Month: November 2025

Flooding can be devastating for businesses, causing property damage, disrupting operations and leading to costly downtime. Whether you’re in a high-risk area or simply want to be prepared, knowing what to do before and after a flood can make all the difference.

At QMT Commercial Insurance Brokers, we’re committed to helping businesses build resilience – not just through finding insurance cover, but through proactive planning. Because when it comes to risk, prevention is always better than cure.

Be proactive with these helpful tips, and always check with official flood agencies for the most up-to-date guidance.

Before a flood: prepare and protect

• Know your risk
  • Check if your premises are in a flood-prone area using government flood maps.
  • Understand the types of flooding that could affect you (river, coastal, surface water).

• Review your insurance
  • Ensure your commercial property insurance includes flood cover.
  • Consider business interruption insurance to help protect income during downtime.
  • Keep copies of your policy documents in a secure, accessible location.

• Create a flood plan
  • Assign roles and responsibilities to staff.
  • Identify critical equipment and stock that need protection or relocation.
  • Plan evacuation routes and emergency contacts.

• Protect your premises
  • Install flood barriers or sandbags at entry points.
  • Raise electrical sockets and valuable equipment above ground level.
  • Store important documents and data backups offsite or in the cloud.

• Communicate with your team
  • Train staff on emergency procedures.
  • Share your flood plan and ensure everyone knows what to do.

After a flood: respond and recover

• Stay safe
  • Do not enter flooded buildings until they’ve been declared safe.
  • Watch out for electrical hazards and structural damage.

• Document the damage
  • Take photos and videos of all affected areas and items.
  • Keep a record of damaged stock, equipment and property.

• Contact your insurer
  • Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible.
  • Provide documentation and follow their claims process.

• Clean up carefully
  • Use professional services for water removal and sanitisation.
  • Dispose of contaminated items safely.

• Review and rebuild
  • Assess what worked and what didn’t in your flood plan.
  • Update your insurance and risk strategy to reflect lessons learned.

Let QMT Commercial help you with insurance protection

At QMT Commercial, we work with businesses to help ensure they have the right cover in place. Contact us today:

01233 222 562
ashford@qmtcommercial.co.uk

Winter brings festive spirit, but it also brings some of the most challenging conditions of the year for businesses. From frozen pipes to storm damage, icy roads, seasonal shutdowns and increased theft risks, winter can pose significant threats to premises, vehicles and ongoing trading.

For driving instructors, motor traders, landlords, commercial vehicle operators and general business owners, understanding winter risks – and taking steps to minimise them – is essential for safety, continuity and protecting your future insurance premiums.

Why managing winter risk matters

Insurance should never be the first line of defence. If a claim can be avoided through good risk management, businesses may benefit from:

• Reduced chances of costly interruption
• Lower long-term insurance premiums
• Greater safety for staff, customers and visitors
• Protecting brand reputation

Many winter claims are preventable – which makes planning and prevention key.

Common winter insurance risks and how to manage them

We’ve rounded up some of the most common winter risks and shared practical tips to help you reduce them. Please note, this is general guidance and not a substitute for professional advice from organisations such as RoSPA, the Environment Agency or other relevant bodies.

Frozen and burst pipes in commercial properties

Low temperatures can freeze water in pipework, causing ruptures and major water damage when the ice thaws. These claims are among the most common (and expensive) winter losses for landlords and business owners.

Common causes:

• Poor insulation
• No heating during closures
• Unoccupied premises
• Undetected slow leaks

How to reduce the risk:

• Keep heating on low (12–15°C) in cold snaps
• Lag pipes and water tanks
• Install leak detection or smart water-shutoff devices
• Drain systems if buildings will be fully closed
• Check lofts, basements and remote areas regularly
• Know where the stopcock is

For landlords, ensuring tenants know these steps – and including obligations in tenancy agreements – is vital.

Unoccupied offices during Christmas shutdown

Many businesses power down over Christmas and assume nothing will go wrong – but insurers often see the opposite. Water leaks, burst pipes, break-ins and unnoticed damage can go undetected for days.

