CM - public liability insurance ... where to go?

[apotomak]

I'm just finishing my ChIP and was given a choice between two: NCMA or Morton Michel. I have no clue what is better or what differences are as I'm totally new to it. It is free for the first year so the price is not an issue at the moment. What should I look out for? Any advice will be very much appreciated.

Mine was free (funded by LA) and I wasnt given the choice, it came as part of the NCMA membership package.

hth

morton michel definitely. if you get a parent who doesn't pay, they pay up for you then chase the parents through court. Also, their contracts are much clearer and watertight. And they're a bit cheaper. Highly reccommend them

I have been with NCMA for over 10 years, their insurance is actually cheaper, but you have to purchase membership if you want insurance, which makes it slightly more than MM. I am not sure but my friend said that MM's paperwork does not have carbonated copies, which would worry me.

I think it is an either or, they both do the job.

MM's does have carbonated copies. As you say, you have to look into it quite well, I think.
Can you borrow some paperwork from both from any people you know?
ask both companies for copies of their insurance schedule or ring them up and ask what's included re. non - payment etc.

I investigated this when I started as I work with another childminder we decided to get one of each so she is with NCMA and I am with MM. When it comes for renewal next year we will both be going with MM.

We find NCMA is too political (for want of a better word) their main advantage should be that they are fighting your corner as a childminder and therefore are worth the extra (compared to MM). But in reality they are too tied down in red tape to be of any use.

MM paperwork is much more straght forward I fine, but this is a personal decision. You'd do best to get your hands on copies of both if you can?

All the best.