Insights

Contract Works Insurance vs Contractors’ All Risk Insurance: What’s the Difference?
Contract Works Insurance vs Contractors’ All Risk Insurance: What’s the Difference? 500 333 James Hallam

People often use the terms “contract works insurance” and “contractors’ all risk insurance” interchangeably. However, they are two distinct insurance products. To ensure you have all the cover you need for your project, it is important to understand the difference between the two.

What is Contract Works Insurance?

Contract works insurance provides cover for in-process construction projects. Usually, the cover lasts from a specified start date up to a specified completion, or handover date.

Contract works cover essentially provides cover for fire and other risks that might affect a structure while it is being constructed or renovated. The policy will provide enough cover to return the structure to the condition it was in before it was destroyed or damaged.

Who Needs Contract Works Insurance?

Certain construction contracts make contractors directly responsible for buildings and structures throughout the construction or renovation period.

For example, if a new home is being built, but the structure catches fire before it is completed, the contractor would be liable for damages. In this case, contract works insurance would give the contractor all of the cover they need to return the house to the condition it was in before the fire, so that they can finish the build.

What is Contractors’ All Risk Insurance?

Contractors’ all risk insurance gives contractors and property developers a diverse suite of cover. This can include cover for:

  • Personal injury
  • Professional liability
  • Public liability
  • Employer’s liability
  • Tools, plant, and equipment – including any equipment hired specifically for the project
  • Temporary buildings

What is the Difference Between Contract Works Insurance and Contractors’ All Risk Insurance?

The key difference is that Contract Works Insurance is cover specific to the destruction of an in-progress project, whereas Contractors’ All Risk Insurance is a suite of insurance cover for the broader range of risks of a construction project.

Essentially, contract works insurance covers in-progress construction projects for fires and other risks, in such contracts where the contractor would be liable for any destruction or damage. It covers the costs of repairing or redoing projects that have been affected by fire, flood, vandalism, theft, and other risks. This can include cover for any necessary tools, materials, and labour, but the policy will only provide enough cover to return the project to the state it was in before the incident.

While contractors’ all risk insurance gives contractors a suite of cover for the many risks associated with a construction project. This can include cover for personal injury, for loss or damage to tools, plant, and equipment (whether it is owned or hired), and for public, professional, and employer’s liabilities. This may even include contract works cover.

Do You Have All The Cover You Need For Your Construction Project?

Here are some key things to consider:

  • Some contractors’ all risk insurance policies may include contract works cover. Check your policy wording for more information and talk to your insurer if it is not clear exactly what cover you have in place.
  • Check the construction contract, to see who is liable for damage and destruction to the project while it is in progress. This may determine whether or not you need a dedicated contract works policy.
  • If the construction project is an extension to, or renovation of, an existing building, then contract works insurance may not cover the costs of repairing the original building if it is damaged during the works. For this, the property owner may require specialist renovations cover as part of their home insurance policy.

If you are not sure whether you have all the cover you need for your construction project, we are here to help. We will take the time to understand your project and your contracts to ensure you get comprehensive insurance, with no gaps in your cover, at a competitive price.

Find out how we can help you.

How Long Does It Take To Get Manufacturing Insurance?
How Long Does It Take To Get Manufacturing Insurance? 500 334 James Hallam

With dedicated manufacturing insurance, you can get all the cover you need for your manufacturing business on a single policy.

There are many risks associated with manufacturing products and materials. You should not proceed with your operations until you have sufficient insurance in place to cover all of these risks.

What Is Manufacturing Insurance?

Manufacturing insurance is specialist cover for businesses that manufacture products or materials. A single policy can include cover for your buildings, equipment, stock, products, and your workers.

A manufacturing insurance may include:

  • Buildings insurance.
  • Business interruption insurance.
  • Vehicles insurance.
  • Product liability insurance.
  • Public liability insurance.
  • Employer’s liability insurance.
  • Goods-in-transit cover.
  • Stock cover, including any raw materials or finished products you keep in storage.

How Long Does It Take to Get Manufacturing Cover?

Depending on a number of factors, it could take a matter of days to arrange for manufacturing cover.