Risk-reducing actions:

• Formal shutdown procedures
• Inspection during closure where possible
• Maintain minimum heating levels
• Ensure security systems are working
• Remove cash and portable equipment
• Advise insurers if a building will be unoccupied for extended periods (insurers sometimes require notification beyond 30 days.)

Driving risks: icy roads, reduced visibility and increased accident potential

Driving instructors, motor traders, commercial fleet owners and business owners with company vehicles face higher accident risk in winter due to:

• Snow and ice
• Standing water
• Reduced daylight
• Black ice
• High winds
• Fog

Protective measures:

• Winter tyres where appropriate
• Ensure vehicle servicing is up to date
• Stock emergency kits (torches, blankets, visibility gear)
• Encourage defensive driving practices
• Plan routes to avoid high-risk areas
• Allow extra travel time and avoid unnecessary journeys

Driving instructors face an additional challenge during tests – learner drivers already operate at the edge of their skill level. Demonstrating risk assessments and safe operational planning helps strengthen insurance defensibility in the event of a claim.

Flood risk – not just a coastal problem

Rainfall spikes and snowmelt can cause:

• Flooding of workshops and offices
• Water ingress into commercial vehicles
• Damage to equipment, stock or computer systems
• Disruption to trading

Risk reduction steps:

• Use flood barriers or sandbags if in a known flood area
• Store valuable items off ground level
• Install non-return valves on drainage where possible
• Check guttering and roof drainage regularly
• Ensure staff know emergency evacuation procedures

Motor traders should prioritise safe vehicle storage and review policies to ensure flood cover is included – as some policies exclude it unless specified.

Storm damage to buildings and yards

High winds, falling trees and flying debris frequently cause insurance claims over winter.

Preventative checks

• Inspect roof tiles, flashing and fixings
• Secure signage and external displays
• Trim trees and remove dead branches
• Store loose items indoors or secure them
• Check cladding, gates and fencing

Not only does this help to reduce claims, it can prevent indirect losses such as lost trading hours, staff safety incidents and emergency repairs at peak periods.

Increased theft & crime risks over winter

The early nights mean more hours of darkness – ideal for opportunistic crime. Motor traders, landlords and businesses storing vehicles or high-value assets are particularly at risk.

Prevention measures:

• CCTV and motion-triggered lighting
• Good perimeter security
• Secure keys in industry-approved safes
• Remove valuables from vehicles overnight
• Alarm systems linked to monitoring services
• Shuttered windows and reinforced entry points

Keep security maintenance logs – insurers often request proof after a claim.

Christmas-related risks

The festive season may be enjoyable but it also brings unique hazards:

For businesses:

• Electrical fires from temporary lighting
• Increased waste leading to fire risk
• Distracted staff and shortcuts on safety
• Higher customer footfall risks in retail settings

For landlords:

• Tenants away during cold spells
• Increased heating and electrical demand
• Alcohol-related fire and damage issues

Risk controls:

• PAT test temporary electrics
• Avoid overloading sockets
• Keep escape routes clear
• Remind tenants to maintain heating
• Carry out extra checks before closure

Industry-specific winter risk focus

Driving instructors:

• Dangerous road conditions for learners
• Higher chance of collisions and injury
• Last-minute test cancellations
• Increased demand for vehicle maintenance

Key priority: Extra caution, tyre and brake checks and recording pre-lesson vehicle inspections can help protect against liability.

Motor traders:

• Flooding or storm damage to forecourts
• Vehicles damaged in high winds or ice
• Theft in darker hours

Key priority: Secure vehicle storage, reinforced security and ensuring policy wording specifically protects stock vehicles in the open.

Landlords:

• Unoccupied or poorly heated properties
• Tenant negligence
• Burst pipes and water claims

Key priority: Clear heating requirements in tenancy agreements and proactive communication before cold snaps.

Commercial vehicle owners:

• Road accidents
• Breakdown delays
• Greater risk of lost deliveries or missed appointments

Key priority: Regular vehicle servicing, winter tyres and journey planning with built-in contingency.

