Month: March 2026

Spring is the season of fresh starts – and while you’re clearing out the filing cabinets and refreshing the office, there’s one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked: your business insurance.

Many business owners set up their insurance once and leave it on auto-renew, year after year. But your business changes – and your cover should keep pace. New staff, new equipment, new premises, new services… each of these can leave gaps in your protection if your policy hasn’t been updated to reflect them.

At QMT Commercial, we work with hundreds of UK business owners every year and one of the most common things we see is under-insurance or outdated policies that no longer reflect what a business actually does. A spring review takes less time than you think – and it could save you thousands.

This guide walks you through exactly what to look at, why it matters and gives you a handy checklist you can work through right now.

Why reviewing your business insurance matters

Insurance isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ product. The risks your business faces today may be quite different from the risks it faced when you first took out cover – and an outdated policy can leave you dangerously exposed.

Here are some of the most common reasons businesses find themselves underinsured:

• Growth in turnover or headcount that hasn’t been declared to insurers
• New equipment, stock or assets purchased since the last renewal
• Changes to business activities or the introduction of new services
• Moving premises or adding a new location
• Increased reliance on digital systems and online trading
• Taking on contractors or freelancers who aren’t covered under existing policies

Any of these changes can affect your policy’s validity – and in a worst-case scenario, your insurer could refuse a claim if they find your policy no longer accurately reflects your business.

A spring review is a simple, practical way to make sure you’re covered for what you actually do – and not paying for cover you no longer need.

Your spring insurance review: A step-by-step guide

Step 1: Revisit your business activities

Start with the basics. What does your business actually do today? Write it down, because it may have shifted since your last policy was set up. New product lines, expanded services, sub-contracting work – all of these need to be accurately described in your policy.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Have you started offering any new services or products in the last 12 months?
• Are you working in new industries or for new types of clients?
• Have you taken on any sub-contractors or temporary workers?
• Is your turnover significantly different from what was declared last year?

Step 2: Check your Employers’ Liability Insurance

If you employ anyone – full-time, part-time or even temporary staff – Employers’ Liability Insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. The minimum legal cover is £5 million, though most insurers offer £10 million as standard.

As you review this policy, check:

• Is the headcount on your policy accurate?
• Are all categories of worker covered (including seasonal, remote or apprentice staff)?
• Have you changed how employees work (e.g. more home working)?

Important reminder: Failing to hold valid Employers’ Liability insurance is a criminal offence and can result in fines of up to £2,500 per day. If you’re unsure whether you’re covered, contact us today.

Step 3: Review your Public Liability Cover

Public Liability Insurance covers you if a member of the public or a client is injured or their property is damaged, as a result of your business activities. It’s not a legal requirement for most businesses, but many clients and contracts will require it – and without it, a single claim could be catastrophic.

Consider whether:

• Your current indemnity limit is sufficient for the contracts you’re working on
• Your policy covers all the locations where you operate
• Any new activities are included in your policy wording

Step 4: Assess your Property and Contents Cover

Whether you own your premises or lease them, it’s worth checking that your buildings and contents are insured at the right value. Many businesses are underinsured simply because they haven’t updated the declared value of their assets.

Don’t forget to include:

• Office furniture, equipment and technology
• Stock and raw materials
• Specialist tools or machinery
• Items that staff take off-site or work with at home

Rebuilding costs have risen significantly in recent years, so if you own your building, make sure your sum insured reflects current rebuild costs – not the market value or what you paid for it.

Step 5: Review your Professional Indemnity Insurance

If your business provides advice, design, consultancy or professional services of any kind, Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance is strongly recommended. It protects you if a client claims your work caused them a financial loss – even if the allegation is unfounded.

Check that:

• The level of cover meets any contractual obligations with clients
• The retroactive date covers work done in prior years
• Any new service areas you’ve moved into are covered

Step 6: Consider Cyber Insurance

Cyber threats are now one of the biggest risks facing UK small businesses, yet Cyber Insurance remains one of the most overlooked types of cover. If your business holds customer data, processes card payments or relies on digital systems, you may be a target.