Insurers may need to tailor your policy to ensure it meets all of your requirements, and to ensure that they have thoroughly assessed your business’s unique risk profile. The bigger and more complex your manufacturing operation, the longer it may take to get the cover you need.

Note that many of these factors will also affect the price of your manufacturing policy.

What Can Affect the Time it Takes to Get Manufacturing Insurance?

  • Comparing quotes. You may choose to approach a number of insurers to get multiple quotes for the cost of cover. This is good practice but bear in mind that the more quotes you get, the longer it will take to arrange for cover.
  • The nature of your manufacturing business. The size of your business, including the number of employees you hire, will affect the cost and the complexity of your cover. Insurers will also consider the specific products you manufacture, including whether they use any potentially hazardous materials or processes in their construction, and whether they will pose any particular risks to your end customers. The size and complexity of your supply chain will also make a difference, as it will determine whether you need any additional cover for vehicles and drivers.
  • The type of cover you choose. Some insurers may offer a standard suite of cover for all of their manufacturing customers. Others may choose to tailor their cover to meet your exact needs. Getting bespoke cover can prove more cost-effective, as you will not pay for any cover you do not need. However, it can take longer to arrange for a tailored policy than it can to get an off-the-shelf product.

No Matter How Long It Takes, You Need Manufacturing Insurance

Apart from some forms of cover, such as employer’s liability insurance, there is no legal requirement to get manufacturing insurance. However, you should not start manufacturing any products without first getting adequate insurance in place.

Product liability is a vital form of cover for all manufacturers. If any of your products are ever found to be faulty or hazardous, you may need to issue a product recall. You may also face legal action and compensation payments should any customers or stockists take legal action against you.

Without adequate manufacturing insurance, you would be liable for covering all of these costs yourself. A product recall alone could prove so expensive that it could sink your business entirely.

Never start manufacturing any products or materials until you have all the cover you need, no matter how long it takes to get a policy.

Get The Manufacturing Insurance You Need As Soon As Possible

Working with an insurance broker can help speed up the process of getting manufacturing cover.

An expert broker will take the time to get to know you, your business, and your products. They can then liaise with their approved insurers in order to arrange an insurance package that gives you all the cover you need at a competitive price.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance brokers who are committed to protecting your manufacturing business. We can arrange specialist niche insurance packages for manufacturing businesses to ensure you are covered for all risks.

Find out how we can help you get a tailored and cost-effective manufacturing insurance policy today.

How to Write a Risk Assessment for a Sport Club
How to Write a Risk Assessment for a Sport Club 500 341 James Hallam

A risk assessment involves conducting a thorough audit of your sport club, to ensure that all of your members, volunteers, staff, coaches, spectators, and other participants are as safe as possible.

A good risk assessment for a sport club will take into account your activities, your equipment, and your facilities. It should also assess certain aspects of governance, such as your recruitment and safeguarding policies.

National governing bodies (NGBs), active partnerships (APs), and insurance providers generally require sport and activity clubs to carry out thorough risk assessments. A risk assessment may also be necessary for complying with health and safety law.

How To Write a Risk Assessment for a Sport Club

Below we outline five steps that should form the basis of your sport club’s risk assessment.

Who Should Be Writing the Risk Assessment?

You should not have to do this alone. Assembling a risk assessment team will not only lighten the workload. It will also ensure you get expert insights from across the club.

The risk assessment team could involve committee members, trustees, safeguarding leads, and any trusted individuals with relevant experience. This might include coaches and certain volunteers.

The more varied your risk assessment team, the better you will be able to consider risks from all aspects of your club’s operations.

How to Identify the Risks in Your Sports Club

Thoroughly inspect all of your current facilities and equipment. Also review your activities, including those that do not take place in your own facilities, such as away games and overnight trips.

You should also review certain aspects of your governance, including your safeguarding policies and procedures, your recruitment policy, and your systems for reporting and responding to accidents, injuries, and other incidents.

Review any previous incidents at your club. What went wrong? How did you respond to them, and what steps did you take to prevent the incident from reoccurring?

How to Assess Risks

Having identified the risks in your club, the next step is to assess these risks. This means considering:

  • Who is at risk – whether it is coaches, participants, spectators, or volunteers.
  • How likely it is that each risk you have identified will lead to harm.
  • How severe each possible instance of harm will be for each risk you have identified.

