Author: hollie

With the roads busier than ever, even the most careful drivers can find themselves involved in incidents where “what really happened?” is the key question. Enter the dash cam – a small, unobtrusive device that records your journey and can make a big difference to both your peace of mind and your insurance experience.

What are dash cams and why are they so valuable?

A dash cam is a compact camera fitted to your vehicle’s windscreen or dashboard, continuously recording the road ahead (and sometimes behind). Its primary purpose is to capture a real-time account of your driving, traffic conditions and any incidents that may occur.

The evidence advantage

One of the most significant benefits of a dash cam is its role as an impartial eyewitness. In the event of a collision, dash cam footage provides clear, unbiased evidence that can quickly establish fault or clarify a disputed claim. This evidence is invaluable both to you and your insurer, helping to avoid lengthy investigations and speeding up the claims process. According to RAC research, two-thirds of UK drivers now use dash cams, and many believe it has saved them time and money after an incident.

Curbing fraud and “Crash for Cash” schemes

Unfortunately, staged accidents and insurance fraud are on the rise. “Crash for cash” scams – where criminals deliberately cause accidents for compensation – can have devastating effects on businesses and drivers alike. Dash cams have become a first line of defence, helping combat scams by providing indisputable documentation of events.

Insurance impact: discounts and faster claims

Some insurers recognise the value dash cams bring, offering discounts to drivers who use them. Even if a discount isn’t available, dash cam footage can help protect your no claims bonus by clearly proving you weren’t at fault, minimising premium increases after an accident.

For business owners and fleet managers, the advantages are even greater. Dash cams help to safeguard your drivers, support prompt claims management and help maintain a cleaner insurance record – protecting both your team and your business reputation.

Choosing the right dash cam

Today’s dash cams offer a range of features, from HD recording and night vision to GPS tracking and G-force sensors. Consider your needs: do you want both front and rear coverage? Will you be driving professionally? Reliable storage, easy retrieval of footage and secure mounting are all factors to bear in mind.

Final thoughts: protecting your journey

Fitting a dash cam is a straightforward upgrade that can offer valuable reassurance – sometimes saving you a substantial amount on repairs, liability and insurance headaches. At QMT Commercial, we believe proactive risk management is key to protecting your journey, your business and your peace of mind. With today being National Dash Cam Day, there’s never been a better time to explore this valuable piece of kit and see how the right technology and insurance go hand in hand.

Insurance often gets a bad rap, but it’s important to recognise the vital role it plays in our lives. While it can be frustrating and complex, insurance is designed to help protect us from significant financial loss. When it works as intended, it can be a lifeline, helping people rebuild their lives after disasters and supporting businesses in times of need.

Simply put, insurance isn’t a scam or a ‘necessary evil’; it’s about managing risk and providing security. The real issue arises when insurance doesn’t work as expected, leaving businesses vulnerable. That’s where the focus should be – on ensuring that your insurance fulfils its promise to protect and support when it’s needed most.

On this National Insurance Awareness Day, we’re offering essential advice to help safeguard your business against unexpected challenges. Taking a moment to review your insurance plans today could save you a headache tomorrow.

Review your insurance arrangements

We understand that insurance might not be the most captivating subject, but it’s crucial for your business. Often, companies only think about their insurance policies at renewal time and even then, it might not receive the attention it deserves.

As your business evolves, so should your insurance coverage. Changes in staffing, revenue growth and diversification of business activities can all impact your insurance needs. Being underinsured can lead to significant issues if a claim arises. This National Insurance Awareness Day, take a moment to review your policy documents and ensure your schedule and statement of fact are accurate.

Check the small print

While it may seem tedious, reviewing your policy’s terms and conditions is essential. This practice ensures you fully understand your coverage, helping to safeguard your business from exclusions and preventing unexpected issues during claims.

Get help from a commercial insurance broker

Regularly reviewing your insurance with a professional broker is a smart move. They can help pinpoint coverage gaps or areas where you might be underinsured. Additionally, they can identify overlapping policies, so that you don’t pay for unnecessary coverage. At QMT Commercial, we provide complimentary consultations and audits to help you optimise your business insurance.

Do some housekeeping

While making claims might seem out of your hands, there are proactive steps you can take to prevent them or lessen their impact. Start by implementing comprehensive health and safety policies and ensuring they are well-communicated to your team. Simple measures, like increasing awareness of fire risks and trip hazards, can make a significant difference.

For those with a fleet policy, it’s crucial to establish strong driving standards and provide thorough training. Clearly outline procedures for reporting claims or motoring convictions. If your policy includes an ‘any licensed driver’ clause, regularly review your drivers’ DVLA records. This ensures any motoring convictions are properly documented, as serious offenses might not be covered – a situation best avoided before a claim arises.

Consider your data and cyber security

In 2024, a UK Government survey found that more than 40% of businesses experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the past year. High-profile incidents, such as the M&S breach, highlight the severe impact these attacks can have, even on companies with substantial cyber security investments. No business is exempt from this digital threat. Now is the time to consider a cyber insurance policy to help safeguard your business against the significant financial and reputational harm these breaches can inflict.

National Insurance Awareness Day is the perfect opportunity to organise your insurance plans. It’s truly not worth putting it off until tomorrow as you never know when life will throw you a curveball.

At QMT Commercial, we recognise the complexities of business insurance, especially with the multitude of options available. You can rely on our knowledgeable team to assist you in finding your next insurance deal. We evaluate coverage options based on your specific needs and budget, providing recommendations for the most suitable products. If you need our support, get in touch for a free consultation.

Embarking on a new adventure? Discover why travel insurance is your ultimate travel companion.

Peace of mind during your travels

Travelling can be an exciting yet unpredictable experience. With travel insurance, you can enjoy your journey knowing that you are protected against a range of unfortunate circumstances. It offers reassurance that you won’t be left stranded or financially burdened in the event of insured emergencies. This peace of mind allows you to fully immerse yourself in your adventures without constant worry.

Whether you’re facing a minor inconvenience or a major crisis, having travel insurance means that you have a support system in place. This support can make a significant difference in how you handle unexpected situations, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.

Cover for medical emergencies abroad

Falling ill or getting injured while traveling abroad can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re in a country with a different healthcare system. Travel insurance can provide cover for medical emergencies, ensuring that you receive the necessary medical attention without worrying about exorbitant or escalating costs.

From hospital stays to emergency evacuations, travel insurance can cover a wide range of medical expenses. This cover is particularly crucial in countries where healthcare costs can be significantly higher than at home. By having travel insurance, you can focus on recovery rather than financial stress.

Safeguarding against trip cancellations and delays

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry due to unforeseen events such as natural disasters, illness or even airline strikes. Travel insurance can protect you from the financial losses associated with trip cancellations and delays. It can help reimburse you for non-refundable expenses, allowing you to rebook or adjust your plans without incurring additional costs.

Moreover, travel insurance can cover the costs of accommodation and other necessities if you’re stranded due to a delay. This protection ensures that you are not left to handle these disruptions on your own, providing a safety net that allows you to navigate these challenges with ease.

Protection for lost or stolen belongings

Losing your luggage or having your valuables stolen can be a significant setback while travelling. Travel insurance can protect your personal belongings, ensuring that you are compensated for lost or stolen items. Depending on your cover level, this could include everything from your suitcase to important documents and even electronics.

In addition to providing financial compensation, travel insurance can also assist with the logistical aspects of replacing lost items. This assistance can be invaluable in helping you continue your journey with minimal disruption, knowing that you have the support needed to recover from such incidents.

Get a travel insurance quote today

Planning your getaway? Don’t leave your travel insurance until the last minute. Thanks to our new partnership with Just Travel Cover, you can easily compare a panel of insurers and secure a policy to suit your needs – before unexpected events disrupt your trip. Protect your holiday today and travel with confidence – get a quote now.

For businesses managing multiple vehicles, fleet insurance is a smart choice. It streamlines your insurance process by consolidating all vehicles under a single, manageable policy with one renewal date. Additionally, many fleet policies offer flexible driving options, making it easier to adjust driver assignments when needed.

Navigating fleet insurance for the first time can be daunting. To assist you, we’ve created a comprehensive beginner’s guide filled with FAQs to help you embark on your fleet insurance journey with confidence.

What is a fleet policy?

A business fleet policy provides flexible coverage for multiple vehicles under a single plan, streamlining management and potentially reducing costs compared to individual policies.

What are the benefits of a fleet policy?

Fleet policies offer businesses a more convenient and adaptable alternative to insuring individual vehicles. For instance, if you need to update your address, you only have to notify your insurer once, rather than contacting multiple providers. This approach streamlines your administrative tasks, providing a single set of policy documents and one renewal date to manage.

Additionally, the driver coverage offers exceptional flexibility, helping you to seamlessly change drivers whenever necessary.

Will a fleet policy save me money?

The cost of insuring multiple vehicles can vary based on several factors. By insuring them together, you may benefit from economies of scale, with potential discounts for each vehicle through no claims bonuses or Confirmed Claims Experience (CCE).

However, a fleet policy might offer more benefits than a private car policy, such as flexible driving restrictions, which could influence the price. Consult your insurance broker for a no-obligation quote to explore your options.

I only have a small fleet – is that covered?

We can help source fleet insurance solutions for various needs, including both minifleet and single vehicle fleet options.

What vehicles can I add to my policy?

Fleet insurance provides the flexibility to cover various vehicle types, from private cars to commercial vehicles like vans and trucks. It’s crucial to note that coverage applies only to vehicles owned by the policyholder or registered under the company name. Vehicles owned by employees are not eligible for company insurance due to the absence of ‘insurable interest’.

What vehicle use is covered by a fleet policy?

In addition to personal and business use, your vehicle can be insured for transporting goods. For instance, a scaffolder transporting their own equipment, such as poles and planks, would require coverage for carrying their own goods. Similarly, hauliers or couriers, who are compensated for moving goods from one location to another, would need insurance for carrying goods for hire and reward.

What types of cover can I get on my fleet vehicles?

Fleet policies continue to offer the traditional three levels of coverage, with fully comprehensive coverage being the top recommendation:

• Comprehensive
• Third party, fire and theft
• Third party

Who can drive the vehicles?

Many fleet policies offer an ‘any driver’ option, simplifying the process of managing driver changes and substitutions during absences. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses with frequent driver turnover or a large pool of potential drivers.

You can often set age requirements for each vehicle, such as drivers over 21, 25, or 30, with more experienced drivers typically resulting in lower premiums. However, be mindful of specific exclusions, such as the need for drivers to have at least 12 months of driving experience on some policies.

What if my driver has motoring convictions?

When obtaining a quote, it’s crucial to inform your broker of any motoring convictions for directors and drivers within the past 5 years, though some insurers may consider a shorter period, such as 3 years. While certain insurers may not need to note drivers under a certain amount of points, others require full disclosure. Serious motoring convictions might not be covered by your policy, so full transparency is essential to prevent any unexpected issues during a claim.

For those with a fleet policy, effective driver management is key. Establish clear protocols for tracking and reporting motoring convictions as they occur. It’s advisable to maintain up-to-date driver licenses on file and conduct regular DVLA checks to ensure all information is accurately reported to your insurer.

Can I use someone else’s no claims bonus?

No claims bonus must be earned by an active company director registered with Companies House at the start of the policy, or under the limited company’s name. For sole traders or partnerships, ensure the name aligns with the policyholder’s name.

Can I transfer no claims bonus to my new vehicle?

Transferring your no claims bonus is typically straightforward, though insurers might ask for extra documentation. Ensure your bonus was earned on a similar vehicle that was sold or scrapped before your policy begins and earned within two years of the start date.

Will I get no claims bonus at the end of my policy?

When you take up a fleet policy, you start accumulating Confirmed Claims Experience (CCE) instead of no claims bonus, except for single vehicle fleets. Your CCE can be provided a few weeks before renewal, once we have had the opportunity to provide you with a renewal invite, allowing you to explore alternative quotes.

Can I include breakdown?

Certain insurers provide optional breakdown coverage for your fleet vehicles. If this isn’t available, we can arrange a separate policy if required.

So there you have it – we’ve covered the basic details to help you determine if a fleet policy could be right for your business. For personalised advice, our knowledgeable insurance advisors are ready to assist. Contact us today if you have any queries or to receive a complimentary, no-obligation quote.

As part of our new networking event launch, we thought we’d talk about social anxiety and its ability to show up at the worst possible moment, when you’re about to step foot through the door into a roomful of strangers.

According to UK statistics, around a third of people reported having high levels of anxiety. Naturally, this can be exacerbated by stressful situations, and many find themselves avoiding business networking events out of fear, meaning they miss out on the vast opportunities they offer.

Over the years, the team from QMT Commercial have attended a number of events, and do you know what? Those butterflies are still there. But with preparation, patience and practice, you too can forget the fear and enjoy all the benefits of networking – take a look at our top tips:

Find a networking event that works for you
If you’re a novice networker, find a networking event that suits your needs. For example, would a remote networking event be less intense to start off with? Where is the event being held – is it in a large conference room or at a business show, or somewhere smaller and less formal? How is the event being described and does that appeal to you? It may be a good idea to get in touch with the event organisers and ask about the format and the maximum group size so that you can gage if the event is the right fit for you before attending.

Take time to prepare
Planning takes the fear out of social situations. Thinking in advance about what you will wear, how you will introduce yourself  and what you might say are all good tactics to avoid last minute stress. Before the event, plan a list of questions you might want to ask others – this can be simple chit-chat, about the community or about their experience as a local business owner. If you ask, the organisers may be happy to share the guest list with you prior to the event so that you can look the companies up, to find common ground and interests to discuss. In addition, make sure you have plenty of business cards to pass out – these will be vital to keep growing the connections you have made after the event.

Look after yourself in the run up
When it comes to managing our mental health, self-care is important. Getting a good night’s sleep the night before will help you feel calm and rested. Making sure you’ve had something to eat before you go is also a good idea – eating at networking events can be a bit awkward, particularly if someone asks you a question mid-bite! You should also be mindful if there is alcohol involved that you don’t drink on an empty stomach and don’t overdo it, as this may make your anxiety worse.

Buddy up
If you’re really nervous, consider asking a colleague or business contact to join you. This can give you some reassurance that you won’t be alone, even if you choose to separate at points. If you’re from the same organisation, this also helps to spread the load when it comes to any potential follow ups after the event.

Set reasonable goals
Be realistic – networking is about building relationships and you may not come away with a sale straight away. Start with small targets related to overcoming your social anxiety – for example speaking with one person for five minutes or obtaining five business cards and work your way up to bigger goals as you become more comfortable.

Remember to be yourself
At the end of the day, people buy people – what they don’t buy is corporate robots with no personality regurgitating the company values. Many guests will prefer authentic, real conversation over polished, perfect pitches. So, be yourself, be genuine and above all, have fun.

Learn active listening
Active listening helps you to form stronger relationships, as you give your full attention to the person who is speaking, process their point, then respond accordingly rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak.

Networking is a two-way conversion. It’s as much about discovering what others can offer you, as it is what you can offer them. You may come away with a really useful bit of advice, a new business mentor or supplier – all of which can help you grow as much as a sale. Never disregard someone that you immediately don’t think is your target audience as they may be able to introduce you to someone in their contacts who could be.

Forget imposter syndrome
It is common for business people to have feelings of inadequacy, regardless of their level of success. Remember, you are at this event for a reason – you are passionate about growing your business and you want to help others to do so too. Anxiety and imposter syndrome go hand and hand and can lead to you making self-deprecating comments in social situations. Try to avoid negative self-talk and focus on the things you and your business do well.

Follow up is essential
It’s recommended to follow up with other guests within 24 hours of the event. Following their company on social media and sending a quick email will help to consolidate the relationship you are forming. You can also reach out prior to future events to see whether they’ll be attending – that way, you know if you’ll have a familiar face there – taking away some of the anxiety of the unknown.

Feeling this way is normal
Above all else, remember that everyone is in the same position and it’s unlikely that you are the only person with nerves. What you are doing is out of your comfort zone and we promise that it will get easier with patience and practice – the more networking you do, the easier it will become.

So, there you have it. If you’re reading this and have never been to a networking event before, hopefully you feel encouraged to give it a go! Getting involved with your local business community is a win-win situation and will open new doors and opportunities. You won’t look back once you’ve started.

If you’d like to learn more about our upcoming networking dates in Ashford, simply get in touch on:

T: 01233 222 562
E: ashford@qmtcommercial.co.uk

On the evening of Tuesday 25^th February, The New Fox Inn in Willesborough was abuzz with excitement, as our new B2B networking event launched in the Ashford community. Co-hosted by QMT Commercial and networking experts Synergy Networking Events, the evening marked the very first event in a series of planned monthly meet ups.

Professionals from all types and sizes of businesses came together to share their experiences, stories and advice, discover new suppliers and seek fresh sales prospects.

Guests were given a warm welcome in the private function room at The New Fox Inn, with General Manager Ethan Rawbone and his team on hand throughout providing plenty of nibbles and refreshments. It proved to be the perfect setting for our event: informal, relaxed, and just a stone’s throw from the QMT Commercial office.

Frank Thomson, Business Development & Marketing Manager at QMT Commercial said. “We are thrilled at the turnout of our very first event, which exceeded our expectations and is only set to grow as the word spreads throughout the Ashford business community and beyond. The positive feedback we’ve received so far from our guests really indicates just how much the area needed an initiative like this. We’re really excited to develop this group further over the coming months.”

Linda Cloke, owner of Synergy Networking Events, said “The Ashford launch was a resounding success, attracting local business people from sole traders to large corporations. Thank you to Ethan for the tasty food and table service and to everyone for their support.”

As we look to the future, our aim is simple: to strengthen business connections and increase local opportunities by establishing a framework of like-minded business owners. All the while, we are looking to redefine what ‘networking’ looks like, overcoming the misconceptions of stuffy conference rooms, 60-second elevator pitches and events that don’t suit your busy schedule.

At QMT Commercial, we like to do things differently. Our events are carefully planned to put guests at ease and run in the evenings so you can easily pop down after your workday. It’s much more like getting a drink with friends than something that needs to be seen as a chore.

We are already planning our second event on Tuesday 25^th March 2025, returning to The New Fox Inn from 6.30pm. Following the success of our launch event, spaces are already filling fast, so book your spot now to avoid disappointment:

https://events.mynethub.com/public/event/6793c46ea2a3d9abe48df3ab/?themeColor=%23143454

Whilst not being a legal requirement, most builders and construction professionals are aware of the benefits and protection that a Public Liability policy can offer them. However, it’s important to understand the cover and limitations of this type of policy to ensure that you’re not left in the lurch should the unfortunate happen.

What Public Liability Insurance covers:

• Damage to the property that has arisen as a result from your work, which may include legal expenses and compensation
• Third party injury, whether this be a customer or member of the public.

As those in the industry know, construction projects can be filled with hazards, with the possibility for costs to spiral, not to mention the chance of contractor or sub-contractor injury. In order to safeguard your business, you should consider what would happen in the event that your Public Liability product does not cover an incident. For example, if there was damage to the works you are undertaking arising from a flood or fire, would you be in a position to repair or repeat the project? If so, what impact would that have on your business from a financial perspective? Could any financial implications cause a delay to your project scheduling and, in turn, your reputation?

The good news is that a Contractors All Risk policy can be tailored to fit your unique business requirements and offers total peace of mind. Put simply, a Contractors All Risks policy will protect you against physical loss or damage to the works under construction and any plant, tools and equipment on-site.

What Contractors All Risk Insurance covers:

• Contract works by contractors
• The cost to repair or restart the project (to the standard it was before the damage occurred) in the event of fires, floods, storm, vandalism or theft
• Can include contract works by sub-contractors
• Can include Public Liability
• Can include Employer’s Liability (which is a legal requirement)
• Can include own plant cover
• Can include hired plant cover (protects against the risk of damage, theft or becoming unusable)
• Can include employee tool cover
• Can include hot works and welding
• Can include piling and excavation works
• Can include damage to equipment and supplies during transit
• Can include cover of third party ‘consultant’ fees
• Can include JCT 6.5.1 insurance
• Can include high risk contract works and hazardous locations

Additional benefits of Contractors All Risks policies

Hot works and welding

Working with heat is considered high risk and could result in property damage or personal injury. Unlike most Public Liability policies where this is excluded, Contractors All Risks can include hot works and welding cover and could even include legal fees and settlements where required.

Piling and excavation

Another high risk activity, piling and excavation works can not only damage surrounding foundations and buildings, but can also affect underground wiring and pipes. Your public liability policy may not cover you for this type of work, but you can rest assured that your Contractors All Risks policy would, including legal fees and damages made against you.

Damage to equipment and supplies during transit

The great thing about a Contractors All Risks policy is that it can be fully customised with as much or as little cover as you require. If you are concerned about machinery, equipment and supplies being lost or damaged in transit, opt for this to be included. This additional cover can include both inland transit or marine cargo.

Coverage for third party ‘consultant’ fees

It is possible that the investigation and repair of any property damage you have caused may require advice and consultancy from architects, engineers and surveyors, etc. Their involvement usually comes at a cost which you may not have anticipated. By including this cover in your Contractors All Risks policy, you won’t get any nasty surprises.

JCT 6.5.1 insurance

Sometimes referred to as ‘non-negligence insurance’, this additional cover can be included in your Contractors All Risks policy. JCT 6.5.1 insurance covers you in the event of a claim arising from damage to a neighbouring property (e.g. subsidence, vibration, groundwater issues, etc), where there has been no negligence during works by the contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take out a Contractors All Risks policy?

Insurers understand that there are often multiple parties involved in a construction project who may need to make a claim. This can include main contractors, employers, financers and suppliers who have a financial interest in the works. In most cases, it is a joint policy between the contractor and employer. It is important to advise the broker/insurer of all interested parties so they can be noted on the policy.

How much will a Contractors All Risks policy cost?

Like any insurance policy, the premium will be based on what insurers call ‘risk factors’. This may include looking at how high risk the work you do is, where abouts you operate (for example are there a higher number of tool/plant thefts in that area), the value of the project(s), etc. As always, our commercial team will take time to understand your needs and match you with the most suitable insurer on our panel and the most competitive quote we can find.

Do I really need a Contractors All Risk policy if I have liability insurance?

If you are a builder or construction professional, then yes, we highly recommend upgrading to Contractors All Risks insurance. Typical liability products simply don’t include the specific level of cover you may need and you risk leaving your business exposed if there’s a claim. What’s more, you can opt to include public liability and employer’s liability within your Contractors All Risks policy along with other add-ons that you may currently have as stand-alone policies – this makes managing and renewing your policies much easier! In addition, having a Contractors All Risks policy may be a prerequisite for a specific contract, or alternatively, having this insurance may improve your chances of getting contracts, by building trust and confidence with the client.

How do I get a quote for a Contractors All Risks policy?

In order to provide a quotation, we need to know a bit more about you and the work you do. Simply call QMT Commercial on 01227 285540 and ask for our commercial team. One of our experienced brokers will be able to advise on the right level of cover for the works you undertake and provide a free, no-obligation quotation.

The rising cost of insurance is having a huge impact on the bottom-line of contractors, with some firms in the sector seeing increased premiums of over 10% year on year since 2018. The roofing industry, in particular, has felt the pinch of these premium hikes, with contractors dealing with spiraling costs leading to decreased profit margins and in some cases, the business becoming unsustainable.

In 2022, a Construction Leadership Council (CLC) survey found that construction contractors were struggling to afford suitable insurance and that around a fifth of professionals were spending more than 5% of their annual revenue on insurance. Of course, with the continued rising cost of living, economic turmoil and threat of a recession, things have done little to improve in the last 2 years.

As a result, businesses are often left with the extremely difficult decision of absorbing the increased premiums into their business overheads or passing these costs to the customer, which in turn risks them securing the contract if price is a deciding factor. Continued financial pressure in the sector is predicted to slow industry growth, with companies reducing unnecessary expenditure on equipment, training and staffing.

Why are roofing contractor insurer premiums rising so severely?

• Claims are on the rise
  The very nature of dealing with hazardous locations, dangerous heights and sources of heat make roofing an extremely high-risk activity for insurers to cover. There is an increased chance of accidents occurring during construction works as well as the potential for costly damage to the property. A substantial rise in claims being paid out inevitably means that insurers have no choice but to increase customer premiums in order to continue the viability of their insurance products.

• Increased material and supplier costs
  In every part of our lives, costs have risen significantly over the last few years and materials are no exception. Rampant inflation, severe disruption of supply chains due to COVID, Ukraine and even Brexit have all had an impact on the price we pay. So, not only are insurers dealing with more claims than ever before, they’re also paying out substantially increased costs for each claim too.

• Fraudulent claims are on the up
  Like any financial sector, the insurance industry is unfortunately prone to misuse and deception. In 2022, insurance fraud teams identified over £1.1 billion in falsified claims, with a belief that a similar amount goes undetected every year. Insurers have to account for this vast expenditure as well as investing heavily in specialist investigation teams and cutting-edge technology to tackle the issue. This multi-billion pound outlay regrettably affects premiums for all customers.

• More extreme weather
  As climate change begins to take effect, weather in the UK is changing. This may result in more severe weather events including storms, hurricanes, hail, etc, all of which are likely to increase the number of insurance claims made by roofing contractors. As a result, premiums will increase accordingly.

• Insurers leaving the sector
  In difficult economic trading times, many insurers are removing their risk appetite for the high-risk industries or are exiting the insurance sector completely. This means there are fewer insurers competing to offer the best prices to their customers and finding a good deal in an unstable market becomes much more challenging.

What is being done to protect roofing contractors from insurance price rises?

At present, there is sadly very little Government assistance on the horizon, although those in the industry remain optimistic that as the economy settles down, so too will other contributing factors. Whilst in the short-term, the reality is that premiums are not likely to come down, there are small signs that premium growth may be starting to stabilise with potential increases not so drastic as in previous years.

In the meantime, there are affiliate parties who are advocating for action to address the continued threat to the construction sector by insurance price rises. The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), The Federation of Master Builders and other trade bodies are taking steps to ease the issues, looking at new insurance schemes and price increase caps amongst other initiatives.

What can you do to lower your insurance premiums?

Having appropriate insurance is an essential factor in successfully running your business. Some products such as Employer’s Liability insurance may be legally required, whereas others are totally optional, but highly recommended to ensure you are protected should something unforeseen or unfortunate happen. You should always consider how you would cope if an incident occurred and someone made a large claim against you. Would your business be in a position to deal with the financial losses and legal uncertainty that could arise? For many companies, especially smaller contractors, the consequences would be absolutely devastating, with the real possibility of the company ceasing trading. Therefore, many businesses prefer the peace of mind that insurance gives them and it is simply not an option for them to consider having no cover in place.

Here are some top tips from our specialist brokers that will help you mitigate the rising cost of roofing contractor insurance:

• Risk management and safety processes
  Insurance quotes are calculated by looking at risk factors. The lower the risk, the lower the quote. Quality training, risk management and safety procedures will help you lower the risks, which in turn decreases the likelihood of claims being made against your policy. Many insurers will take this information into account when quoting and seek evidence of your arrangements as part of your insurance policy.

• Tailor your contracts
  By specialising your services, you can change the level of risk required to be covered on your insurance (e.g. target lower insurance activity markets or specialise in a business direction that attracts larger, high value contracts). A policy which covers you for a very wide range of services is always likely to cost more, as the risks are significantly increased.

• Consider industry accreditations
  There are many benefits of joining an industry association, including their ability to push agendas affecting their members. They may be able to encourage regulation and legislation changes that would have a bearing on the insurance issues currently impacting the sector.

• Greater awareness and collaboration
  Construction projects have always been a joint effort. From architects and planners to surveyors and project owners, communication and teamwork is key. An increased awareness and understanding from third parties could help push forward changes with a view to reduce risks during roofing construction (e.g. an architect designing the roof specifying using a cold applied system). This would benefit all parties, in time leading to greater safety, fewer claims and reduced insurance costs.

• Check you’re getting the best deal
  If you’ve renewed your policy with the same insurer for a number of years, you may benefit from shopping around, as we still find that not every insurer rewards loyalty. A specialist commercial insurance broker can help you compare cover and premiums across a wide range of insurers from their panel, making sure you find an affordable premium with suitable protection.

• Find an all-in-one package
  It’s highly possible that you’ve taken out multiple insurance products with different insurers and brokers. This means you could be paying much more than you need to, particularly if each insurer or broker is adding fees on top of the premium. By seeing if you can combine essential cover under one policy, it’s likely you’ll see a cost reduction, plus it makes managing the policy so much simpler, with just one point of contact.

• Consider paying monthly for more manageable instalments
  Whilst it may not reduce the cost of roofing contractor insurance (some finance is subject to interest), it might be worthwhile considering paying your premium by monthly direct debit. Paying in full can be a big hit to your overheads in any given month, but paying in bitesize chunks allows you the security of knowing that you’re covered, whilst managing your cashflow.

How can QMT Commercial help?

With no guarantee that insurance premiums for the construction sector will be coming down any time soon, it’s even more important that you’re getting a good deal. Why not let our experienced commercial broking team help. We can audit your current policies, identify any potential gaps and provide tailored insurance solutions. What’s more, we’re a one-stop-shop, so if you have any other business insurance requirements such as a fleet or HGV, we can cover those too, keeping everything all in one place with a dedicated account manager on hand to help. Simply call us on 01227 285540 to speak with one of our friendly advisors today.

‘Giving back’ is at the heart of the QMT Commercial ethos.

Not only do our team nominate, vote and fundraise for our charity of the year, we also support a number of national campaigns and local community initiatives.

As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility framework, QMT Commercial are proud to host an annual food drive in aid of nearby Deal Foodbank, which provides emergency food parcels for those in need.

For the past four years, John Farr, our Head of Quality Assurance and Training, has spearheaded the project, with both our team and the company generously contributing vital foods, pet supplies, toiletries and funds.

From mid-November, the corner of QMT Commercial’s headquarters starts to bustle with activity until our donation boxes are overflowing with food, which John delivers personally to Deal Food Bank in the lead up to Christmas. 

John says, “The festive season is especially important for food banks due to the extra cost associated with Christmas. Some people can afford a food shop, but if they don’t have to, it means they can use the money for the kids presents, so it can be the difference between getting something under the tree or not.”

Every year the team never fail to surprise us with their unwavering support and kindness, easily surpassing the previous year’s volume of donations.

Upon receiving the items, Karen at Deal foodbank said, “Please kindly pass on our best wishes and a big thank you to all your employees for the wonderful Christmas goodies. You will be pleased to know your donation raised an incredible 148Kgs.

Deal area foodbank covers Deal, Sandwich, Aylesham and all the surrounding villages, last month we gave out over 300 vouchers that helped to feed over 1000 people a total of 3 tons of food.

Your kindness and generosity will help support us to promote our Christmas families with some joy in these difficult times, you should be very proud of yourself.  

Once again, we truly appreciate your support.”

A huge thanks to our team for your continued contributions to our charity partners. No matter what fundraising challenge we put to you, you always rise to the occasion, with record donations year on year. 

To find out more about Deal Foodbank including how you can get involved, visit:

Deal Area Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis

Our Opening Times differ over the festive period, however, if you need to make a claim, this can be done even when our offices are closed. In the event of an incident, and the need to make a claim, simply call 01227 285 540 (Option 2).

Our opening times are below, on all other dates our offices are open for business as usual;-