0800 276 1197

    General

  • How do I retrieve a quote?

    If you’ve previously obtained an insurance quote on the Small Business Direct website, you can retrieve it by selecting the relevant product from the “ËœRetrieve quote’ menu at the top of the screen.

  • How do I get an online quote?

    Simply click the “Ëœcompare quotes’ button on the homepage in the section that matches your business type. Alternatively use the menus or search box to find your specific trade.

    If you can’t find your business type you can always get a quote over the phone. Give our friendly team a call on 0800 276 1197 and we’ll talk you through it or use the form on our contact us page.

  • I can’t find my business type on the site

    If you can’t find your business type on the homepage, try using the menus or search box to find your specific trade.

    Still stuck? Don’t worry, our friendly team are on hand to help – give us a call on 0800 276 1197 and we’ll talk you through it or use the form on our contact us page.

  • How long is my quote valid for?

    Your small business insurance quote will be valid for 30 days.

  • Can I pay for my policy by debit or credit card?

    Yes. We accept most major credit and debit cards.

  • Can I pay for my policy in monthly instalments?

    Yes. We offer payment by monthly instalments under the Direct Debit Guarantee. Our credit facility is provided by Premium Credit Ltd. We are a credit broker not a lender.

  • Can I pay for my policy by cheque?

    Unfortunately we are unable to accept payments made by cheque for any policy bought online.

  • Can I pay for my policy with cash?

    We are unable to accept payments made in cash.

  • How do i make a change to my policy?

    Speak to a member of our team by calling 0800 276 1197 or request a call back using the form on the contact us page to discuss your policy changes.

  • How do I change my contact details?

    Speak to a member of our team by calling 0800 276 1197 or request a call back using the form on the contact us page.

  • How do I make a claim?

    See our make a claim page. Here you’ll find all the information you need to start the process.

  • What is your cookie policy?

    Our Cookie Policy can be found within our Terms of Business.

  • What is your Accessibility Policy?

    Our Accessibility Policy can be found within our Terms of Business.

  • Do you sell customer data?

    We do not sell customer data and we don’t have any plans to. For more information, our Privacy Policy can be found within our Terms of Business.

  • What is IPT?

     

    IPT stands for Insurance Premium Tax. IPT is a government tax on general insurance premiums.

  • What is an ERN?

    An Employer Reference Number (ERN) is a unique reference given to every business that registers with HMRC as an employer. It can be found on many documents including P45, P60 & P1 HD.

    Insurers record this number with the Employers Liability Tracing Office (ELTO) so that they can identify the relevant insurer quickly and efficiently to assist those who have suffered injury or disease in the workplace.

  • How do I make a complaint?

    Should you need to make a complaint, please get in touch with a member of our team by calling 0800 276 1197 or request a call back using the form on the contact us page.

    Our Complaints Policy can be found within our Terms of Business.

  • How do I cancel my policy?

    Cancellation requests need to be made in writing. You can do this via email or by sending us your request in the post. Please refer to our contact us page for contact details.

    If you have any other queries please get in touch with a member of our friendly team by calling 0800 276 1197 or request a call back using the form on the contact us page.

  • How do I renew my policy?

    Give our friendly team a call on 0800 276 1197 or use the form on our contact us page.

  • I’m an existing customer and can’t find my documents – can I download them from your website?

    Give our friendly team a call on 0800 276 1197 or use the form on our contact us page and we’ll be happy to send you replacement documents.

  • Business premises

  • What is public & products liability insurance?

    It’s designed to cover damage caused to third parties, such as injury caused to a member of the public or damage caused to a customer’s property.

  • What is employers’ liability insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate you should an employee or ex-employee suffer an injury or illness caused by their work. It is usually a legal requirement to have this cover in place if you employ any staff.

  • What is glass & shop-front insurance?

    It’s designed to cover the cost of replacing your glass and signage as a result of malicious or accidental damage, such as damage caused by a storm or a break-in.

  • What is employee theft insurance?

    Employee theft insurance (or fidelity guarantee insurance) is designed to compensate your business if an employee commits an act of fraud, theft or dishonesty in the course of their employment.

  • What is legal expenses insurance?

    It’s designed to cover your business in the event of legal action. This insurance can provide cover for a range of scenarios including HMRC tax investigations, civil actions brought against you under the Data Protection Act and employment tribunals.

  • What is buildings insurance?

    It’s designed to cover you for damage to the structure of your property. This can include garages, out-houses, fences and fixtures and fittings.