Take Action Against Risks

According to the HSE, you are not expected to eliminate all risks in your sport club. However, you are expected to do “everything reasonably practical” to protect people from harm.

Appoint an appropriate member of the risk management team to monitor every individual risk you have identified and assessed. This person will then be responsible for assessing the risk while implementing any measures to manage them. They will also be responsible for providing routine updates to the trustees and management committee on how they are managing their risks.

Strategies for managing the risks in your club might include:

  • A safeguarding audit, to review and improve certain aspects of your club’s governance.
  • Revising your policies and procedures, and ensuring they are clear and accessible for everyone.
  • Investing in appropriate training for staff and volunteers.
  • Reviewing your induction processes for new members.
  • Maintenance and repairs, and investing in new equipment if possible.

Creating a Record and Review Process

A risk assessment is not a one-off task. It is an ongoing process that works like a tool for keeping anyone who interacts with your club in any capacity as safe as possible.

Keep good records throughout the risk assessment process. Record all of your key findings, along with the steps you are taking to address the risks in your club. Also record which individual is responsible for monitoring each risk.

Having completed your first risk assessment, date it, and make sure it is accessible throughout your club. You should then aim to regularly review the risks you have identified while also staying on top of any new or growing risks.

Sport and Activity Club Risk Assessment Templates

Your NGB or AP can offer further advice and support. You will also find risk assessment templates online:

Make Sure Your Insurance Covers All Risks

Your NGB or AP may already provide some form of liability coverage as part of your membership. However, this may not mean that your club is covered for all risks. There may be gaps in your cover, for risks such as damage to your facilities and equipment.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance brokers who are committed to protecting your sport club. We can arrange specialist niche insurance packages for sport clubs to ensure you are covered for all risks.

Find out how we can help your sport club manage your risks.

A Guide to Cosmetic Boat Repairs and Hull Maintenance
A Guide to Cosmetic Boat Repairs and Hull Maintenance 500 334 James Hallam

 

In this post we will provide an essential introduction to cosmetic boat repair and hull maintenance. We will cover the importance of regular upkeep while outlining some of the key tasks you might consider as part of your routine boat maintenance.

How Often Should You Service a Boat?

You should give your boat a thorough servicing at least once a year, before the boating season begins. You should conduct certain other checks and maintenance procedures more frequently. For example, you should check fluid levels, including oils and coolant, as often as possible – on a daily basis, if you regularly use your boat.

You should also aim to check your boat’s key systems, including the engine, the electricals, the coolant system, the hydraulics, the steering, and the propulsion, at least once every three months.

Read our full guide to winter boat maintenance. We also have a guide to safely storing your boat out of season, and a guide to servicing your sailing equipment.

The Importance of Committing to Boat Repairs and Hull Maintenance

  • Safety and security. Corrosion and degradation can lead to leaks. A well-maintained boat will remain seaworthy.
  • Long-term cost savings. Routine boat maintenance can help you find and fix errors long before they become truly problematic, potentially saving on costly repairs in the long-term.
  • Keep your boat looking new. For many, this is the most important reason to stay on top of boat maintenance. If you take personal pride in your vessel, then of course you will want to do all you can to keep it looking beautiful.

Hull Maintenance – Key Areas to Focus On

To monitor your hull’s integrity, assess it’s:

  • Structural condition
  • Transom
  • Rudder
  • Stringers
  • Look for any cracks or chips
  • Any signs of leaks or corrosion

Essential Hull Maintenance Tasks

If your boat has a fibreglass and gelcoat hull, first look for any signs of wear and tear. As well as a visual inspection, you can tap the hull lightly with a hammer. If it sounds hollow, it could mean there is a void in the core. Cut out any section that seems compromised, laminate it with new fibreglass, and then bond it with either polyester resin or marine epoxy.

If there are any cracks or gouges in the gelcoat, first sand the hull down to expose the laminate, before applying a fresh coat to reseal. A layer of polish can also further protect the gelcoat layer.

Also check for any marine coat, and be prepared to scrape back some layers of paint to apply some antifouling if necessary.

