Public liability insurance and kit insurance
As a self-employed worker you should take out public liability insurance to cover you against the cost of any damages caused by your work activities.
That’s where industry specialists Hencilla Canworth, part of Howden, step in to offer their bespoke policy to get our members the best deal on high-quality insurance.
The policy covers any Bectu Extra member working in film, broadcasting, independent television production, theatre, live events, games development, fashion assistants and the technical sector of the arts.
The Bectu Extra Public Liability and Personal Accident insurance for eligible members of Bectu is arranged by Howden Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Hencilla Canworth, a specialist insurance intermediary for the creative sector. The policy provides Public Liability insurance to a limit of indemnity of £10,000,000 and specified Personal Accident insurance benefits.
The policy is underwritten by Hiscox Insurance Company Limited and is for members of Bectu Extra, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy. Bectu Extra members are members of Bectu who have paid the appropriate subscription.
Find out more about Bectu Extra membership
Kit insurance to cover your freelance work
Hencilla Canworth, part of Howden can also provide members with access to Media Freelancer Insurance.
Media Freelancer Insurance’s kit cover includes equipment that you own or hire when it is used away from your premises.
The kit insurance is designed for freelancers and others, who work in the media, film, broadcasting, theatre and live events industries.
Get a quote on Media Freelancer Insurance
What’s in Bectu Extra membership
Bectu Extra membership’s two-in-one plan provides public liability cover of up to £10 million as well as personal accident cover of £100 a week.
The Bectu Extra Public Liability and Personal Accident insurance for eligible members of Bectu is arranged by Howden Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Hencilla Canworth, a specialist insurance intermediary for the creative sector. The policy:
- Includes provision for claims up to £25,000 in respect of goods in the member’s custody and control (up to a maximum total of £100,000).
- Bectu Extra members also receive a work-related Personal Accident Insurance. Members aged between 16 and 80 who are legally resident in the UK, the Channel islands or the Isle of Man will receive the following benefits in the event of a work-related accident that results in Temporary Disablement, Permanent Disablement or Loss of Life: Temporary Disablement: £100 per week payable for up to 52 weeks excluding the first two weeks. Permanent Disablement: £20,000. Loss of Life: £20,000.
It costs £40 for Bectu members, and covers the individual member, a Ltd company where the member is the sole employee, and a formal partnership where the partner is also a Bectu member who subscribes to the insurance from the 1st January 2026 until 31st December 2026.
The policy provides Public Liability insurance to a limit of indemnity of £10,000,000 and specified Personal Accident insurance benefits.
The policy is underwritten by Hiscox Insurance Company Limited and is for members of Bectu Extra, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy. Bectu Extra members are members of Bectu who have paid the appropriate subscription.
Qualifying members are: Any Bectu Extra Member
You can find the following insurance documents available for you to review;
- Insurance Summary 2026 – this summary provides a simple overview of the cover provided by the insurance policy in a shorter format document to read than the Policy Wording.
- Insurance Policy Wording 2026 – this details the full cover provided including terms, conditions and exclusions. This document should be read with your Insurance Policy Schedule as this forms the basis of your insurance contract.
- Insurance Policy Schedule 2026 – this details the cover provided under the policy and will note any specific terms, conditions or exclusions applied.
Should you have any further queries in relation to this insurance policy you can contact Hencilla Canworth at 0208 686 5050. Hencilla Canworth is acting as the insurance intermediary in arranging this cover and does not provide advice or a personal recommendation on the suitability of the insurance for individual members. Members should consider their own circumstances to determine whether the cover meets their specific needs.
Hencilla Canworth is a trading name of Howden Insurance Brokers Limited and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 309639. Registered in England and Wales under company registration number 00725875. Registered Office: One Creechurch Place, London, EC3A 5AF. Calls may be monitored and recorded for quality assurance purposes.
Get support as a member
Speak with your representatives:
If you work in an organisation that has local Bectu representatives, you should speak to them about any work-related issues.
Call the member contact centre on 0300 600 1878 or email [email protected]