  • What is loss of money insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate you if you suffer loss or theft of cash, cheques or credit cards – including whilst in transit.

  • What is stock insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate you in the event of loss, damage or theft. You can also add goods in transit cover to your policy, which is designed to cover your stock whilst being transported.

  • What is tobacco wines & spirits insurance?

    It’s designed to cover you in the event of loss, damage or theft. This cover is taken separately to general stock insurance as these items tend to be high value.

  • What is personal accident (assault) insurance?

    It’s designed to provide compensation in the event that either you or your staff suffer injuries as a result of a robbery or break in.

  • What is loss of licence insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate your business in the event that you lose your licence to sell alcohol.

  • What is goods in transit insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate your business for loss or damage to stock during transit.

  • What is contents insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate your business for loss of or damage to the contents of your premises. Common risks include fire, flood, accidental damage and theft. “ËœContents’ can include personal possessions, furniture and electronic equipment. Some items such as stock and computer equipment may need to be noted separately on your policy.

  • What is deterioration of stock insurance?

    Deterioration of stock insurance (or frozen food insurance) is designed to compensate your business in the event of damage to stock following breakdown of refrigeration equipment.

  • What is tenants’ improvements insurance?

    It’s designed to cover your business against damage caused to improvements you have made to your rented premises. For example if a fire or flood causes damage to partition walls erected as part of a refurbishment.

  • What is computer equipment insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate your business in the event of loss, theft or damage to computers. Some policies will also protect against new risks such as data corruption and cyber-attacks as well as traditional risks such as fire and flood.

  • What is business interruption insurance?

    It’s designed to cover lost income suffered after an incident such as a fire or a flood. As well as lost income, business interruption insurance can also cover your business for additional costs, such as alternative accommodation.

  • What are your standard policy exclusions?

    These will vary depending on policy type, insurer and individual circumstance. You can find policy exclusions in your policy wording which will be supplied once you have obtained a quote.

  • What is my policy excess?

    These will vary depending on policy type, insurer and individual circumstance You can find your policy excesses in your quote summary.

  • Landlords

  • What is property owners’ liability insurance?

    It’s designed to cover damage caused to third parties, such as injury caused to a member of the public or damage caused to a customer’s property.

  • What is employers’ liability insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate you should an employee or ex-employee suffer an injury or illness caused by their work. It is usually a legal requirement to have this cover in place if you employ any staff.

  • What is loss of rent insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate you in the event that your tenants are no longer able to live in the property due to damage – such as a fire or flood. This doesn’t cover you if your tenants simply default on their rent.

  • What is contents insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate your business for loss of or damage to the contents of your premises. Common risks include fire, flood, accidental damage and theft. “ËœContents’ can include personal possessions, furniture and electronic equipment. Some items such as stock and computer equipment may need to be noted separately on your policy.

  • What is buildings insurance?

    It’s designed to cover you for damage to the structure of your property. This can include garages, out-houses, fences and fixtures and fittings.

  • What is home emergency insurance?

    It’s designed to cover you for emergencies such as boiler breakdown, drainage problems, roof damage, electricity supply and damage to locks. The service will vary depending on insurer, but usually your insurer will send out an approved tradesperson to fix the damage.

  • What is accidental damage insurance?

    It’s designed to cover you for unplanned and unintentional damage to your building or contents. For example: water damage caused by accidentally hammering a nail into a water pipe, or a child spilling grape juice on the carpet.

  • What are your standard policy exclusions?

    These will vary depending on policy type, insurer and individual circumstance. You can find policy exclusions in your policy wording which will be supplied once you have obtained a quote.

  • What is my policy excess?

    These will vary depending on policy type, insurer and individual circumstance You can find your policy excesses in your quote summary.

  • Hospitality

  • What is public & products liability insurance?

    It’s designed to cover damage caused to third parties, such as injury caused to a member of the public or damage caused to a customer’s property.

  • What is employers’ liability insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate you should an employee or ex-employee suffer an injury or illness caused by their work. It is usually a legal requirement to have this cover in place if you employ any staff.

  • What is loss of money insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate you if you suffer loss or theft of cash, cheques or credit cards – including whilst in transit.

  • What is stock, wines & spirits insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate you for loss, theft or damage to alcohol you keep in stock. Wines & spirits are noted separately on your policy due to their high value.

  • What is loss of licence insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate your business in the event that you lose your licence to sell alcohol.

  • What is glass & signage insurance?

    It’s designed to cover the cost of replacing your glass and signage as a result of malicious or accidental damage, such as damage caused by a storm or a break-in.