Cosmetic Boat Repairs

To check the cosmetic condition of your boat, pay attention to the:

  • Deck
  • Windows
  • Key fixtures
  • Fittings
  • Interior upholstery

Cosmetic Boat Repair Tasks

Thoroughly clean your boat’s deck. You may wish to apply a new finish. Check the usage guidance on your chosen finish for tips on how often you may need to reapply.

Also pay attention to your boat’s various fixtures and fittings, including the thru-hull fittings. Give everything a clean and a polish, and always be on the lookout for signs of corrosion or damage.

Read our full guide to taking care of sails and sailing equipment.

When it comes to your boat’s interior, give every area a thorough vacuum, along with some deep dusting and cleaning. Wash all upholstery, and if it is looking torn or threadbare, get it repaired or replaced.

If you want to keep your boat’s interior fresh all year round, as well as routine cleaning, make sure it is as well-ventilated as possible. Also take care not to leave perishable food or drink for too long in your boat. As well as creating unpleasant smells, this can also lead to the accumulation of condensation and mould.

We Can Help You Take Care of Your Boat

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.

A Hoteliers Guide to Managing Risk
A Hoteliers Guide to Managing Risk 600 400 James Hallam

For hoteliers, providing exceptional guest experiences is the top priority. However, ensuring the safety of both guests and staff, protecting the property, and managing operational risks are just as critical to running a successful business.

At James Hallam, we work closely with hoteliers to identify risks, implement proactive solutions, and ensure they have the right insurance coverage in place. Nick Maddox, our risk management specialist, shares his insights on the most pressing risks facing the hospitality industry today—and how hotels can stay protected.

Understanding the Biggest Risks

While fire remains one of the most significant concerns for the hospitality sector, advancements in construction and fire prevention have helped reduce the risk to life. However, the financial impact of a fire has increased, largely due to rising material costs, limited availability of skilled trades, and planning or heritage restrictions.

Beyond fire, slips, trips, and falls continue to be the most frequently reported incidents in hotels, making up nearly 50% of all accident claims. In fact, over the past year alone, we’ve seen a 13% rise in these incidents. This highlights the importance of maintaining a safe environment through proper flooring, lighting, and staff awareness.

Common Pitfalls in Risk Management

One of the biggest challenges we see is that while many hotels have detailed policies and risk assessments, they often fail to implement them effectively. Risk management should not be seen as a tick-box exercise but rather as a core part of daily operations.

To be effective, risk management should follow three key steps:

  1. Identify the specific risks to the business
  2. Develop practical and achievable control measures
  3. Ensure staff are properly trained so that risk management becomes part of the hotel’s culture

Taking a Proactive Approach to Risk Reduction

Every hotel has a unique risk profile, but there are key areas that all hoteliers must focus on, including:

  • Fire safety – Ensuring compliance with fire regulations and best practices
  • Food hygiene – Reducing the risk of contamination and foodborne illness
  • Health & safety – Preventing accidents through proper training and procedures
  • Property protection – Safeguarding the hotel’s physical assets
  • Cybersecurity – Protecting guest and business data from cyber threats

Beyond meeting legal and regulatory requirements, hotels must also demonstrate effective risk management to insurers. Without the right safeguards in place, claims may be delayed, reduced, or even declined. Regular internal assessments, or engaging an external risk management specialist, can help ensure compliance and minimise exposure.

The Importance of Staff Training

A strong risk management culture is key to protecting any hotel, and this starts with ongoing staff training. At James Hallam, we focus on four core principles that help embed risk awareness across teams:

  • Communication – Keeping staff informed about risk management policies
  • Consultation – Encouraging team input to identify potential hazards
  • Collaboration – Working across departments to ensure best practices are followed
  • Coordination – Ensuring all teams are aligned on risk mitigation strategies

Effective training not only reduces risk but also helps staff feel confident and engaged in their roles, creating a safer and more efficient working environment.

Mitigating Cyber Risks in Hospitality

Hotels rely on digital systems to manage reservations, guest data, and payments, making them a prime target for cyber threats. While most businesses outsource IT security to specialist providers, hoteliers should take an active role in understanding how their data is protected.

