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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.

We are really excited to be sponsoring a new podcast initiative set up with a single goal in mind; to promote business networking across Kent and connecting counties – and indeed around the U.K.

Podcasts are now a media form that is truly global with billions of downloads and streams being listened to every week and in order to ensure that our messaging and content can reach as wide an audience as possible, it seemed like the perfect type of content medium to use.

Our ‘on-air’ experience has reached new heights in 2025, with many guest appearances on several radio stations on F.M, DAB and Online radio shows – our Ashford Branch Manager, Frank Thomson is also now co-Host of the Business Bunker Radio Show every month on Kent Business Radio alongside Linda Cloke of Synergy Networking Events, our partner in networking and Linda is also taking up the role of Guest Host on the Network Kent podcasts and will appear on a semi-regular basis.

In addition to taking part on Radio shows, we are also aiming to be guests on other podcasts that hail from Kent, so if you would like to discuss a potential collaboration, please get in touch with us.

To join the waiting list to appear as a guest on Network Kent, simply email info@networkingpodcast.co.uk

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 Quote Me Today 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 Quote Me Today 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 Quote Me Today 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, Quote Me Today 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 Quote Me Today’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;-

If your business has seen a sharp increase in van insurance premiums lately, you’re not alone. Recent data from the Consumer Intelligence Van Insurance Price Index, shows prices have continued to rise by 24.7% in the last 12 months to June, biting businesses already struggling in a cost of living crisis.

Fortunately, this increase does appear to be slowing down, with an increase of just 2.7% in the last 3 months; the lowest increase in the last five quarters, which will be a welcome relief for business owners.

The good news is that whilst these increases are not wholly avoidable, there are many ways we can mitigate them and make other savings on your van insurance policy. Here’s our top tips for bringing down prices without compromising on cover.

No Claims Bonus – use it or lose it!

When you start a policy with a new insurer always transfer your no claims bonus from your previous policy. Some customers mistakenly believe that you can add no claims bonus from two policies together – unfortunately this is not the case and the no claims bonus accrued on the most recent policy will supersede the no claims bonus earned on the vehicle previously.

If you have sold or scrapped a vehicle, see if you can transfer this to the new vehicle.

Remember, no claims bonus is only valid for 2 years and insurers may have their own acceptance terms. Discuss this during the quotation to avoid any nasty surprises later on – the last thing you want is for your no claims bonus to be rejected and an additional premium applied.

Compare cover and prices

It might seem obvious, but it’s best to get quotes from multiple insurers to ensure you are getting a great deal. This is where a broker like Quote Me Today can help. We’ll do the legwork for you, presenting the most suitable product on our panel. This may not always be the cheapest quote but usually it will be the best value we can find. Let’s be honest, buying cheap won’t save you money in the long run if you have a claim that’s not fully covered so always weigh up the cover options and check what is and isn’t included in the policy. 

Consider telematics

Some insurance companies will give a discounted rate if your vehicles have tracking devices fitted. It is always best to check with insurers beforehand as they may only accept a certain make and have a timeframe in which the devices need to be fitted to your vehicles.

Remember, our friends at Fleetmaxx can provide real-time telematics, vehicle and asset GPS tracking with FLEETLOC8.

Choose drivers wisely

The drivers on your policy can have a significant impact on the premium. Laura Vas, Senior Insight Analyst at Consumer Intelligence, noted that “Van drivers of all ages have seen new business quotes rise over the last year, but inflation was less extreme for younger drivers. However, premiums for the younger end of the market remain considerably higher.” Younger drivers are considered higher risk as they have less driving experience so opt for older drivers where possible.

Some policies will allow you to name drivers, whereas fleet insurance usually works on a driving restriction basis (e.g. any licenced driver over 21, 25 or 30). Beware, some policies have an increased excess for younger or less experienced drivers.

Never take on a driver without running a DVLA licence check first. There are some more serious motoring convictions that may not be covered by your policy and others that may need to be noted and that will likely affect the premium. Never leave your business exposed by not doing due diligence. Ensure you have a clear policy for drivers to report any new motoring convictions and carry out regular licence checks (we recommend every 6 months).

Help to prevent claims

Claims mean there is an increased cost and risk to the insurer, so naturally this will affect your premium. Luckily, there’s lots you can do to prevent claims occurring.

Always keep your vehicles secure in a safe area (overnight postcodes also affect the premium) and do not leave any valuables in the vehicle. You may keep tools in your van, which can be attractive to criminals, so get into the habit of removing these overnight.