  • What is employee theft insurance?

    Employee theft insurance (or fidelity guarantee insurance) is designed to compensate your business if an employee commits an act of fraud, theft or dishonesty in the course of their employment.

  • What is contents insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate your business for loss of or damage to the contents of your premises. Common risks include fire, flood, accidental damage and theft. “ËœContents’ can include personal possessions, furniture and electronic equipment. Some items such as stock and computer equipment may need to be noted separately on your policy.

  • What is business interruption insurance?

    It’s designed to cover lost income suffered after an incident such as a fire or a flood. As well as lost income, business interruption insurance can also cover your business for additional costs, such as alternative accommodation.

  • What is buildings insurance?

    It’s designed to cover you for damage to the structure of your property. This can include garages, out-houses, fences and fixtures and fittings.

  • What are your standard policy exclusions?

    These will vary depending on policy type, insurer and individual circumstance. You can find policy exclusions in your policy wording which will be supplied once you have obtained a quote.

  • What is my policy excess?

    These will vary depending on policy type, insurer and individual circumstance You can find your policy excesses in your quote summary.

  • Tradesman

  • What is public liability insurance?

    It’s designed to cover damage caused to third parties, such as injury caused to a member of the public or damage caused to a customer’s property.

  • What is employers’ liability insurance?

    It’s designed to compensate you should an employee or ex-employee suffer an injury or illness caused by their work. It is usually a legal requirement to have this cover in place if you employ any staff.

  • What is tools insurance?

    It’s designed to cover handheld tools such as a power drill or saw. This insurance commonly covers your tools against loss, damage and theft.

  • What is owned plant insurance?

    It’s designed to cover plant or machinery that your business owns, such as cement mixers, lawn mowers and scaffolding. This insurance commonly covers your tools against loss, damage and theft.

  • What is hired-in plant insurance?

    It’s designed to cover plant or machinery that your business has hired, leased or rented – such as cement mixers, lawn mowers and scaffolding. This insurance commonly covers your tools against loss, damage and theft.

  • What are your standard policy exclusions?

    These will vary depending on policy type, insurer and individual circumstance. You can find policy exclusions in your policy wording which will be supplied once you have obtained a quote.

  • What is my policy excess?

    These will vary depending on policy type, insurer and individual circumstance You can find your policy excesses in your quote summary.

  • Professional Indemnity

  • How long does professional indemnity insurance last?

    If a client brings a professional indemnity claim against you, you want to be sure that your insurance covers you. So how long does professional indemnity insurance remain in effect?

    What is a professional indemnity claim?

    A professional indemnity claim will usually relate to professional advice you gave about design, specifications, or other details of a build or project.

    Occasionally, it may relate to a data breach where you accidently or neglectfully disclosed someone’s data or information.

    If a claim relates to damage or injury sustained by an employee, former employee, or member of the public, this will not be covered by your professional indemnity insurance. Your public liability and employers’ liability insurance will cover these.

    How long does my professional indemnity insurance policy last?

    An insurance policy normally lasts for one year.

    Am I covered if the claim wasn’t made until after the insurance policy ended?

    This will depend on the circumstances. If you have had professional indemnity insurance continuously since you started working, and the incident and date of the claim occurred while you were insured, you should be covered.

    Even if you changed insurance company and the claim falls outside the period covered by one insurance policy and within a new one, you should be OK. However, you should check your policy to confirm this. Look for something known as the retroactive date.

    What is a retroactive date?

    This is the date after which any incident claimed for will be covered. Retroactive dates vary from one insurance policy to another, so you should always check.

    What happens if I haven’t had continuous insurance cover?

    If the incident and the claim both occurred in the year in which you had insurance, you may be covered.

    If the incident happened before you were insured, it is unlikely your current policy will cover it, even if the claim is made during the period when you had insurance (unless the retroactive date and policy say otherwise).

    What happens if the claim is made after my insurance has lapsed?

    If a claim is brought against you for work carried out during a period when you had insurance, but the claim itself is made after your policy lapsed, you will probably not be covered.

    So do I need to stay insured?

    Professional Indemnity Insurance offers continuous protection while you are working. If you decide to close your business, you may also benefit from having insurance for a period of time afterwards. This is known as run-off insurance.

  • How do I claim on professional indemnity insurance?

    Unfortunately, things sometimes go wrong while working in construction. Fortunately, your insurance is there to protect you and your business if someone brings a claim against you as a result.

    This post looks at how you can make a claim on your professional indemnity insurance, and what it should cover.