General business owners:

• Premises left vacant during shutdowns
• Storm damage
• Business interruption

Key priority: Formal winter risk plans and checking whether insurance policies include business interruption cover.

Final word: prevention pays

Winter insurance claims are common, costly and often avoidable. Whether you’re a landlord, driving instructor, motor trader or business owner, taking simple proactive steps now can help you to avoid a headache tomorrow.

If you’d like help reviewing your winter insurance cover or checking whether your policies include the right protection, now is the perfect time to act – before the temperature drops. Simply give our team a call on 01233 222 562 and we’d be happy to assist with any questions.

Road Safety Week, led by the charity Brake, is the UK’s biggest annual road safety campaign. It’s a time to spotlight the human cost of road accidents – over 1,700 lives lost and 30,000 serious injuries each year on UK roads. But beyond the tragic statistics, it’s also an opportunity for businesses to reflect on how road safety directly impacts their operations, reputation and insurance premiums.

The link between road safety and insurance

Whether you operate a fleet of vehicles or rely on staff commuting daily, road safety is a business issue. Here’s how it connects to your insurance:

• Fewer accidents = fewer claims: Every incident – from minor collisions to serious crashes – can trigger a claim. Over time, a high claims history can push up your premiums or even affect your insurability.
• Driver behaviour matters: Insurers increasingly use telematics and driver monitoring to assess risk. Businesses that promote safe driving habits may benefit from lower premiums and better policy terms.
• Goods in Transit and Commercial Motor Insurance: If your business transports goods, Road Safety Week is a great time to review your Goods in Transit cover. Damaged or stolen cargo due to unsafe driving or poor route planning can lead to costly claims. Safer practices help to reduce that risk.

Risk management: a win-win strategy

Investing in road safety isn’t just about compliance – it’s about protecting your people and your profits. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Review and update your driver training programs: Make sure all drivers understand speed limits, fatigue management and vehicle maintenance protocols.
• Implement vehicle safety checks: Regular inspections can prevent breakdowns and accidents, especially in commercial fleets.
• Use data to improve safety: Telematics systems can help you monitor driving behaviour and identify areas for improvement.
• Communicate your policies clearly: Ensure all staff know your expectations around road safety – and the consequences of unsafe behaviour.

In conclusion

Road Safety Week isn’t just about awareness – it’s about action. For businesses, that action can lead to safer roads, healthier employees and more affordable insurance. Let’s make every journey a safer one.

Retail, hospitality and restaurant businesses see a surge in activity during the festive period – here’s how to make sure your insurance keeps up.

The Christmas season is a golden opportunity for UK businesses, especially in the retail, restaurant, and hospitality sectors. With increased footfall, extended hours and higher stock levels, it’s a time of growth – but also heightened risk. Preparing your Business Insurance now can help you avoid costly surprises and keep your operations running smoothly.

Here’s what to review and update before the festive rush begins:

Review your stock and contents cover

Retailers and restaurants often increase inventory in anticipation of holiday demand. Whether it’s festive menus, gift items or seasonal décor, your stock levels may exceed your usual insured limits.

• Check your policy’s maximum stock value – is it enough to cover your seasonal increase?
• Update your insurer if you’re storing stock off-site or in temporary locations.
• Include high-value seasonal items like tech, alcohol or luxury goods.

Update your Business Interruption Insurance

With higher turnover expected, any disruption during the festive season could hit harder than usual. Business Interruption Insurance helps cover lost income if you’re forced to close due to events like fire, flood or other insured damage.

• Review your estimated gross profit to ensure it reflects seasonal peaks.
• Confirm your indemnity period is long enough to recover from a major incident.
• Consider adding cover for supply chain delays or utilities failure.

Check Public and Employers’ Liability Cover

Winter weather and busy venues increase the risk of accidents. From icy pavements to crowded dining areas, liability claims can spike during the winter months and over the festive period.

