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Running a small business comes with responsibility. Whether you are self-employed, managing a small team, using a van, serving customers or delivering products, the right insurance can help protect your business from unexpected costs.
ICUK Insurance offers quote routes for business insurance, van insurance, fast food delivery insurance and public/employer liability insurance. This checklist can help small business owners think about what cover they may need before requesting a quote.
If you employ staff, you may need employers’ liability insurance. GOV.UK explains that employers must usually have Employers’ Liability insurance as soon as they become an employer, with cover of at least £5 million from an authorised insurer.
This can help cover compensation if an employee becomes injured or ill because of their work.
Public liability insurance can help protect your business if a customer, visitor or member of the public claims that your business caused injury or property damage.
This may be important for businesses such as:
Public liability insurance is not always legally required, but many customers, landlords or contractors may ask for it.
If you use a car, van or motorcycle for business, check whether your insurance covers the correct use.
Standard private car insurance may not cover business activity. You may need business use, commercial vehicle insurance or specialist delivery cover depending on how the vehicle is used.
If your van is used for work, make sure your policy reflects your business activity. Consider whether you need cover for:
Food delivery drivers should be especially careful. Standard social, domestic and pleasure cover is usually not enough for paid delivery work.
If you deliver food, parcels or goods, check whether you need hire and reward or specialist delivery insurance.
Many small businesses rely on tools, laptops, stock or specialist equipment. If these are lost, stolen or damaged, the cost of replacement can affect your work.
Check whether your policy covers:
Some businesses may also need to consider professional indemnity insurance, especially if they give advice, provide designs, offer consultancy or deliver professional services.
This type of cover may help if a client claims they suffered a loss because of your professional work or advice.
Your insurance needs may change if you:
Review your cover regularly so it matches your actual business.
Small business insurance should reflect how your business really operates. Before choosing a policy, make a clear list of your staff, vehicles, premises, tools, customers and daily activities.
Do small businesses need employers’ liability insurance?
If you employ staff, you may legally need employers’ liability insurance.
Is public liability insurance compulsory?
Not always, but it can be important if you deal with customers, visitors or the public.
Do I need special insurance for delivery work?
Yes, paid delivery work often needs specialist cover. Standard private car insurance may not be enough.