    What does my insurance cover?

    Public Liability Insurance is designed to cover claims made by members of the public in respect of any injury your business may have caused or damage to property.

    Employers’ Liability Insurance covers claims made by employees or former employees.

    Professional Indemnity Insurance protects against the cost of claims arising from negligent advice you may have given as part of your work, resulting in a financial loss for the client.

    How do I know whether to claim?

    This may not always be obvious.

    You may have a client who is not happy about something, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are going to bring a claim against you.

    On the other hand, you have a duty to notify your insurer promptly of any potential claim. If you don’t, it may invalidate your insurance.

    If a client complains, you must assess whether this is just a minor issue that can be resolved with some remedial work, or whether the client may potentially take matters further.

    On the whole, you should be cautious. Even a passing remark about suing you should be taken seriously.

    If the client is refusing to pay and has openly accused you of negligence, contact your insurance company straight away.

    If you are in any doubt, speak to your insurer. They will be able to advise you.

    When do I claim on my professional indemnity insurance?

    Check the terms of your insurance policy. Most insurance companies require you to notify them immediately when you become aware of a potential claim or circumstances which may give rise to a claim.

    If you don’t notify your insurer, it may invalidate your claim. Remember: they are experts and can advise you on what to do next. They may also be able to manage a settlement.

    How do I make a claim?

    Again, check the terms of your insurance. Whom you should contact and how should be explained.

    You will almost certainly need to provide information, such as:

    • copies of any correspondence with the client and any other relevant documentation
    • a brief outline of what happened
    • the name and address of the client
    • when you first became aware of the issue

    What do I say to the client?

    Notify your insurance company immediately and you will have peace of mind knowing there is an expert on your side who can help manage any claim and meet the potential costs or damages involved.

  • Why do I need professional indemnity insurance?

    If you work in construction, deciding which types of insurance policies you need and how much cover you should have can be challenging. This post focuses on one particular type of insurance for construction: professional indemnity insurance.

    What is professional indemnity insurance?

    Professional indemnity insurance covers you and your business in the event you provide negligent professional advice to a client that results in them incurring damage or financial loss. If the client chooses to sue you because you gave bad information, your policy will cover costs and legal fees.

    The advice you provide could be about anything related to your work, e.g. advice on design or specifications.

    It also covers situations where you breach copyright or mishandle confidential information. This might happen if you send a confidential document to the wrong person, or a hacker manages to steal confidential data you hold on behalf of someone else.

    Why do I need professional indemnity insurance?

    It is not a legal requirement to have professional indemnity insurance, but you may find your trade’s regulatory body or professional association may require you to have it.

    It’s important to remember that the costs of damages and legal fees, should something go wrong, may amount to thousands of pounds or more. If you don’t have insurance, your business must pay. If you can’t pay, your business could be at risk.

    Having professional indemnity insurance also reassures existing and potential clients, as it puts forward the message that you are a reputable business. It also gives you peace of mind.

    How much does professional indemnity insurance cost?

    This will depend on a few factors, including the complexity and value of the projects you work on, and the amount of cover you need.

    You may need cover anywhere in the region between £50,000 and £10 million. However, a typical starting point is £500,000. Speak to an insurance broker that has experience of the construction industry.

    Will I still need other types of insurance?

    Professional indemnity insurance only relates to the possible problems arising from providing professional advice and instructions, or confidentiality breaches. You may also need:

    • employers’ liability insurance (if you employ anyone)
    • public liability insurance
    • insurance for your tools is also a sensible option

  • Do I need professional indemnity insurance as a limited company?

    Whatever your business, you will almost certainly benefit from having insurance cover. You probably understand the need for public liability or employers’ liability, but what about professional indemnity insurance? Does the way your business is set up affect this?

    What is professional indemnity insurance?

    Professional indemnity insurance protects your business if you provide advice as part of the services you offer. This could be design advice or recommended specifications.
    If you end up providing information that is negligent, and the client decides to sue you for financial loss, your policy will cover the costs ordered by the court, and any legal fees.

    It also covers you if you accidently send personal or confidential information to the wrong person, or you suffer a data breach in relation to other people’s information that you hold or store.

    Is professional indemnity insurance necessary if I operate as a limited company?

    It doesn’t matter how your business is set up. If you provide advice and services as described above, professional indemnity insurance offers protection, irrespective of whether your business is a limited company, a partnership, or you operate as a sole trader.

    Why is professional indemnity insurance important?

