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Sarah Clements

Do Farm Quad Bikes and Agricultural ATV Need Insurance?
Do Farm Quad Bikes and Agricultural ATV Need Insurance? 1000 733 James Hallam

If you use a quad bike or an ATV for agricultural purposes – that is, if you only use it on farmland and not on UK roads – then you may be exempt from paying tax on the vehicle, and you may not even need a driving licence.

But what about insurance? Do you need to pay insurance on farm quad bikes and agricultural ATVs?

An Introduction to Agricultural Quad Bike and ATV Insurance

If you are driving any vehicle on UK roads, then you have a legal requirement to get at least third party insurance cover. It is an offence to drive an uninsured vehicle on public roads. But if you are only driving your quad bike or ATV off-road, then this law does not apply. You do not have a legal obligation to get any insurance for your agricultural quad bike or ATV, so long as you only ever ride it off-road.

 You will need at least third party insurance cover for any time you spend on public roads, even if it’s just a five minute journey between two fields.

However, even if there is no law saying you need insurance for your agricultural quad bikes and ATVs, it is still a good idea to get comprehensive cover for all possible risks.

The Risks Associated With Agricultural Quad Bikes and ATVs

Quad bikes and ATVs can be significant investments, and many farmers depend on them for a range of agricultural purposes. Unfortunately, quad bikes and ATVs are a prime target for thieves, as they are valuable and very easy to move and sell. If nothing else, you need insurance to cover you against the risks of theft. Yet insurance can also cover your quad bike or ATV if it is ever destroyed or damaged.

Think about how crucial your quad bike or ATV is to your farmwork, and how much of an inconvenience it would be if your vehicle were ever destroyed, damaged, or stolen. Would you be able to afford repairs, or a replacement? This is where adequate insurance can help you stay afloat.

Registering Agricultural Quad Bikes and ATVs

First, you should register your agricultural quad bike or ATV with the DVLA. Depending on the type of vehicle you use, and how you use it, you may have a legal requirement to do this anyway. But in any case, registering the vehicle can help the police recover it should it ever get stolen.

If you use the vehicle solely for off-road purposes, then you can add it to the Off-Road Register. If you use it for agricultural purposes, then you may need to register it as a light agricultural vehicle.

Securing Insurance for Your Farm Quad Bike

You will need at least third party insurance if you ever take your quad bike or ATV on public roads. If you are strictly off-road, then it is still a good idea to get some dedicated agricultural quad bike and ATV insurance to cover you for the risks of theft, or damage.

Your insurer may outline certain requirements you will need to meet before they cover you. For instance, they may specify that you need to keep your vehicle locked in a secure garage whenever you are not using it.

Specialist Quad Bike Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your assets.

We provide specialist ATV insurance for clients who use their quad bikes or ATVs in connection with agricultural work or shoots. You can also get additional benefits if you are a BASC member.

Learn more about our dedicated ATV and quad bike insurance services.

Do You Pay Council Tax on a Shepherd’s Hut?
Do You Pay Council Tax on a Shepherd’s Hut? 1000 563 James Hallam

The tax you pay on your shepherd’s hut will depend on where it is located, and how you use it.

In this post we will discuss some situations in which you may need to pay council tax, or other kinds of tax, on your shepherd’s hut.

When Do You Pay Council Tax on a Shepherd’s Hut?

If the shepherd’s hut is on your own land – that is, in the garden attached to your main family residence – and if only you or your family use it, then you will probably not have to pay council tax on it. But if you or anyone else uses the hut as their primary residence, then council tax may apply.

You may also have to pay council tax if the shepherd’s hut is located on a plot of land that is not part of your main residence. In this case, the local council may treat your shepherd’s hut as a second home, or an unoccupied property, and tax you accordingly.

Contact your local council for more information about the council tax rules in your area. Let them know where your shepherd’s hut is located, and how you use it, and they can advise you on the tax you will need to pay. They will also advise you on whether or not you need to register your shepherd’s hut with the local authority.

Do You Have To Pay Council Tax If You Let Out Your Shepherd’s Hut?