We always recommend:

  • Conducting regular cybersecurity assessments to identify vulnerabilities
  • Ensuring robust data protection measures are in place
  • Considering comprehensive cyber insurance to safeguard against potential breaches

How James Hallam Supports Hoteliers

At James Hallam, we work with hoteliers to tailor risk management solutions that go beyond just insurance. Our comprehensive risk audits assess both insurable and non-insurable exposures, ensuring that hotels:

  • Meet regulatory and compliance requirements
  • Implement best practice risk management
  • Provide insurers with clear and accurate risk assessments

By taking this proactive approach, we help our clients not only secure the right insurance cover but also reduce the likelihood of claims—ultimately protecting their business and reputation.

Final Advice for Hoteliers

Risk management isn’t about reacting to incidents; it’s about anticipating what could go wrong before it happens. Successful hoteliers are those who can predict the future by identifying emerging risks and taking action to mitigate them.

By adopting a proactive and structured approach to risk management, hoteliers can create a safer environment, protect their assets, and ensure long-term success. At James Hallam, we are here to help every step of the way.

Contact Nick Maddox
Email: nick.maddox@jameshallam.co.uk
Tel: 07876 204692

How Much is Quad Bike Insurance?
How Much is Quad Bike Insurance? 500 334 James Hallam

Quad bike insurance may also be referred to as ATV insurance. Like all insurance policies, the amount you pay for your cover will depend on a number of factors, including the way you use your quad bike, and the specific type of vehicle you drive.

In this post we will outline some of the factors that can affect the price of a quad bike insurance policy.

How Much Does Quad Bike Insurance Cost?

It is hard to give a ballpark figure for the price of a quad bike insurance policy, as the cost can vary greatly from person to person. Below we will explore the key factors that can influence the price of your policy. If you would like a free quote for ATV cover, be sure to get in touch.

What Can Affect The Price of Quad Bike Insurance?

Your Personal Circumstances

Insurers will take your personal circumstances into consideration when calculating the cost of your cover. Among other things, they will factor in your age, your driving history, and your location.

Younger drivers tend to get involved in more accidents than older and more experienced drivers, so the younger you are, the more you are likely to pay for your cover.

Similarly, if you have a history of insurance claims, or if you have any spent or unspent convictions on your licence, your insurer may consider you a higher risk driver, and increase the price of your policy accordingly.

Your location can also affect the cost of your cover. Quad bikes and ATVs are prime targets for thieves, as they can fetch a good price on the second-hand market. Vehicle theft tends to be more prevalent in certain areas. So, if you are based in a location with high crime rates, it could result in higher premiums.

The Type of ATV You Drive

The more expensive and powerful your quad bike or ATV, the more it will cost to cover.

This is because thieves may be more likely to target high-end quad bikes and ATVs. Also, powerful vehicles may be more likely to get involved in accidents. And if they are damaged, they may cost more to repair.

How You Use Your Quad Bike

Your mileage can affect the cost of your cover. The more you use your quad bike, the more likely it is that you will be involved in an accident. So, the higher your mileage, the higher your premiums.

Insurers will also want to know whether you will be using your quad bike off-road, such as for agricultural purposes, or whether you will be taking it onto public roads. Off-road quad bike insurance usually costs less than on-road insurance, as it does not need to include any cover for third parties.

Where You Store Your Quad Bike

As we have already mentioned, quad bikes and ATVs can be a prime target for thieves. If you can take steps to secure your quad bike when not in use, it can bring down the cost of your cover.

Storing your quad bike or ATV in a locked garage, ideally with CCTV cover and automatic floodlights, can deter thieves and lower your premiums. On a similar note, installing alarms, trackers, or immobilisers on your quad bike can also get you a discount.

Types of Quad Bike Insurance

We mentioned above that you can choose between on-road and off-road cover. In either case, you will have a choice of different levels of cover. And obviously, the more substantial cover you get, the more you will pay.

  • On-road Quad Bike Insurance – You will be able to choose between third-party only cover, third party with fire and theft, and comprehensive cover. Optional extras might include breakdown cover, personal accident cover, cover for driving abroad, and cover for certain bits of kit, such as your helmet and leathers.
  • Off-road Quad Bike Insurance – The cost of this will depend on how you use your quad bike, and how often you use it. If you use your quad bike or ATV for agricultural work, for example, you might want personal accident cover, and cover for certain equipment and accessories. If you use your quad bike for sport or leisure purposes, you might need specialist track day cover, and cover for driving abroad, should you take part in international events.