It is important to vet your drivers with an induction process and set clear driving standards and processes. Watching speed, keeping a distance and avoiding distractions are all part of safer driving, which will help prevent accidents.

Manage claims carefully

If the unfortunate occurs and you are involved in an incident, report this as soon as it is safe to do so and provide full details. Dashcam footage, photos and diagrams can be incredibly useful and speed up the investigation and liability process. Remember, delays lead to increased costs, so always deal with any queries promptly. Keep an eye on open claims and if a claim is later settled as non fault, report this to your insurer as it could have a positive affect on your premium if it had been previously noted as fault.

Get the use right

Vehicle use contributes to how your premium is calculated and it’s important to provide accurate information to the insurer otherwise you may not be fully covered in the event of a claim.

According to the Consumer Intelligence Van Insurance Price Index, owners using vans for social, domestic and pleasure experienced quote increases of 26.5%, while tradespeople saw rises of 24.1%.

Consider upping your excess

If there is the option to do so and you do not frequently claim on your van insurance, you may wish to consider increasing the excess. This reduces the level of risk and cost to the insurer in the event of a claim so is likely to result in a reduced annual premium.

Switch off automatic renewals

We get it! You’re busy and it’s super easy to allow your insurance to renew for another year without the hassle of obtaining new quotes. Unfortunately, by not shopping around, you may be paying more than you need to on your van insurance. A good broker will review your renewal quote and do the hard work for you, comparing the market for a better deal.

Do you need any extras?

Most insurance policies have flexible cover options and add-ons. We’re not against these as they can be excellent value for money if they’re something you are going to use, but never pay for cover you don’t need. Always discuss these with your broker, they’d be happy to break down the quote and provide different options for your consideration.

So there you have it – a few useful tips to reduce your van insurance costs in this turbulent insurance market. If you’d like a second opinion on your insurance costs or need a quote for an upcoming renewal, speak to Quote Me Today. Established for over 15 years with a proven track record in arranging commercial, motor trade and driving school insurance solutions, we will help you find a great deal.

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

QMT Canterbury
T: 01227 285 540
E: admin@quotemetoday.co.uk

Whether your business sees a surge in demand at Christmas or slows down and closes for the week, the festive season presents unique challenges when it comes to your insurance. Of course, increased risk means there is more likelihood of a claim being made which is never good news for your future renewal costs.

Here, we outline the most prevalent insurance risks over the Christmas period and some simple measures you can put in place to protect your business, so you can let your hair down and enjoy the festivities with total peace of mind.

Deck the halls… with care!

If your business is anything like ours at Quote Me Today, you’ll love to get in the festive spirit and decorate your premises. But even adorning your office with all things sparkly comes with its own dangers – here’s our tips to avoid unnecessary hazards.

• When hanging items at height, you’ll need to ensure that you provide the correct equipment and guidance (e.g. a stepladder as opposed to standing on a chair or desk) to prevent staff accidents which could turn into a nasty claim against your employers’ liability insurance.
• Any hanging items should be placed in locations where they are least likely to fall onto employees, customers or third parties, or cause damage to property and equipment. Appropriate fastenings should always be used, suitable for the weight of the decoration.
• Your business PAT testing may not have included your Christmas lights, so you need to make sure these are safe for use and comply with all current safety standards.
• Draping easily flammable items like tinsel near heat sources can also be dangerous, as well as the possibility of decorations obscuring fire extinguishers, emergency lights and signage, or blocking fire escapes.
• Beware of trip hazards from Christmas lighting cables or decorations placed in high traffic areas.
• If you’re going ‘au naturale’ this Christmas with a real tree, these can easily become a fire hazard when dry – keeping them watered every day reduces this risk. You’ll also want to make sure all your internal doors are closed to prevent the spread of fire should one occur and check your fire alarms are working correctly before you leave.

‘Tis the season to stock up

If your company sees an increase in seasonal trade, you may have more stock on your premises around Christmas time. Many business insurance policies do allow for this, but you should check the terms of your policy to make sure you are covered as if you are underinsured you may lose money in the event of a claim.

Too much prosec-ho-ho-ho?

Work Christmas parties can sometimes get out of hand, particularly when there’s a free flow of alcohol. Whilst everyone likes to let loose, it’s absolutely possible that someone could say or do something that could leave your company or its directors in disrepute. That’s why it’s vital to have both employers’ liability and Directors & Officers Liability, should a claim be made against you.