Cyber Insurance can help cover:

• The cost of responding to a data breach
• Business interruption losses caused by a cyber attack
• Legal costs and regulatory fines
• Notification costs to affected customers

Did you know? According to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey, 50% of UK businesses reported a cyber breach or attack in the past year. Many were small businesses that assumed they were ‘too small to target’. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Step 7: Look at Business Interruption Cover

What would happen if your business couldn’t trade for a week? A month? A fire, a flood or a cyber-attack could force you to close temporarily – and without Business Interruption (BI) insurance, the financial hit can be devastating.

Check that your BI cover:

• Reflects your current annual turnover
• Has an adequate indemnity period (typically 12–24 months)
• Covers the perils most relevant to your business, including cyber events

Step 8: Don’t overpay – remove cover you no longer need

A spring clean isn’t just about adding cover – it’s also about removing what you no longer need. Have you downsized? Sold off equipment? Stopped offering a service? You could be paying for cover that no longer applies.

Review each section of your policy and ask: ‘Do we still need this?’ Then talk to your broker about adjusting your policy accordingly.

Ready to spring clean your business insurance?

At QMT Commercial, our commercial insurance brokers are on hand to help you review your cover, identify gaps, and find the right policies at fair prices.

Whether you’re a sole trader, a growing SME or an established business, we’ll take the time to understand your needs and make sure you’re properly protected.

Call us today to get started.

Download your free Spring Clean Business Insurance Review Checklist now.

Before you hit the slopes, make sure your policy is as solid as the snow beneath your skis. Here’s what every winter sports traveller needs to know.

A skiing holiday is one of life’s great adventures – crisp mountain air, breathtaking scenery and the thrill of the descent. But before you pack your salopettes and snap on your boots, there’s one vital item on the checklist that’s easy to overlook: the right travel insurance. Standard policies often won’t cut it for a ski trip and the consequences of being under-covered in a mountain resort can be severe – and expensive.

At QMT Commercial, we’ve teamed up with Travel Insurance specialists Just Travel Cover to give you a clear picture of what to look for – and what to watch out for – when arranging travel insurance for your skiing holiday.

Why standard Travel Insurance isn’t enough

Many travellers assume their travel policy covers everything. In reality, most standard travel insurance policies explicitly exclude winter sports or limit cover in ways that could leave you seriously out of pocket.

A helicopter mountain rescue alone can cost thousands of pounds – and that’s before any hospital treatment begins.

Winter sports cover is typically available as an add-on to a standard policy or through a specialist insurer like Just Travel Cover who understand the unique risks of skiing and snowboarding. Either way, it pays to read the small print carefully.

Top tip: Always declare winter sports activities when arranging your policy. Failing to disclose that you’ll be skiing or snowboarding is likely to invalidate your claim entirely – even if your injury is unrelated to the activity itself. Be upfront from the start.

Medical cover and mountain rescue

This is the big one. Medical expenses in ski resorts – particularly in the Alps, North America or Japan – can be eye-watering.

Check that your policy includes comprehensive medical cover and whether it covers mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation. These costs may be excluded from basic policies, yet they represent some of the most significant expenses you could face on a ski trip.

Top tip:  If you’re travelling within Europe, a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides access to state-provided healthcare – but it is not a substitute for travel insurance. It won’t cover private treatment, repatriation or mountain rescue costs.

Ski equipment cover

Skis, boots, poles and helmets represent a significant investment. Your policy should cover loss, theft and damage to your own equipment. Check the single-item limit carefully – as many policies cap individual items at £200–£300.

If you’re hiring equipment at the resort, look for ski hire cover on your policy. This reimburses hire costs if your own equipment is lost or damaged in transit or if you’re injured and unable to ski. It’s a small addition that can save considerable expense.

Piste closure and bad weather delays

You’ve paid for a week on the slopes, but what if there’s no snow – or too much of it? Some winter sports policies include piste closure cover, which provides a daily benefit if the slopes are shut due to lack of snow or avalanche risk and you’re forced to travel to an alternative resort.