You may also have to pay council tax on the hut if you let it to holidaymakers. This may depend on whether or not the shepherd’s hut is located on land that is part of your primary residence, or if it is located on a separate plot of land.

Other Taxes to Pay If You Let Your Shepherd’s Hut to Holidaymakers

If you let your shepherd’s hut to holidaymakers, you may also have to pay certain business rates, including income tax, VAT, and capital gains tax. The tax you pay, and the amount you owe, will depend on how much income you make from letting your shepherd’s hut. The number of nights your shepherd’s hut is available to let each year can also determine the business rates you will need to pay.

Read the full government guidance on business rates for self-catering and holiday let accommodation.

Tax Relief For Shepherd’s Hut

If you let your shepherd’s hut to holidaymakers, and you do not live in it yourself, then it may qualify as a Furnished Holiday Letting (FHL).

To be classed as an FHL, your shepherd’s hut must meet certain criteria:

  • It must be furnished by you.
  • The hut must be available to let for at least 210 days of the first tax year you start letting. It does not matter whether or not you have bookings for the entire 210 days.
  • You must not allow for stays longer than 31 days.
  • The hut must be commercially let as a holiday property for at least 105 days of the year. Any time you, your friends, or your family spends in the hut for free or at reduced rates do not count towards this total.

If your shepherd’s hut does qualify as an FHL, you can get a range of benefits:

  • Capital gains tax relief.
  • Capital allowances for any furniture, equipment, and fixtures you purchase and fit.
  • Any rental income can count as earnings for pension purchases.

Read the government’s full guide to FHLs, the eligibility, and the possible tax relief.

Get The Insurance Cover You Need For Your Shepherd’s Hut

No matter how you use your shepherd’s hut – whether for a garden office, as a personal getaway, or as a rental property – it is important that you get the right insurance for your property.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.

We will ensure you get full cover for your shepherd’s hut, wherever it is located, and however you use it.

Learn more about our specialist shepherd’s hut insurance and get a free quote today.

Hotelier Insurance: 5 Key Considerations Every Hotel Should Address
Hotelier Insurance: 5 Key Considerations Every Hotel Should Address 1224 392 James Hallam

By David Noble, Director of Hospitality & Travel, James Hallam Insurance Brokers

Having worked closely with hoteliers across the UK for many years, I’ve seen first-hand the dedication, resilience, and attention to detail that define the hospitality industry. At James Hallam, we’ve proudly served the sector since 1982 – and one constant remains: no two hotels are the same and neither are their risks.

Here are the five most important hotelier insurance considerations to ensure your business is properly protected and positioned for long-term success.

1. Every Hotel Has a Unique Risk Profile – Understand Yours

The first step in developing the right hotelier insurance strategy is understanding the specific risks your hotel faces. A boutique city hotel has very different exposures compared to a seaside resort or country estate.

Factors that influence the cover you need:

  • Location and surrounding risks
  • Services and amenities offered
  • Guest demographics and booking trends

Our role is to tailor insurance that reflect these nuances to ensure you’re not overpaying for cover you don’t need – or under-protected where it matters most.

Find out more about how we can help you assess your risk profile.

2. Don’t Overlook Business Interruption Cover – It’s Crucial

One of the most underestimated forms of hotelier insurance is business interruption insurance. From fires and floods to power outages, operational disruptions can happen unexpectedly – but the financial fallout often lasts months.

Why it matters:
Business interruption insurance supports your hotel by compensating for lost income and fixed overheads during closure periods. It’s essential that the indemnity period matches a realistic recovery timeline. We work with our hoteliers to model realistic recovery times and build the right protection around them.

3. Cyber Risk Is a Modern Hotelier’s Reality – A Business-Critical Issue

The hospitality industry has become a prime target for cybercrime. From guest data to booking systems and point-of-sale software, hoteliers handle an enormous volume of sensitive information daily. A cyber breach doesn’t just result in downtime, it can lead to serious reputational and legal consequences.

What to include in your hotelier insurance policy:

  • Cyber insurance for financial protection
  • Staff training on cybersecurity best practices
  • Regular system audits and updates

Cyber resilience is no longer optional – it’s a core part of your insurance planning.

4. Documentation Can Make or Break a Claim

Effective hotelier insurance doesn’t stop at having the right cover – it also requires strong documentation to support your claims.

Recommended practices:

  • Maintain an incident report protocol
  • Keep equipment and maintenance logs
  • Train staff in proper reporting procedures

Well-kept records can significantly speed up claims processing and ensure fair settlements.

5. Choose a Broker Who Knows Hospitality

Not all insurance brokers understand the complexity of the hospitality industry. At James Hallam, our hospitality team is made up of specialists who live and breathe this sector. We understand the regulatory pressures, the staffing challenges, the seasonal changes.

We provide:

  • Industry-specific advice
  • Ongoing claims support
  • Strategic risk management tailored to your operations

Hotelier insurance isn’t just about policies – it’s about partnerships built on trust, experience and advocacy.

Let’s Talk Hotelier Insurance

Whether you’re reviewing your current insurance or planning a new strategy, I’d welcome a conversation. Our goal is to ensure your hotel is protected – today, and for whatever comes next.

Contact David Noble: david.noble@jameshallam.co.uk
Or book a call with our hospitality insurance team

Type of Marine Fuels – What Are My Fuelling Options?
Type of Marine Fuels – What Are My Fuelling Options? 500 282 James Hallam

Some types of marine fuels may be more affordable than others. Unfortunately, the cheapest fuels also tend to be the least carbon efficient. And as ship owners must now meet stringent decarbonisation regulations, choosing the right fuel for your marine operations may not be as straightforward as it used to be.

In this post we will list the various types of marine fuels, to give you a better idea of your fuelling options for your marine business.

What are the Decarbonising Rules For the Marine Industry?

In early 2023, the International Maritime Organisation introduced new Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rules. The aim is to reduce the carbon intensity of all ships by 40% by 2030.

On top of this, the Fuel EU Maritime regulation came into force on 1 January 2025. This regulation sets strict limits to the total average greenhouse gas emissions for any ship heavier than 5,000 gross tonnes that calls into EU ports.

Because of such regulations, choosing the right fuel for your shipping is not as straightforward as it used to be. It is not just a case of choosing the greenest and most cost-effective fuel for your current operations. You also need to consider how you will adapt your operations to meet future decarbonisation and emission targets. This might mean making considerable modifications today, so that you can continue to ship tomorrow.

Read our full guide to decarbonising and emission regulations for the marine industry here.

Types of Marine Fuels

You have a choice of fuelling options for your marine operations, including:

  • Marine diesel oils (MDO)
  • Marine gas oils (MGO)
  • High Fuel Oil (HFO)
  • Ultra low sulphur fuel oil (ULSFO or VLSFO)
  • Liquid natural gas (LNG)
  • Methanol
  • Biofuel

We’ll explore each of these in detail, to help give you an idea of what might be the best option for you.

Marine Diesel Oils (MDO)

MDO is a distillate, meaning it is produced via a process that involved heating and evaporating residual oil. Due to its relatively high sulphur content, burning MDOs tends to produce more harmful emissions compared to other marine fuels.

Marine Gas Oils (MGO)

Like MDO, MGO is a distillate. However, MGO tends to be of a higher quality than MDO, producing fewer harmful emissions but costing more as a result.

High Fuel Oil (HFO)

HFO tends to be around 30% cheaper than distillate fuels, but it has a much higher density and sulphur content than both MDO and MGO. As a result, HFO use contributes significantly to pollution.

Changing Priorities in Marine Fuel

MDO, MGO, and HFO have been the most popular types of marine fuel for decades. Distillates such as MDO and MGO are popular choices for autonomous ships, and for small to mid-size ships that do not have the capacity to use other fuel types, which may require the use of heaters and purifiers.

The London Maritime Academy reports that, as recently as 2021, MDO, MGO, and HFO fuelled almost 93% of all ships at sea. Yet the high sulphur contents of these fuel types have forced the industry to consider alternatives.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulates sulphur emissions in the marine trade. IMO 2020 is the most recent regulation, which limits the sulphur levels in the fuel oils used in shipping to 0.5%. Previously, the limit was 3.5%.

It is possible to install systems that clean a ship’s exhaust gasses to limit the sulphur oxide emissions, which has allowed many marine operations to continue to use HFO even following the IMO 2020 regulation. However, the industry is currently exploring a number of alternative fuel types.

Ultra Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (ULSFO)

Also known as VLSFO, this is a high quality form of MDO that has been specifically distilled to achieve less than 0.5% of the regulation IMO 2020 sulphur levels. It is a clean and affordable option, particularly for small to mid-size vessels. There are also ultra-low sulphur variations of MGO, that can have sulphur emissions as low as 0.1%.

Though ULSFOs are cleaner and relatively affordable, there are certain safety concerns associated with these fuels. When mixed with other fuels onboard a ship, they may become less efficient, or even unstable.

Liquid Natural Gas (LNG)

LNG is even cleaner than ULSFO. However, though the fuel itself may be relatively cost-effective, LNG is not quite ready to become the leading type of fuel for the marine industry.

The main issue is that LNG can be difficult to transport and store. Also, most vessels will have to retrofit their fuel systems before they can switch to LNG, a process that many will find prohibitively expensive.

Methanol

Methanol, another alternative fuel type, may be more compatible with existing fuel systems. Yet though methanol emits fewer pollutants than MDO, MGO, and HFO, it is still carbon based, so it may only be useful as a transitional solution.

Biofuel

Biofuels are derived from renewable resources, such as animal fats and hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVOs). They are totally sulphur free. Yet they can cost more than other fuel types, and they may lead to additional issues, such as potential microbial growth in engine systems.

Dual Fuels

Some marine businesses have experimented with a “dual fuel” system. This involves mixing a traditional fuel source, such as MDO or MGO, with an alternative fuel source, such as HVO or LNG. Doing so can reduce the vessel’s overall sulphur emissions. However, as we mentioned above, mixing fuels can result in instability.

Electrification and Fuel Cells

Finally, electric batteries and fuel cells are becoming increasingly prevalent in certain sectors.

Fuel cells rely on electrochemical oxidation to convert chemical energy directly into thermal and electric energy. They are low-maintenance, highly efficient, and they generate very little vibration and noise compared to traditional fuel and engine systems. Plus, if the cell uses natural gas or methanol as the fuel, the carbon emissions can be extremely low.

Electric batteries, though, generate zero emissions. We are already seeing battery-powered boats that can charge at shore before delivering hours of zero emission, fully electric propulsion. At the moment, only smaller boats such as tugs are realising the potential of electric propulsion. It is unclear whether it will ever be viable for larger vessels to switch to electric batteries.

Insurance Implications of Marine Fuel

The type of fuel you choose for your marine operations can have certain insurance implications. For example, if you rely on a dual fuel system, your vessels may face an increased risk of fire. Certain fuels may also be caustic, toxic, or otherwise harmful to crews and marine life if they are not stored or handled correctly.

If you would like to discuss how your fuel choice might affect your marine insurance, we are here to help.

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited. We can help you ensure you have the insurance you need to cover your vessels and your crews.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

 

How Much Professional Indemnity Cover Do I Need?
How Much Professional Indemnity Cover Do I Need? 500 284 James Hallam

Professional indemnity insurance can cover your business for claims of negligence, or other professional mistakes. It is essential for protecting your business against both financial and reputational damages. But how much professional indemnity cover do you need?

In this post we will discuss some of the factors to consider that will help you determine how much professional indemnity cover is right for you.

What Happens If You Do Not Have Ethe Right Level of Professional Indemnity Cover?

If you do not have enough cover, then you may face financial or legal troubles should anyone ever make a claim against you. But at the same time, you do not want to spend too much on a level of professional indemnity cover you may not ever need.

Factors that Determine How Much Professional Indemnity Cover You Will Need

  • Your business. The higher the value of your contacts, the more professional indemnity cover you will need. While a larger client base can increase the size of claims, it is not necessarily the case that bigger businesses will need more cover than smaller businesses. A solo freelance financial consultant may need more cover than a large team operating in a relatively low-risk industry.
  • Your industry. Some industries are riskier than others, which means that the cost of claims can be much higher if something goes wrong. In certain industries, such as healthcare and finance, there may also be regulatory requirements determining the level of professional indemnity cover you need.
  • Your risk profile and claims history. Your business’s risk profile can push up the cost of claims. Similarly, a history of claims can increase the value of subsequent claims, which may mean you will need a higher level of professional indemnity cover.

How to Calculate How Much Professional Indemnity Cover You Need

  • Perform a thorough risk assessment for your business. Pay particular attention to how your services might affect your clients, and on the sort of financial or reputational losses they could face if something goes wrong.
  • Refer to the regulatory requirements for your industry. Do they specify any coverage levels?
  • Similarly, check your client contracts. Some may require you to have a certain level of professional indemnity cover in place.
  • Research the average costs of claims in your sector, and the average level of professional indemnity cover. Small businesses and independent freelancers may need between £500,000 and £1 million professional indemnity cover. But if you work in the legal or financial services, the stakes for your clients will be much higher, so you will need a lot more cover. Potentially, you may need up to £10 million.

We Can Help You Work Out How Much Professional Indemnity Cover You Need

If you are still not sure how much professional indemnity cover you need, we are here to help.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your business.

We will take the time to get to know you and your business, so that we can advise you on your specific business insurance and regulatory requirements. We can then help you get the right level of professional indemnity insurance for your business – enough to give you full cover should anything go wrong, but not so much that you end up paying excessively for cover you do not need.

Learn more about our professional risks insurance services.

 

 

Seasonal Boat Safety Inspections: How to Ensure Compliance Before Peak Activity
Seasonal Boat Safety Inspections: How to Ensure Compliance Before Peak Activity 500 334 James Hallam

Routine boat safety inspections will allow you to address any potential issues before they become problematic, meaning that you will be ready to enjoy season after season of smooth sailing.

But on top of this, your boat insurance may require you to undertake certain maintenance tasks, meaning that seasonal boat safety inspections can help you stay compliant, and covered.

This post will provide an essential checklist of seasonal boat safety inspections. We will outline the key things to check throughout the year to help you ensure compliance before peak activity.

Spring Boat Safety Inspection Checklist

In the early months of the spring, your safety checks will help you ensure your boat is ready for launch once the season truly begins:

  • Hull – Look for any signs of damage, including chips, scratches, blisters, and dents. Check for signs of marine growth, and for signs of cracks or corrosion where the hull and keel join. You may need to apply a protective coat of paint, or even a coat of antifouling, to help keep things watertight.
  • Engine – Check the oil and coolant levels, and top up where necessary. Also check your filters and belts for signs of wear and tear, and check your propellor for any signs of damage.
  • Battery – Test your battery’s charge. Check the terminals for signs of corrosion, and if necessary, clean them.
  • Sails – If your boat has sails, as we will cover below, you should take them down and wash them over the winter. Spring is a time for ensuring that both the sails and the lines are still in good condition, and getting any repairs if necessary.
  • Safety Equipment – Is everything still in code? Does anything need topping up, or replacing? Check your boat’s life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and any other emergency equipment.

Summer Boat Safety Inspection Checklist

Summer is peak sailing season, and routine inspections before and after every excursion will help you ensure that everything stays in optimum condition throughout the season:

  • Fuel System – Look out for any signs of leaks, and any loud noises or emissions that might suggest an issue with your fuel line or engine.
  • Seals and Fittings – Keep an eye out for signs of leaks and water entry. Make sure that all cleats, seals, and other fittings are watertight.
  • Keep Things Clean – Throughout the season, if you rinse your deck and hull with fresh water, you can remove a lot of salt and debris, which can make hull maintenance cheaper and easier through the off-season.

Autumn Boat Safety Inspection Checklist

As Autumn approaches, the sailing season will begin to wind down, and you will start to think about putting your boat into storage for winter. Some interim checks can help streamline the winterisation process:

  • Hull – Check for any signs of damage. Consider adding a new layer of gelcoat, followed by a polish. You may need to carry out more substantial repairs in the winter, but this interim check can make things a little easier.
  • Propeller – Check the propeller for signs of damage, and if necessary, remove any debris that may have become entangled.
  • Engine – It is good practice to change your boat’s oil, along with the filters, at the end of each season. This can help protect the engine from corrosion over the winter.

Winter Boat Safety Inspection Checklist

If you take the time to properly prepare your boat for the winter, then you will not face an overwhelming list of servicing tasks once spring rolls around again.

Winter is a time for a thorough safety inspection for your whole boat, including the hull, the thru hull fittings, the propeller, the engine, and more.

Read our full guide to boat maintenance for the winter.

We also have a guide to servicing sailing equipment over the winter, and a guide to properly storing your boat through the winter months.

Boat Safety Inspections Will Help You Stay Compliant with Insurance Requirements

Your boat insurance may require you to undertake certain maintenance tasks. For example, some marine insurance policies may stipulate that you keep your boat onshore throughout the winter.

Year round boat safety inspections will not only help you keep your boat in good working order. They will also help you ensure that your policy will give you the cover you need should you ever make a claim.

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited. We can help you ensure you have the insurance you need to cover your boat all year round.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

What Licence Do You Need For a Quad Bike?
What Licence Do You Need For a Quad Bike? 500 334 James Hallam

If you own an ATV or quad bike, or you are looking to purchase one, then it is important to understand the licensing requirements.

In this post we will discuss what licence you need for a quad bike, along with a few other important rules.

What Licence Do You Need for a Quad Bike?

The licence you need to ride a quad bike or ATV will depend on whether you are using it on roads, or off road. You need a full car licence to ride a quad bike on UK roads but if you only intend to ride your quid bike off-road, then you do not need a driving licence. In all cases, you must be aged 16 or over to ride a quad bike.

What Do You Need to Use A Quad Bike on UK Roads?

You need a full car licence to ride a quad bike on UK roads. If your licence was issued before January 1997, then it needs to be a category B1 licence.

You also need a minimum of third party insurance to use a quad bike on the road, and you will need a valid MOT certificate if the quad bike is more than three years old. On top of this, you will need to tax the vehicle, and if you are driving in Northern Ireland, you must wear a crash helmet.

Bear in mind that many quad bikes and ATVs do not meet road safety standards. So, before you take your quad bike on the road, you will need to check with the manufacturer that the vehicle has been approved for road use. You may also have to apply for type approval.

Finally, you will have to register the quad bike or ATV with the DVLA, and fit number plates to the front and the rear of the vehicle.

Do You Need Tax and Insurance To Use Your Quad Bike Off-Road?

If you only intend to ride your quad bike off-road, then you do not need a driving licence. There is also no requirement to tax or register an off-road quad bike. However, you may choose to add your quad bike to the off-road register. This lets you record some of your vehicle’s key details, which can help the police recover the quad bike if it is ever stolen.

Agricultural Quad Bikes and ATVs

You do not need a licence to ride a quad bike on agricultural land. However, if you are using your quad bike for agriculture, horticulture, or forestry work, you must register it as a light agricultural vehicle.

You do not usually have to pay tax on an agricultural quad bike.

There may be times when you have to temporarily ride your quad bike on a public road, such as when you are travelling from one field to another. In this case, you must register the vehicle with the DVLA, and you must attach number plates to the front and rear. The quad bike will also need working lights, if you ever ride it after dark.

You do not need an MOT certificate to ride an agricultural quad bike on public roads. But you will need a minimum of third party insurance cover.

Dedicated Quad Bike Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your assets. Read our full guide to quad bike insurance here.

We provide specialist ATV insurance for clients who use their ATVs in connection with agricultural work or shoots. You can also get additional benefits if you are a BASC member.

Learn more about our dedicated ATV and quad bike insurance services.

 

Can You Live and Sleep in a Beach Hut?
Can You Live and Sleep in a Beach Hut? 500 334 James Hallam

Can you sleep in a beach hut? More than that, can you live in a beach hut?

Local councils set the rules for what is and is not allowed in the beach huts in their area, and there are often strict regulations regarding overnight stays.

This means it is very unlikely that the council will allow you to use your beach hut as a permanent residence.

Can You Sleep in a Beach Hut?

If you buy a beach hut, you will have to contact your council to license it for overnight stays. They may require you to install certain features to ensure your beach hut is suitable for overnight stays. These might include plumbing, electricity, and certain security and weatherproofing features. It is for this reason that most councils do not permit overnight stays in beach huts.

The sort of beach huts that can accommodate overnight stays tend to be larger than average – more like small chalets than traditional “bathing huts”.

Find your local council here. Your local Beach Hut Association will also be able to advise.

What If I Want to Rent Out My Beach Hut?

If you want to rent out your beach hut for overnight stays, once again, you need to speak to your local council, and your local Beach Hut Association. There will be regulations for how long you can let your beach hut. For example, the licence may only allow overnight stays in specified months of the year – usually between March and October.

Or your council may have a “daytime only” policy. This may specify the hours when your guests will be allowed to use your beach hut. Many councils allow guests to arrive from 6.00 am, while requiring them to leave by 10.00 pm.

Can You Live in a Beach Hut?

If you can sleep in a beach hut, then surely you can also live in it, for extended periods? Once more, the rules will vary by location. Talk to your local council, and your local Beach Hut Association about the rules in your location. Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that your council will permit you to use your beach hut as a permanent residence all year round, as most restrict stays to a seasonal period.

The question is, even if the council does allow you to live in your beach hut, would you want to?

Most beach huts are tiny, measuring around 6 ft². So, even if you install plumbing and electricity, and somehow find room for a kitchen and a bathroom, your beach hut will likely feel too cramped and uncomfortable to call a home.

Some people have tried to live in their beach huts. One family did so, and described the experience as “just horrendous”.

Why Are There Such Tight Restrictions for Beach Huts?

It is usually because of the risks involved. Beach huts are exposed to the elements all year round. High winds and stormy seas can cause significant damage. There have even been instances of entire rows of beach huts getting swept out to sea during a storm.

Add to this the risk of crime, and it is perhaps understandable why many councils are reluctant to allow people to stay overnight in beach huts.

Is Your Beach Hut Safe?

If you own a beach hut, you will have to take steps to secure your property against the elements, and against vandalism and break-ins.

Security and weatherproofing systems are important. But it is also important that you get adequate insurance for your beach hut. Read our full guide to beach hut insurance.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.

We provide a specialist beach hut insurance scheme and are experts in this market. We will ensure you get full cover for your beach hut, no matter its size or location, and no matter how you use it.

Learn more about our specialist beach hut insurance and get a free quote today.

 

How Much is Contractor’s Insurance?
How Much is Contractor’s Insurance? 500 282 James Hallam

Contractor’s insurance will cover you for the many risks associated with your work, including personal accidents and injuries, and the loss or damage of your tools or equipment.

But how much is contractor’s insurance? The amount you pay for cover will depend on a number of factors, which we will outline below.

What is Contractor’s Insurance?

Contractor’s insurance can include contract works insurance, and contractors’ all risk insurance

A contractor’s insurance policy can include cover for:

  • Personal injury
  • Professional liability
  • Public liability
  • Employer’s liability
  • Tools, plant, and equipment
  • Damage to a structure while it is being constructed and renovated

Read our full guide to contractor’s insurance, and what it might cover.

What Affects the Cost of Contractors Insurance?

The amount you pay for your policy will depend on a number of factors:

  • The type of work you carry out. Some types of contractor work are riskier than others. Painting and decorating can be less risky than construction or welding, for instance. Plus, certain types of work will require specialist tools or equipment, which can drive up the cost of cover.
  • Your clients and customers. The bigger your client base, the bigger the risk that something might go wrong. The type of client you work with might increase the potential cost of claims, too. A hotel chain might make a larger claim than a private homeowner, for example.
  • Your personal circumstances. Your age, your medical history, and the area where you work – all of this, and more, can affect the price of your policy. Also, if you have a history of claims, insurers may consider you to be higher risk, which may affect the cost of your premiums.
  • The level of cover you choose. There are many different insurance products available for contractors. You could save money on the cost of insurance through choosing a lower level of cover, but it is never a good idea to leave gaps in your cover. You could also choose to pay a higher excess, which can bring down the cost of cover. However, this could leave you financially vulnerable if you ever need to make a claim on your policy.

How Much is Contractor’s Insurance?

As we have seen, there are so many factors affecting the price of contractor’s insurance that it is hard to come up with a ballpark figure for the cost of cover. In 2025, the average annual cost for contractor’s insurance can range from around £100 a year, for domestic flooring contractors, to around £500 a year, for plumbers, heating, or ventilation contractors.

Though of course, depending on your personal circumstances and the nature of your business, you could end up paying a lot more or less, for your cover.

Do I Need Contractor’s Insurance?

Contractor’s insurance can help your business stay afloat should anything ever go wrong. With the right cover in place, you can quickly get repairs or replacements for any lost or damaged equipment. You can also get a lump sum payment to cover your overheads if you are ever temporarily unable to trade.

Without contractor’s insurance, the slightest setback could sink your business. Also, some forms of cover are required by law. If you employ any staff, for example, you could face hefty fines if you do not get an employer’s liability insurance policy.

Finally, certain clients and customers may refuse to work with you unless you have a certain level of cover in place.

It is for these reasons, and more, that no contractor should be without dedicated contractor’s insurance.

We Can Help You Get The Cover You Need at a Competitive Price

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your business.

We will take the time to understand your business and your customers to ensure you get comprehensive insurance, with no gaps in your cover, at a competitive price.

Find out how we can help you.

What Insurance Do I Need to Open a Coffee Shop?
What Insurance Do I Need to Open a Coffee Shop? 500 334 James Hallam

If you have just opened a coffee shop, or you are thinking of doing so, you might be wondering about your insurance requirements.

At James Hallam, we have been supporting coffee shops across the UK since 1982. We can help you get the insurance you need whether you run a single coffee shop, a chain of coffee shops, or a coffee van. Learn more about how we can support you.

In this post we will outline some of the insurance products you might need to protect your coffee shop against all possible risks.

Employer’s Liability Insurance

If you employ any staff, even if they are members of your own family, this is one form of cover that you are required to have by law. Employer’s liability insurance covers you for claims made by your employees for any injuries or illnesses they sustain while on the job.

Public Liability Insurance

While employer’s liability insurance will cover you for claims made by your employees, public liability insurance will cover you for claims made by members of the public.

If somebody slips or trips while on your premises, whether they are a customer, a tradesman, a delivery driver, or any other member of the public, they may make a claim against you. In this case, public liability insurance can cover any legal fees or compensation payments that may arise as a result of the claim.

This form of insurance can also cover damage to property – such as if you accidentally spill a cup of coffee over a customer’s laptop.

Product Liability Insurance

Any business that serves food or drink to members of the public should consider product liability insurance. If a customer falls ill having consumed food or drink you sold on your premises, or if they suffered an allergic reaction, they may make a claim against you. In which case, product liability insurance can cover any legal fees or compensation that may be due.

Business Interruption Insurance

This can give you a lump sum payment should any event ever prevent you from opening or running your coffee shop. Business interruption insurance can cover you for fires, floods, break-ins, and more.

Contents Insurance

This is cover for the equipment you use to make and serve your coffee, along with the fixtures and fittings in your coffee shop, including your chairs and tables. If anything is ever lost, destroyed, or damaged by a flood, fire, or a theft, contents insurance can cover the costs of repairs or replacements.

Coffee Van Insurance

If you run a mobile coffee van, or pop-up coffee shops at events, you can tailor your insurance to cover the specific risks you face. This can include cover for your vehicle, as well as specialist public liability insurance to cover the risks you may not face when running a static coffee shop (for example, accidentally hitting someone when you open the hatch).

Get Bespoke Cover For Your Coffee Shop From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your coffee shop.

Whether you run a single coffee shop, a chain of coffee shops, or a mobile coffee van, we can help you get the insurance you need at the most competitive price.

Learn more about how we can support you here.

 

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