• Ensure your Public Liability Insurance covers increased footfall and festive events.
• Confirm your Employers’ Liability Insurance includes temporary or seasonal staff.
• Always document safety procedures and staff training throughout the year to support any future claims.

Hospitality-specific considerations

Hotels, pubs and event venues often host Christmas parties, corporate gatherings and New Year celebrations. These bring unique risks:

• If you’re hosting live entertainment or fireworks, check for event-specific cover.
• Review your alcohol licensing and liability – especially for late-night trading.
• Ensure your Contents Insurance includes festive decorations and rented equipment.

Avoid auto-renewals – review your policy now

Many businesses let their insurance auto-renew without checking if it is still adequate. But with seasonal changes in turnover, staffing and operations, now is the time to reassess.

• Work with a broker to compare quotes and review your cover.
• Ask about flexible policies with seasonal stock increases that adjust with your business needs.
• Keep documentation up to date – especially receipts, staffing records and risk assessments.

Final thoughts

The festive season should be a time of celebration, not stress. By reviewing your Business Insurance now, you can focus on serving customers, increasing revenue and making the most of the holidays.
Need help reviewing your policy? QMT Commercial is here to guide you – so you can trade confidently this Christmas. Simply get in touch with one of our helpful advisors.

We all love a good deal. Whether it’s a discounted dinner or a budget-friendly holiday, saving money feels great. But when it comes to insurance – the safety net that protects your business, assets and livelihood – going cheap may come at a steep cost.

At QMT Commercial Insurance Brokers, we’ve seen firsthand how “bargain” policies can leave clients exposed when they need protection the most. Here’s why cheap insurance isn’t always the best insurance – and what to look out for.

The risks of low-cost policies

Cheap insurance often means more basic cover. It might tick the legal boxes, but it won’t necessarily cover the day to day risks your business faces. Here are some common pitfalls:

• Limited cover: Budget policies may exclude key protection like accidental damage or could have lower indemnity limits.
• Higher excess: Lower premiums can come with a higher excess, meaning you pay more out-of-pocket when making a claim.
• Reduced customer service: Cut-price providers may have less support staff, potentially leading to longer hold or response times.
• Additional fees: Some policies look cheap but may include additional charges for changes or cancellations.

Why it pays to invest in insurance cover

Insurance isn’t just a line item – it’s a strategic safeguard. Paying a little more for a policy could save you hundreds or even thousands in the long run. Taking care when choosing your insurance policy can provide:

• Peace of mind: Knowing you’re covered for the unexpected, not just the bare minimum.
• Well-rounded protection: Policies that have been designed to meet the needs of your business.
• Responsive support: A broker who’s there when you need them, not just when it’s time to renew.

How QMT Commercial helps you get value – not just price

At QMT Commercial Insurance Brokers, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all cover. We take the time to understand your business, assess your risks and recommend policies that suits your needs and budget – without cutting corners.

We’re here to help you make informed decisions, not just fast ones. That means:

• Clear explanations (less jargon, less waffle)
• Straightforward advice about what you really need
• Ongoing support throughout your policy lifecycle

What you can do today

• Review your current policy for exclusions and limitations
• Schedule a catch up with our broker to discuss your insurance arrangements
• Consider the long-term impact of your insurance choices – not just the upfront cost

Cheap insurance might look good on paper, but when the unexpected happens, you’ll want a policy that actually delivers. Let’s help to make sure you’re protected – properly.

Ready to talk? Contact QMT Commercial Insurance Brokers today for a no-obligation review.

Before the crowds arrive and the sky lights up, UK businesses should run through these key insurance checks to help stay protected on Bonfire Night.

Fireworks Night is one of the busiest – and riskiest – nights of the year for UK businesses. Whether you’re hosting a display, extending your opening hours or operating near a public event, it’s essential to make sure your insurance is ready to handle the unexpected. Here’s a practical checklist of on-the-day insurance checks to help you stay safe and compliant.

Confirm your Public Liability cover

If you’re hosting or involved in a fireworks display, Public Liability Insurance is vital. It helps to protect your business if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged due to your event.