In addition, when staff are literally full of Christmas spirit (we’re talking gin, sherry and mulled wine), there’s a greater chance for falls and accidents, which could result in legal action being taken against the company. Being mindful of alcohol consumption and ensuring there is plenty of food on hand are good ways to reduce this risk. If you have a company fleet, you should also ensure any drivers are aware of the implication of driving when tipsy (even if they’ve only had a couple). Laying on additional transport to and from your venue is always a great option to avoid potential fleet vehicle claims.

Food Elf and Safety

It’s no secret that many of us tend to over-indulge in the run up to Christmas. Whilst it’s lovely to have a treat at work, employers’ need to be mindful of special dietary requirements and provide clarity about potential allergens for any food supplied on your premises or at your party venue.

If you’re organising a work buffet (who doesn’t like a bit of ‘beige’ food), you’ll also need to take precautions, adhering to food preparation and storage guidelines. One of the biggest risks is keeping leftovers when the items have already spent a significant time at room temperature. When it comes to food, it’s always better to be safe than sorry because no one wants their workforce off with food poisoning or a potential negligence claim made against you by a sick employee.

People up to snow good

Burglars are opportunists and often take advantage of the shorter days, cover of darkness and increased vulnerability of your business premises being closed over Christmas when no-one is around. The good news is, there are steps you can take to reduce your business being targeted.

• Secure/lock away any expensive equipment.
• Make sure nothing is visible that could attract or entice potential burglars.
• Check your security systems (lights, alarms and CCTV) are working correctly as these can act as a deterrent.
• If you have a third-party security partner, advise them of your business opening hours to reduce false alarms and to ensure they know when to act if someone is in your office when it’s supposed to be closed.
• Double check all doors, shutters and windows are locked before you close the office for the Christmas break.
• Check your insurance policy terms, particularly any unoccupancy clauses to ensure you are fully covered.

Dreaming of a white Christmas?

For some, fresh snowfall on Christmas day is a dream. But for others, it could result in frozen pipes and the start of a financial nightmare. Wintery weather conditions such as snow, ice and floods certainly take their toll on our business premises and can threaten the structure and fabric of any building. Carrying out routine checks at the beginning of December (e.g. flat roofs and guttering) allows you sufficient time to address any issues that could escalate and cause property damage during the festive season. As a precaution, leave the heating on over your Christmas business shutdown, but turn it down so it is just high enough to prevent frost and protect your pipework.

As with a lot of risk management advice, the above is predominantly common sense, but such advice can easily be overlooked when we’re busy. As a broker, we’re all too aware of the financial and reputational damage small oversights can cause. That’s why we’re passionate about making sure our customers have the right level of cover in place. If you have any questions about an existing policy you hold with us or would like a second opinion on your insurance arrangements, our experienced insurance advisors are here to help. Simply call 01227 285540 or email admin@quotemetoday.co.uk. 

Our friends at Covea recently reported that on average, drivers are 25% more likely to make a claim during the months of November to February. This statistic doesn’t even take into consideration periods of bad weather, where this shoots up to 33%.

As you’ll be aware, claims made against your vehicle insurance policy usually mean one thing; a significant price increase come renewal. No one likes paying more than they need to for their insurance. That’s why it’s important to take precautions and adapt your driving to match these more perilous conditions. Don’t forget that some conditions such as black ice aren’t even easily visible, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

Here’s our top tips for safer driving this winter:

Check your route

Check the route you will be taking before you set off, watching out for traffic updates to avoid delays. Keep to main roads as they will have more chance of having been gritted. Leave early to avoid rushing and plan frequent rest breaks when taking longer journeys.

Maintain your vehicle

As well as your usual vehicle upkeep, make sure your wiper blades are in good working order, clean your headlights and number plate, check your tyre treads (min 3mm) and ensure tyres have sufficient air (ignore the dangerous myth of needing less air in winter).

Have an emergency kit

Always have essentials in the car as you never know when you might get into difficulty. Your kit should include an ice scraper, torch, batteries, first aid kit, emergency phone charger, warm clothes, footwear, drinks, snacks, jump leads and a warning triangle.

Fill up your vehicle

Make sure you have plenty of fuel, even for short journeys as there is always a chance you may get delayed or need to make a detour. Use additive in your screenwash to prevent freezing and you should use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water in your coolant.

Prepare your vehicle

Before you depart, de-ice your car and allow condensation to clear as it is illegal to drive if your visibility is impaired. Cold air usually demists quicker than hot air. You should also clear snow off your car roof as this can fall and obstruct your view while driving.

Adapt your driving

Leave extra space between vehicles as stopping distances can be 10 times longer in icy conditions. Brake more gently and drive slowly on hills, reducing your speed before you start descending to avoid heavy braking on the hill itself. Use your car’s winter mode if it has one.