Similarly, avalanche cover can reimburse additional accommodation and transport costs if you’re stranded due to road closures. These are the kinds of details that you should check when choosing your Travel Insurance cover.

Off-piste and advanced activities

Planning to venture beyond the marked runs? This is where many policies draw a sharp line. Off-piste skiing and snowboarding is frequently excluded unless specifically stated and even then it may require you to be accompanied by a qualified guide.

Other activities to check include ski touring, snowmobiling, ski jumps and freestyle skiing. If you’re planning any activities beyond standard piste skiing, confirm cover explicitly before you travel.

Good to know

Helmets may affect your cover

Some insurers now require you to wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding as a condition of your policy. If you suffer a head injury without wearing one, your claim could be refused. Always check the policy conditions – and wear a helmet regardless.

Pre-existing medical conditions

If you or anyone travelling with you has a pre-existing medical condition, it’s essential to declare it when taking out your policy. Just Travel Cover works with a wide range of insurers who cover people with medical conditions, ensuring that existing health issues don’t leave you without the protection you need on the slopes.

Failing to declare a condition – even one you don’t consider relevant – can void your policy entirely. It’s always better to disclose and pay a slightly higher premium than to face a refused claim thousands of miles from home.

Ski pack and course fees

If an injury prevents you from skiing, a good winter sports policy will reimburse the unused portion of your lift pass, ski school fees and pre-booked lessons. Known collectively as ski pack cover, this is a valuable inclusion that’s easy to overlook when comparing policies on price alone. Look for this listed explicitly in the policy schedule.

Travel disruption and cancellation

Skiing holidays are often booked months in advance – and life doesn’t always go to plan. Ensure your policy includes robust cancellation cover from the moment you book, not just from the date of travel. This protects your investment if illness, bereavement or other unforeseen circumstances prevent you from travelling.

Cancellation cover should reflect the full cost of your trip – underinsuring here is a common and costly mistake.

A final word from QMT Commercial

Skiing is exhilarating, but it can also be dangerous, even if you take the utmost care. The right travel insurance policy isn’t a luxury; it’s the foundation of a worry-free winter holiday.

At QMT Commercial, we work with trusted specialist partners like Just Travel Cover to help our customers find policies that genuinely reflect the activities they’re undertaking. Don’t let an unsuitable policy spoil what should be an unforgettable trip.

Ready to hit the slopes? Get a winter sports travel insurance quote today – remember to opt to include the winter sports extension on our online quote.

As technology transforms almost every corner of our daily lives, it’s no surprise that the insurance industry has followed suit. Automated quotation engines, AI-driven risk scoring and comparison websites promise speed and simplicity – but where does that leave your rights as a consumer?

On Consumer Rights Day, we’re shining a light on why insurance brokers still play a vital role in protecting customers, ensuring fairness and championing transparency in a market that’s becoming more automated every year.

At QMT Commercial, we believe technology should support consumers – not replace the human expertise and advocacy that ensure people get the cover they truly need.

AAutomation is fast – but is it flawless?

Automated insurance systems are convenient, but there may be some compromises:

• Algorithms don’t always understand nuanced circumstances
• “One-size-fits-all” quotes may not be suitable for those with non‑standard needs
• Comparison sites could lead us to purchases based more on price rather than suitability
• Important details could get lost in automated processes
• There’s not always someone to ask if you have a question

For some people, relying solely on automation could result in mismatched cover.

That’s where a broker steps in.

1. We protect your right to clear, fair and transparent information

Insurance can be full of confusing industry terminology, exclusions and complex clauses – but that doesn’t mean you should be left guessing.

As a broker, our job is to:

• Explain your policy in plain English
• Clarify what is and is not covered
• Highlight important terms that automated systems may not make obvious
• Ensure you can make informed decisions, not rushed ones

Automation might give you a quote, but brokers give you clarity.

2. We ensure you’re treated as an individual – not just data

Algorithms assess risk using rigid criteria. They don’t see:

• A new HGV operator who is highly experienced
• A motor trader with a temporary dip in turnover
• A courier whose claim wasn’t their fault
• A young business that simply needs more support

Brokers look beyond the raw data to tell your story. 