• Check your policy limits – are they high enough for a large crowd?
• Ensure fireworks and bonfires are explicitly covered.
• If you’ve hired contractors or vendors, confirm they have their own liability cover.

Review your Property Insurance

Bonfire Night sees a spike in fire damage, vandalism and theft claims [1]. Make sure your premises are protected:

• Confirm your fire protection systems (alarms, extinguishers) are working.
• Check that your policy covers accidental fire and malicious damage.
• Review RoSPA guidance (e.g. securing outdoor areas and removing flammable materials).

Check Employers’ Liability Cover

If staff are working during the event – especially in crowd control, catering or setup – your Employers’ Liability Insurance must be active and adequate.

• Ensure temporary or volunteer staff are included in your policy.
• Brief your team on safety procedures and emergency protocols.

Validate event-specific insurance

If you’ve taken out Event Insurance for Bonfire Night, double-check the details:

• Confirm the policy start and end times match your event schedule.
• Review exclusions – some policies won’t cover pyrotechnics unless handled by professionals.
• Keep a copy of your certificate and emergency contact numbers on hand.

Understand your exclusions

Many standard business policies exclude high-risk activities like fireworks unless declared in advance. In good time before the event:

• Re-read your policy’s exclusions section.
• Contact your broker if you’re unsure whether your event is covered.
• Avoid last-minute changes that could invalidate your cover.

Final tip: keep your broker in the loop

If anything changes – like a bigger crowd, new vendors or extended hours – let your insurance broker know immediately. They can advise on whether your cover is adequate or if you need a temporary extension.

At QMT Commercial, we help businesses stay protected when the stakes are high. Fireworks Night should be a celebration – not a liability.

Need help reviewing your cover today? Contact us for practical advice and peace of mind.

Sources:

1. https://fsb-insurance-service.com/fsb-insurance-service-blog/bonfire-night-fireworks-keep-your-business-safe/

As Talk Money Week 2025 kicks off from 3^rd – 7^th November, QMT Commercial Insurance Brokers is proud to support this national initiative encouraging open conversations about money. This year’s theme, “Start the Conversation” is a timely reminder that financial wellbeing isn’t just personal – it’s professional too.

What is Talk Money Week?

Led by the Money and Pensions Service, Talk Money Week is an annual campaign designed to break the taboo around discussing finances. Whether it’s budgeting, saving, pensions or debt, the goal is to make money a normal topic of conversation in homes, schools and workplaces.

For businesses, this is a golden opportunity to engage employees, clients and stakeholders in meaningful financial dialogue. At QMT Commercial, we believe that financial confidence leads to better decision-making, stronger relationships and reduced stress – especially when it comes to protecting your business.

Why business insurance should be part of the conversation

While personal finance often takes centre stage, business insurance is a critical yet overlooked aspect of financial wellbeing. Here’s why it deserves attention during Talk Money Week:

• Risk awareness: Many businesses underestimate the risks they face – from cyber threats to liability claims. Talking openly about these risks helps businesses prepare and protect themselves.
• Cost clarity: Insurance premiums can be confusing. Breaking down what you’re paying for – and why – empowers business owners to make informed choices.
• Cover confidence: Too often, businesses discover gaps in their cover after a crisis. Regular reviews and open discussions help to ensure that your cover keeps pace as your business evolves.

How QMT Commercial is supporting Talk Money Week

At QMT Commercial, we’re using Talk Money Week to:

• Offer free consultations for businesses to review their current insurance policies
• Share educational content about business insurance on our website and social channels.

We believe that transparency and trust are the foundation of good financial health. Whether you’re a startup or a seasoned enterprise, now is the time to ask: Are we financially protected? Are we talking about it enough?

Final thoughts

Talk Money Week isn’t just about spreadsheets and savings – it’s about empowerment. By including business insurance in the conversation, UK companies can help to build resilience, help reduce stress and foster a culture of financial wellbeing.

At QMT Commercial, we’re here to help you protect what matters. Let’s start the conversation today – contact us about your business insurance arrangements.