Do I need business insurance? A guide to protecting your business

Insurance for every part of your business

The two main types of business insurance are public liability insurance, which we’ve looked at in a previous blog post, and employer liability insurance. But there are other types of insurance available which cover different aspects of business. Because each policy is different, it’s important to know what’s actually covered by your insurance – in case you need additional cover for a specific part of your business.

Employer liability insurance

Employer liability insurance is a legal requirement if you have any employees at all, whether they’re temps, part time or full time. This cover aims to protect your business against the cost of claims made against you if an employee is injured or becomes ill whilst working for you.

Product liability insurance

If anyone suffers damage or injury because of a product you designed, repaired, or supplied, this insurance can cover compensation costs. Remember – you don’t have to be the product manufacturer to be liable for damages.

Professional indemnity insurance

Professional indemnity insurance is for businesses that offer skills or advice as part of their service. If your work ends up leading to a client’s loss of sales or damaged reputation, this insurance can help cover the cost of legal fees and claims.

Business interruption insurance

Taking out a business interruption insurance policy will cover you for loss of sales and profits during a period that you’re unable to operate due to unforeseen circumstances – such as after a flood or fire.

Business property coverage

This insurance covers the physical contents of your business, the equipment you need to do your job. It includes things like computers, mechanical equipment, tools, machines and stock.

Keyman insurance

Keyman insurance is a policy taken out by a business to insure their most valuable employees. Think of it as life and critical illness cover for those who are crucial to your company’s success – whether that’s the CEO, or an employee with a specialist skill set.

Goods in transit insurance

This type of policy covers items from theft, loss or damage while they are being transported by vehicle for business purposes. It includes things like furniture removal, and couriers working for online retailers.

Motor trade insurance

Also known as traders insurance, this cover is a must-have for anybody who deals with vehicles as part of business operations. Whether you're buying and selling vehicles, carrying out repairs or offering a vehicle breakdown cover service. You also need a motor trade insurance policy to keep yourself road legal.

Credit insurance

Credit or credit risk insurance protects policyholders in the event of a customer becoming insolvent, or failing to pay their trade credit debts. This type of cover can help to reduce the risk of financial loss through credit management support by transferring risk away from the business and over to an insurer.

Cyber insurance

Cyber insurance (also known as cyber risk or cyber liability insurance) is designed to protect your business from internet-based risks, including data breaches or malicious hacks into work computer systems. It can also cover IT infrastructure, information privacy, and information governance liability.

Staying protected

There are risks in every business venture – but with planning and research, you can make sure you and your business are covered by the right kind of insurance. Remember, the cost of your insurance will depend on the amount of cover you need, so make sure you complete a thorough assessment of your needs in order to get an accurate insurance quote. Where your business is concerned, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.