We negotiate with insurers on your behalf, ensuring your circumstances are considered more fairly.

This human advocacy is something automated systems can’t replicate.

3. We help you avoid underinsurance and gaps in cover

One of your most important rights as a consumer is the right to suitable protection.

Automated systems often default to the cheapest option, but cheaper cover may mean:

• Higher excesses
• Exclusions you weren’t fully aware of
• Insufficient limits
• Missing add-ons that are essential for your trade

Brokers work to make sure you’re not left vulnerable by helping you select the right level of protection for your actual risks – not just the lowest price on the screen.

4. We can help champion your rights during the claims process

A claim is the moment your insurance matters most. 

And while automated systems can sell a policy, they rarely help when something goes wrong.

As your broker, we:

• Provide access to a 24/7 motor claims reporting line
• Can provide advice if something doesn’t seem right
• Help to challenge unfair decisions

Your right to a fair claims process is fundamental.

5. We help you understand and exercise your consumer rights

Insurance policies come with important rights that many people don’t realise they have, including:

• The right to clear explanations
• The right to challenge decisions
• The right to fair treatment from insurers
• The right to cancel within cooling‑off periods (where available)
• The right to transparent pricing
• The right to a broker’s advice under FCA regulations

On Consumer Rights Day, it’s worth remembering that these protections exist to support you – and brokers help ensure they’re honoured.

6. We use technology – but we don’t rely on it

At QMT Commercial, we embrace technology where it genuinely improves your experience:

• Faster access to wholesale markets
• Real-time communication
• Efficient documentation
• Secure digital signing
• Intelligent risk comparison tools

But technology is never used to replace human judgement, tailored advice or personal service. 

Automation enhances our work – it doesn’t define it.

In an automated world, your rights still need a human advocate

While automation continues to reshape the insurance landscape, your rights as a consumer must remain at the forefront. And that’s exactly where brokers like QMT Commercial stand – on your side, ensuring fairness, clarity and personalised support.

On Consumer Rights Day, we’re proud to reaffirm our commitment to:

• Honest advice
• Transparent pricing
• A wide range of protection
• Fair treatment

Because no matter how advanced technology becomes, your rights should never be automated.

International Women’s Day (IWD), marked every year on 8 March, is a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity worldwide. The movement has deep roots: the earliest version of Women’s Day was held in 1909 in New York, organised by the Socialist Party of America, before being propelled forward by European labour movements. Clara Zetkin formally proposed an International Women’s Day at a Copenhagen conference in 1910, leading to the first official celebrations in 1911 across Europe. The UN began formally recognising IWD in 1977.

Today, IWD is a moment not just to celebrate, but to reflect – especially in industries like finance and insurance, where progress has been made, but inequalities remain.

Women in finance and insurance: where we stand today

Although women make up 60–66% of the total insurance workforce, they remain vastly underrepresented at senior levels. Research shows:

• Less than 7% of insurance CEOs are women in the UK.
• Only 16% of CFOs and 11% of chairpersons in the insurance sector are women. [1] [2]   

Across financial services more broadly, women hold 36% of senior roles, and although the numbers are rising, the pace remains slow. [3]

Despite this, UK finance is shifting – women are increasingly influencing leadership, strategy and transformation across banking, insurance and investment. High‑profile leaders like Dame Amanda Blanc (Aviva) and Debbie Crosbie (Nationwide) are demonstrating how inclusive leadership fuels better business decisions and stronger cultures. [4]   

At QMT Commercial, we’re proud to be part of this positive change.

The QMT perspective: women leading with strength, expertise and compassion

Our sales and support management team is predominantly women – not by design, but because the best people for the roles happen to be women. Their stories reflect resilience, ambition and the power of supportive workplaces.

Nicola – Commercial Team Manager

Nicola began her QMT career 19 years ago, rising from Call Handler to Assistant Telesales Manager, then Telesales Manager, overseeing a staff team of eight. After having her daughter, she returned part‑time and soon embraced the challenge of helping launch QMT’s commercial arm.

