Run a proportionate business-insurance review

Start with risks and promises, not policy names

Insurance should reflect what the business actually does, who could be harmed, what property or income is exposed and what customers, landlords or regulators require.

Do this now

1. Map employees and contractors, customers and the public, products, advice, premises, equipment, stock, cyber systems and vehicles.
2. Check compulsory cover. Employers' liability and motor insurance can be legal requirements in relevant circumstances.
3. Tell home and motor insurers if a home or personal vehicle is used for business; ordinary cover may not include that use.
4. Check client contracts, leases and professional-body rules for minimum cover or specific wording.
5. Compare limits, excesses, exclusions, territorial scope, retroactive dates and claim-notification duties—not only price.
6. Give the insurer complete, accurate information and record the basis of the quotation.

What good looks like

The insured name and activities are correct, required certificates are accessible, material exclusions are understood and the business knows how and when to report an incident.

Common mistakes

• Buying public liability while overlooking professional, product, cyber or employer risks.
• Assuming a customer's insurance covers your work.
• Failing to update cover after adding a service, person, premises or vehicle.
• Choosing a limit without considering the contract or realistic loss.

When to get help

Use an authorised insurer or broker and verify their status. Get specialist help for regulated advice, products, construction, health, food, overseas work, valuable stock or sensitive data.

Keep in your roadmap

Record policy, insurer, renewal, limit, excess, key exclusions, certificate location and review triggers. Set the target review before renewal, not on the final day.