    Although it is not a legal requirement, professional indemnity insurance is important. Without insurance, your business must pay any damages and legal fees ordered by the courts. These can amount to thousands of pounds.

    If you can’t pay, your business could be at risk, and so will your reputation.
    Having professional indemnity insurance not only provides peace of mind; it also reassures clients and helps establish you as a reputable business.

    How much cover will you need?

    This depends on the type of work you take on. If you work on complex projects, you may need a higher level of cover. Cover starts from £500,000 in professional indemnity cover.

    How much does professional indemnity insurance cost?

    This will vary depending on a broad selection of factors, including:

    • the amount of cover you need
    • your claims history
    • the types of projects you work on

    The best way to work out the cost for your business’ circumstances is to apply for a quote with a reputable insurer that has experience of the construction industry.

  • What does professional indemnity insurance cover?

    Anyone who works in the building trade needs proper insurance. You may already have public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance in place, but what does professional indemnity insurance cover and why do you need it?

     

    What is professional indemnity insurance?

    Professional indemnity insurance is a type of insurance you may need if you offer professional services.

    It is different from public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance.

     

    Who needs professional indemnity insurance?

    Professional indemnity insurance offers protection for businesses that provide professional advice or hold important or personal data.

    The advice you offer could be about the design of a building or the specifications of the materials.

     

    What protection does professional indemnity insurance offer?

    If the advice you provide turns out to be negligent, causing the client to suffer a financial loss, your professional indemnity insurance will pay the damages (up to your level of cover).

    It also covers situations where you:

    • end up losing important or personal data
    • breach copyright
    • break confidentiality (e.g. by accidentally sending confidential information to the wrong person)

     

    Does it make a difference if I’m self-employed?

    If you give professional advice, you should consider professional indemnity insurance, whether you work on a self-employed basis or as a limited company or partnership.

    The only difference is that it may cost less if you are self-employed.

     

    How much cover do I need?

    This will depend on multiple factors, such as the types of projects you take on and advice you give. Cover is available from £500,000.

    If you’re not sure how much cover you need, speak to a broker with experience of providing cover for your trade.

     

    How much does professional indemnity insurance cost?

    Again, this will depend on:

    • your trade
    • the types of projects you take on
    • where you work
    • the size of your business
    • how many employees you have

    However, you can usually get cover as part of a package of insurance products.

     

    Is obtaining cover really that important?

    If something goes wrong and you are ordered to pay damages, you or your business will have to pay. Claims can often amount to thousands of pounds. If you don’t have insurance, and can’t pay, your business may be at risk.

    Having the right insurance not only provides peace of mind; it also creates a positive impression for potential clients and strengthens trust in your services.

  • Do electricians need professional indemnity insurance?

    If you’re working as a self-employed electrician, a limited company or partnership, then you’ll be aware that you may need insurance. But is professional indemnity insurance a necessity, and how much will it set you back?

     

    What is professional indemnity insurance?

    Professional indemnity is a type of insurance that protects businesses which provide professional advice to clients. This could include advice about design or materials.

    If a client successfully claims the advice provided was wrong or negligent and caused them a loss, professional indemnity insurance ensures you can pay the compensation awarded by the court, and any legal fees which have been incurred.

    Compensation may also be ordered to pay for the damage to be put right, so it’s very easy for claims like these to add up to thousands of pounds.

     

    Do I need professional indemnity insurance?

    You are not legally required to have professional indemnity insurance, although you should always check the terms of client contracts to see whether it’s a contractual requirement.

    If you never provide professional advice, you may not need professional indemnity insurance, e.g. if you just install and repair electrical installations and follow the instructions of the client or architect.

    However, if you do offer any kind of advice then it’s important consider professional indemnity insurance. You will also need it if you provide training or certification as part of your business.

    If you’re in any doubt about whether you need professional indemnity insurance, you should speak to your insurance company.

    If you can’t pay the compensation and legal fees after a successful claim against you, your business and assets may be at risk.

    Apart from anything else, having adequate insurance also guarantees you peace of mind.

     

    How much cover do I need?

    This will depend on the nature of your business and how large it is. It will also depend on the type of work you do, and what level of cover a client may require you to have.

    Standard levels of cover often start at between £50,000 and £1 million. However, you could get a higher level of cover if you take on complex, high-value projects. Again, it is worth discussing this with an insurance company.

     

    How much will my professional indemnity insurance cost?

    This will depend on how your business is set up (whether you are a sole trader or a limited company or partnership), how many employees you have, and the sort of work that you do. You can get an accurate quote by applying online or talking to your insurer.