Digital risk insurance specialist Safeonline has extended its SafeEmail policy to better cover businesses for growing liability exposures.
The policy, which was initially launched in July 2001, covers SMEs (small-to-medium sized businesses) that have a company email system against third party liability claims.
Instant Messaging and company websites are now also covered under the policy. Instant Messaging is an internet-based messaging system that sends electronic messages between users immediately. Importantly, unlike emails and websites these messages do not usually include a disclaimer.
The policy also provides protection against legal liability for actual or alleged defamation, privacy infringement, virus transmission or unlawful use of electronically-held information.
Safeonline's European vice president Stuart McMillan said: "Many businesses still think that their messaging and website liabilities would be covered under their standard commercial policies.
"In fact, over the last few months we have seen many commercial insurers introduce exclusions in respect of electronic risks leaving businesses dangerously exposed.
"The insurance industry is not always perceived as being quick off the mark in ensuring cover keeps pace with evolving technology use - we wanted to dispel that myth by proactively extending cover under our SafeEmail policy in line with changing business needs."
Premiums are based on the number of employees with email access and start at £249 for a small business with up to five email users, rising to more than £4,000 for a company with 250 users.
