than have a nasty surprise tomorrow.

Informing your insurer does not mean your premium will skyrocket. But not doing so could mean zero coverage when you need it most.

In summary

✔ Working from home is normal.
✔ Being properly insured is essential.
✘ Assuming that “it must be okay” is risky.

Your home may have become your office. Make sure your broker knows. Do you have questions about this?