john banks

If you run business(es) from home that require public liability insurance including regular business visitors to the premises and cover of business equipment, can you use a residential buildings and contents policy that specifically excludes these features and take out a separate business policy that covers them?

Reason being is that the high rebuilding cost of a large stone built property means that a buildings insurance policy that has unlimited cover is useful, but finding a single policy that covers everything is tricky.

The two businesses are horse livery for 3-4 horses and manufacturing of craft items.

I think a chat to the NFU may be useful, because they understand rural business. I phoned Tesco as their "Finest" (don't laugh) policy covers the buildings really well with the nuances of a nearby tiny water course but no flood risk. I asked if I could use their policy and "top it up" with a separate business policy, the guy that answered the phone said I could, but their assumption in their literature of nothing except clerical use concerns me that their policy would be invalidated by business use rather than just that they wouldn't cover it.

Any guidance helpful! Thanks.

Trout

iTrader: (1)

This is the worst "I've got a business' thread I have ever seen


YHPM

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

Have a chat with Hiscox - their small print is a bit more sane than the average.

Butty

iTrader: (2)

John,
I have an AXA policy called Unity Hometraders that combines the household element of buildings and contents insurance, but also specifically identifies the business being home based and equipment used in the field, including public and employers liabilities.
I think there is an option for business visitors to the home.

john banks

Thanks all. As pm Trout, they are not high brow ventures in any way, will take my wife a lot of work, but after her fourth redundancy in the last three years she doesn't really want to go through all that again and the jobs available around here are not thrilling. We have already abandoned the idea of holiday accommodation after weighing it up, but initial insurance quotes were discouraging and would eat half the livery takings just to get insurance, making it unprofitable.

Does anyone know about having separate domestic and business policies?

fast bloke

You might have a few issues where each one claims it is the others responsibility. Did you try NFU for a combined policy? If you can't get a combined policy from a single insurer, get a general insurance broker to arrange both. The when one insurer tries to blame the other, you can blame the broker.

p.s. - Not touting for business. I refer business cover on to a broker on a goodwill basis anyway.

john banks

Awaiting NFU local office to get back to us.