As the business expanded and evolved, Nicola did too – moving from quoting to renewals, rediscovering her love for leadership and becoming Commercial Manager.

“I am extremely proud of myself for being able to focus on my career whilst raising a family. Of course, it’s had its challenges, especially when my daughter was diagnosed with Autism, but this has just made me stronger and more determined to achieve my goals and set a good example for my children.”

Her journey is a testament to the importance of flexibility, trust and recognising talent early.

Jen – Head of Financial Control

With 39 years of finance experience, 28 of which were spent within the Lloyd’s market, Jen has navigated enormous shifts in insurance, from restructures to outsourcing major functions internationally.

Since joining QMT in 2020, she has leveraged her extensive expertise to modernise financial reporting, strengthen internal processes and support directors with strategic insights.

“QMT is really quite unique in its management structure, as myself, our Sales Managers, Credit Control and Client Relationship Managers are all women. This means we can bring our hard work and lived experience to our roles, providing a different approach to what is statistically a male dominated sector.”

Amanda – Client Relationship Team Assistant Manager

Amanda’s career with QMT spans 12 years, beginning in Admin before moving into Credit Control, gaining vital insight into business cashflow and financial processes.

Returning to Admin “felt like coming home”, and her progression from Senior Admin Assistant to Assistant Manager to Client Relationship Team Assistant Manager reflects her growing expertise and compassionate leadership style.

“Everyday I strive to support my team and the wider QMT goals. I have worked hard to develop my management style, creating a safe space for truly open communication – I really think empathy is a key skill a woman can bring to a management role.”

Her experience aligns with findings that inclusive leadership reduces turnover and strengthens workplace culture – critical factors in insurance’s evolving landscape. [5]

Sharon – Client Relationship Team Manager

With 43 years in insurance, Sharon’s career began in a very different era. Her early ambitions in engineering were dismissed because she was a woman – a reality many of her generation faced.

She entered the Lloyd’s market as a typist/telephonist, but her curiosity and determination led her to expand into underwriting support roles. Over the years, she pushed boundaries, demanded to be heard and navigated structural gender biases.

“Each woman has had to fight for her position… Women do not want to dominate. We fight for balance. We simply want to be heard, recognised and treated equally.”

Her story echoes the broader history of women’s struggle for workplace equality — the very struggle IWD was created to honour. [6]

The future: what we hope to see in insurance

The data is clear:

• Gender equity is still decades away globally – potentially beyond 2150 if progress continues at current rates. [7]   
• Yet diverse leadership improves financial results, customer satisfaction and innovation. [1]   

At QMT Commercial, we are committed to being part of the solution:

1. Building pathways for women at all levels

From entry roles to senior leadership, we believe in developing talent over time – evidence shows this is how companies accelerate meaningful change.

2. Supporting flexible working without judgement

Many of our leaders – including Nicola – are proof that flexibility grows talent, rather than limiting it.

3. Celebrating lived experience as leadership strength

Empathy, communication, adaptability and resilience – traits our managers exemplify – are invaluable in a modern insurance environment.

4. Continuing to challenge bias in the industry

Both overt and unconscious barriers continue to restrict opportunities across the sector, but progress is possible and we intend to champion it.

Final thoughts

International Women’s Day is more than a date in the diary – it is a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we still must go.

Across QMT, women are shaping the future of our business every day, driving performance, strengthening relationships and setting new standards for what leadership in insurance can look like.

To every woman in our team – and across our industry – we see you, we value you and we celebrate you.

Sources:

1. https://eliotpartnership.com/news-insights/gender-diversity-in-insurance-leadership-the-latest-statistics/
2. https://www.actuarialpost.co.uk/downloads/cat_1/Morningstar_DBRS-Gender_Diversity_Women_Still_Under-Represented.pdf
3. https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/uk/news/breaking-news/revealed–huge-gender-pay-gap-in-uk-financial-services-531143.aspx
4. https://www.upstandinghackers.com/women-reshaping-leadership-in-finance/
5. https://www.lse.ac.uk/tii/assets/documents/Advancing-Women-in-Financial-Services-Final-Report.pdf
6. https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day/background
7. https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About