Get The Quad Bike Cover You Need At The Best Possible Price

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

While historically it has not been easy to insure quad bikes and ATVs because only a limited number of insurers provide this cover, it is a market where we have extensive experience. We provide specialist ATV insurance for clients who use their ATVs in connection with agricultural work or shoots. We also provide a specialist scheme to BASC members giving them additional benefits.

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

What Does D&O Insurance Cover?
What Does D&O Insurance Cover? 500 334 James Hallam

Directors and Officers insurance – also known as D&O insurance – is specialist cover for any claims made against your business’s directors and officers.

What Does Directors and Officers Insurance Cover?

D&O insurance covers legal fees, and any compensation that may be due, for claims made against directors and officers for alleged wrongful acts.

This might include allegations of:

  • Neglect
  • Error
  • Trading offences
  • Misleading statements
  • Breach of trust or duty
  • Data breaches

Real World Examples of D&O Claims

Below are some examples of the sort of situations that might result in allegations of wrongdoing, which would necessitate D&O insurance cover for legal fees and compensation:

Unfair dismissal
An employee may disagree with a dismissal, and may take legal action against the business as a result. In 2016, the CEO of the NYTimes faced a multimillion-dollar class action lawsuit from a number of employees for alleged discriminatory hiring practices.

Breach of trust
If a business’s shareholders or investors believe that a director or officer is not being transparent, they may take legal action to recover their investment. In 2016, the GoPro management faced legal action from their investors, who alleged that the company was misleading them about certain sales figures.

Misappropriation of funds
An unspecified nonprofit organisation received a large donation from a private donor. This donor expected the nonprofit to use the funds to aid impoverished children. Instead, they used the investment to expand their premises. The donor took legal action against the nonprofit’s director and trustees for misappropriation of funds.

Fraud
For years, Enron’s directors and officers engaged in fraudulent accounting practices, which ultimately bankrupted the company. Following extensive lawsuits against the company’s executives, shareholders ultimately received over $7 billion in settlements.

Do I Need D&O Insurance?

If your business has directors and officers, then they may be held personally liable for any alleged wrongdoing. As we have seen, these allegations can come from a range of sources, including shareholders, investors, regulators, employees, and other third parties.

Plus, many D&O insurance claims are for alleged wrongful acts. Even if the director or officer feels that they have acted honestly, and in their company’s best interests, they may still face legal action.

D&O insurance can cover all of the legal fees associated with these claims, along with any compensation that might be due. Without D&O insurance, your business’s directors and officers may be personally liable for covering these expenses. This could compromise their position in the company, which may jeopardise your business as a whole.

What is Not Covered By a D&O Insurance Policy?

Some D&O insurance policies may include cover for employment practices liability as standard. Though some insurers will offer it as an optional extra. This is dedicated cover for claims from your employees for discrimination, such as sexual harassment, unfair dismissal, or failure to promote.

D&O insurance will cover claims made against individual directors and officers for alleged wrongful acts. It will not cover claims made against your business as a whole. For this, you will need additional forms of business insurance, such as employer’s liability cover, public liability cover, or product liability cover.

Dedicated Directors & Officers Insurance Services From James Hallam

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

We can advise you on your business insurance requirements, and help you find a D&O insurance solution that gives you all the cover you need at the best price.

Learn more about our professional risks insurance services.

 

Servicing Sailing Equipment for the Upcoming Season
Servicing Sailing Equipment for the Upcoming Season 500 375 James Hallam

 

As the sailing season approaches, it is important to ensure your vessel, and all of your equipment, is in good working order.

In this post we will outline all of the key maintenance tasks you should undertake to prepare for the upcoming season.

The Importance of Spring Maintenance for Sail Boats and Sailing Equipment

Dedicate a bit of time to some key maintenance tasks, and you can look forward to an entire season of smooth sailing. Regular maintenance will reduce your downtime while helping you save money on repair costs in the long-term.

Of course, it is best to think of boat maintenance as an ongoing commitment, rather than an annual task. Be sure to also read our guide to boat maintenance in winter, and our guide to where you should store your boat out of season.

Does Insurance Require Sailboats to be Serviced?

