Insights

What Happens If I Do Not Have Hotel Insurance?
What Happens If I Do Not Have Hotel Insurance? 1000 527 James Hallam

If you run a hotel, you have a legal requirement to get certain forms of hotel insurance. But other types of cover are optional. So, what happens if you do not have hotel insurance?

In this post we will outline why comprehensive, specialist cover is something that no hotel of any size should be without.

What Insurance Do Hotels Legally Need To Have?

If you employ any staff, then you have a legal requirement to get employer’s liability insurance. This will cover your staff for any accidents and injuries they may sustain while on the job.

You may be required to get buildings cover as part of your mortgage or your property leasing agreement. And if you are a member of any professional bodies, you may need to get certain forms of liability cover as a condition of your membership.

Beyond this, there are no other laws or regulations to say that your hotel has to get adequate insurance for other risks.

What Risks Do Hotels Face?

Running a hotel is an inherently risky business. On an almost daily basis you will likely have to deal with a number of small problems, any one of which could quickly escalate into a major issue:

  • A guest could accidentally or intentionally damage furniture, fittings, or fixtures. You will have to pay for repairs or replacements before any other guests can use their room.
  • A member of staff could accidentally spill food or drink on a guest, or their property. The guest may make a claim against you, for injuries or for damages.
  • A fire or a flood could force you to close for weeks, or even months. For as long as you are closed you will not make any money. But you will still have to pay for repairs, and you will still have to cover all of your bills and your staff’s wages.
  • A mistake in the kitchen could lead to an outbreak of illness among your guests. Every affected guest could make a claim against you. You may also have to deal with reputational damages, and even a visit from the health inspector.
  • A power cut, or issues with other utilities, could leave your guests without water, heating, or electricity. Every single one of them may request a refund.
  • A lengthy power cut could also mean food in fridges and freezers has to be thrown away, which could be very costly.
  • Thieves could break into your hotel at night, lifting cash from your tills or safe. Or a dishonest employee could rob you of thousands over a long-term period.

What Happens If I Do Not Have Hotel Insurance?

If you do not have insurance to cover you for losses like those listed above, then your business will have to pay for any costs to put things right, or for legal representation to gain funds from the responsible party, if there is one.

What Does Hotel Insurance Do?

Hotel insurance can cover most, if not all, of the costs that may arise from any of these situations. For example, public liability insurance can cover the legal fees, along with any compensation, that may arise from accidents, illnesses, or injuries guests sustain while staying at your hotel. Business interruption insurance can cover any loss of income you may experience if you are forced to shut for an extended period.

Without hotel insurance, you would be liable to meet these costs yourselves. For this reason, even a small problem could potentially sink your hotel business.

Be sure to read our full guide to what hotel insurance covers, and why you need it.

You will find some additional guides for hoteliers on our site:

Get the Tailored Hotel Insurance You Need

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance specialists. We are committed to protecting your hotel, your staff, and your guests from every risk you might possibly face.

No matter if you are running a large or a small hotel, we can tailor a niche insurance package to ensure you are covered for all risks at the best possible price.

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

Social Media Influencer Insurance – Do I Need It?
Social Media Influencer Insurance – Do I Need It? 1000 545 James Hallam

If you use social media as part of your work, or if you have a significant online following, then you may need social media influencer insurance.

Even if you do not consider yourself to be an “influencer”, you may still need some specialist insurance to cover the work you do on social media.

In this post we will discuss what social media influencer insurance is, what it covers, and why you should consider it.

What Is Social Media Influencer Insurance?

This is specialist liability insurance for social media influencers and other professionals who use social media as part of their work. