Business Insurance

Business insurance is designed to protect your company against the financial risks that come with running a business. It can cover risks including property damage, legal claims, employee-related risks and loss of income if your operations are disrupted. By putting the right insurance in place, businesses can help to safeguard their assets, meet legal requirements and continue operating with confidence, even when unexpected events occur.

Business insurance is relevant to most businesses, regardless of their size or how they operate. From small and home‑based businesses to growing companies, it’s not the scale of the operation that determines whether insurance is needed, but the risks involved. While smaller businesses may require less cover than larger organisations, having the right protection in place is still essential to safeguard against unexpected events and financial losses.

• Sole traders: Even one‑person businesses face risks such as legal claims, accidents or damage to equipment.
• SMEs: Growing businesses often need protection for property, employees and potential liability claims.
• Home-based businesses: Working from home doesn’t remove business risks and standard home insurance usually won’t cover business activities.
• Limited companies: Separate legal entities often require insurance to protect directors, assets and ongoing operations.
• Self-employed professionals: Those providing advice or services may need cover for errors, claims or disputes.
• Start-ups: Insurance helps protect early investments and supports continuity as the business develops.
• Businesses with employees: Employers are typically legally required to have cover for employee‑related risks.

Certain types of insurance are legally required in the UK. For example, Employers’ Liability Insurance is compulsory for most businesses that employ staff. Other covers may not be mandatory but are strongly recommended.

Without appropriate insurance, you may be responsible for covering legal fees, compensation payments or repair costs yourself, which could put your business under serious financial pressure.

Business insurance can be arranged as a package policy or built using individual covers. Common options include Public Liability, Employers’ Liability, Professional Indemnity, Property Cover, Business Interruption and Cyber Insurance.

The amount of cover you need depends on your activities, turnover, number of employees and level of risk. For example, a scaffolding company working regularly at height will likely need an increased indemnity level. Our brokers take the time to understand your business and can recommend cover levels that suit your situation.

The cost of Business Insurance varies depending on factors such as your industry, turnover, number of employees and level of cover required. Working with an independent broker can help you find a fair deal without compromising on protection.

Yes. As an independent insurance broker, QMT Commercial has access to a wide panel of insurers. This allows us to compare cover levels and prices across a range of products to find the right solution for your business.

An independent broker like QMT Commercial works for you and can offer impartial advice as well as access to multiple insurers. On some occasions, we also benefit from broker-only deals that you would not be able to obtain if you purchased direct from the insurer.

If you take out Business Interruption cover, it will help replace lost income and ongoing expenses if your business is unable to operate following an insured event, such as a fire or flood.

Absolutely. Business Insurance is not one‑size‑fits‑all. There are various flexible packages or individual policies that we can use to build the insurance solution you need, adding or removing cover as required.

If your business grows, changes activities or takes on employees, your insurance may need to be updated. QMT Commercial can help you to review and adjust your cover to ensure you remain protected.

It’s a good idea to review your cover at least annually or whenever your business changes, such as increased turnover, new services, additional employees or new premises. With QMT Commercial by your side, we'll help you review your cover every renewal (we never auto-renew your policy), giving you the opportunity to update your protection.

Your policy can usually be adjusted as your business evolves, ensuring your cover keeps pace with new risks and changing circumstances. On occasion, there will be some exclusions to this, for example if your business activity changes to something your current insurer does not cover. Where this is the case, our commercial insurance brokers will seek new quotes for you.

Getting started is simple. Contact QMT Commercial to speak with one of our knowledgeable brokers, who will guide you through the process and arrange a suitable quote.