Your marine insurance policy might also require you to stay on top of certain maintenance tasks. For example, it might stipulate that your boat’s rigging must always be in good, seaworthy condition. So, if you do not commit to regular maintenance, you could inadvertently invalidate your policy.

Key Sailing Equipment to Check

  • Hull and decks
  • Rigging
  • Sails
  • Engine
  • Electricals
  • Safety equipment

Inspect the Hull and Clean The Decks

Thoroughly inspect every inch of your boat’s exterior, including the keel, the rudder, and all through-hull fittings. Look for scratches, gouges, abrasions, and repair anything you find.

If necessary, apply a new coat of antifoul or polish, and replace your anodes if they appear worn or corroded.

Clean your boat’s deck using dedicated cleaning products for each area. Polish your metalwork, and check the seals for leaks. Also inspect your deck equipment, including the stanchions, lifelines, chains, and the anchor system. Give all winches a clean and a grease, and test all hatches, windows, and portlights for leaks.

Check Your Sails and Rigging

Depending on where you stored your boat and your sails over the winter, you may need to clean your sails. In any case, the springtime before the sailing season begins is a good opportunity to check your sails once again for any signs of wear and tear.

Check your rigging for any weak spots, or signs of fraying or corrosion. Pay particular attention to the split pins, the shackles, and the wire guards. You may wish to hire a professional rigger for a dedicated pre-season check, to ensure that everything is working like it should.

Engine and Electrical Checks

First, give your boat’s engine a thorough visual inspection, checking for any signs of rust, corrosion, or damage. You may want to hire a specialist mechanic to give your engine a dedicated servicing.

Even if you do not get your engine serviced, you can clean it, check the fluid levels, and top up where necessary. You can also use this as an opportunity to stock up on engine spares, including fuel, coolant, and oil filters, so that you will have reliable backups once the season begins.

Make sure you record any engine maintenance you carry out in your ship’s log.

Finally, check all of your boat’s electrical components and appliances, including your lights, pumps, and gauging. Check all implements for signs of corrosion, and all wiring for signs of wear.

Check Your Safety Equipment

Many items of safety equipment have use-by dates. Pre-season is a good time to ensure that everything onboard is still in code and in good condition, and to replace anything that needs replacing.

Key safety equipment to check includes your life rafts, lifejackets, flares, and radio beacons and transmitters.

Are You Insured For This Year’s Sailing Season?

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 for this year’s sailing season, and beyond.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

How Much is Insurance For a Pub?
How Much is Insurance For a Pub? 500 332 James Hallam

This post is an essential introduction to insurance for pubs. We will assess how much you might expect to pay for your pub insurance, along with some of the factors that can affect the price of your policy. We will also outline some key insurance products you should consider if you own and run a pub.

Average Annual Insurance Costs For Pubs

According to research from a major price comparison site, pub insurance in the UK costs an average of £3,800 per year.

However, many factors can affect the price of pub insurance, which means that the cost of cover can vary greatly on a pub-by-pub basis.

What Affects The Price of Pub Insurance?

Your pub’s location
If your pub is located on a flood plain, or if it is located in an area with high crime rates, then it will likely drive up the cost of your cover.

Your pub’s size, and turnover
The bigger your pub, and the more money you make, then the more you will have to pay for insurance. The size of your business can affect the sort of risks you are exposed to, along with the costs associated with recovering from these risks. Plus, the bigger your workforce, the higher your premiums.

How you run your pub
You may have to pay more for cover if you stay open late, as the more time customers spend on your premises, the greater the risks for them, your staff, and your property. You will also have to pay more for cover if you serve food, and if you put on live events at your pub.

The level of cover you choose
You will be able to choose from a range of cover options, and you will be able to specify how much of an excess you pay.

What Types of Insurance Do Pubs Need?

  • Employer’s Liability. If you employ any staff, even if it is just a single employee, then you have a legal responsibility to get employer’s liability insurance. This covers your staff for any illnesses or injuries they may sustain on the job.
  • Public Liability. This covers your customers, along with any other members of the public, such as tradesmen or delivery drivers, for any injuries they may sustain while in or around your premises.
  • Buildings Cover. This covers your pub’s physical premises for damages associated with fire, floods, storms, break-ins, and vandalism.
  • Contents Cover. This is cover for any goods or equipment you store in your pub, including furniture. You may need additional cover for your stock, and there may be limits for the amount of cover you get for cash you keep on your premises.
  • Product Liability. This can cover your legal fees, along with any compensation that might be due, if a customer claims they developed an illness, or an allergic reaction, having consumed food or drinks prepared or sold on your premises.
  • Business Interruption Insurance. If an insured event, such as a fire or a flood, means you are unable to open your pub for a while, business interruption insurance can cover your overheads while you recover. Pub owners may also wish to get dedicated loss of licence insurance.

Who is Responsible For Pub Insurance?

The pub’s landlord – that is, the person who owns the building – is responsible for arranging building insurance.

The pub tenant is responsible for arranging contents insurance, and certain other forms of cover. For example, if the tenant is considered an employer under a licencing agreement, they may be responsible for arranging employer’s and public liability insurance.

Please note that, if you live on your pub premises, then your home insurance policy will not give you all of the cover you need. You will need specialist pub insurance to cover you for all the risks associated with running such a business.

Get The Pub Insurance You Need From James Hallam

As an independent Lloyd’s broker, we have been providing dedicated insurance solutions to hundreds of pubs and bars across the UK since 1982. With our specialist Touchstone scheme, we can design a pub insurance package to match your unique requirements, whether you run a traditional pub in a small village, a high street wine bar, or a pop-up bar at events.

Learn more about our bespoke insurance services for pubs.

 

Do I Need Insurance For a Beach Hut?
Do I Need Insurance For a Beach Hut? 500 306 James Hallam

If you have invested in a beach hut, then it is essential that you get adequate insurance cover. Whether you rent your beach hut, or own it outright, and whether you use your beach hut for business or for pleasure, specialist beach hut insurance can give you cover for a range of risks.

Why You Need Beach Hut Insurance

As they are located directly on the seafront, beach huts can be exposed to harsh weather conditions all year round. Through the winter months, this can include high winds, freezing temperatures, and heavy precipitation.

Also, as beach huts are typically made out of wood, they are vulnerable to fire.

Finally, if you store high value items in your beach hut, there is the added risk of theft.

Insurance can cover you for all of these risks, and more.

Can Home Insurance Cover my Beach Hut?

However, your standard property insurance is unlikely to extend to your beach hut. In fact, the risks for beach huts can be so high that some insurers may be unlikely to cover them at all. This is why you will need specialist beach hut insurance to ensure you get all the cover you need.

What Type of Insurance do I Need for a Beach Hut?

Some local councils may stipulate that you need certain types of cover in place for your beach hut. For more information, contact your local council. In our experience, many councils require you to have public liability insurance up to £5 million as part of your licence. For this reason, even if you don’t own the beach hut or do not want to insure the building, we provide an option where you can take out an insurance policy covering just the contents and public liability.

What Does Beach Hut Insurance Cover?

  • Property cover – Cover for structural damage as a result of storms, flooding, or other severe weather events. It can also include cover for damages resulting from break-ins or vandalism.
  • Contents cover – Your beach hut insurance policy can include cover for any items you store within your beach hut, including furniture and sport equipment.
  • Public liability cover – If you rent out your beach hut to holidaymakers, or even if you invite guests over, public liability insurance can cover members of the public for any injuries they may sustain in or around your beach hut.

How Much Is Beach Hut Insurance?

The amount you pay for your beach hut insurance will depend on a number of factors:

  • Your hut’s location. You may have to pay more for your insurance if your hut is located in an area that is prone to flooding, or if it is in an area with high crime rates.
  • How you use your hut. Do you use it yourself, or do you rent it out to others? Do you use it purely for leisure purposes, or do you run a business from your beach hut? All of these factors, and more, can affect the price of your policy.
  • The size of your hut. A small hut will cost a lot less to insure than a large hut fitted with plumbing and cooking facilities.

You may be able to get a discount on your beach hut insurance if you:

  • Are a member of a beach hut association.
  • Take out a combined policy (i.e. buildings and contents cover on the same policy).

Get Specialist Beach Hut Insurance From James Hallam

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. You will deal directly with our dedicated team, whether you are a new or existing customer, and in the event of a claim.

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.

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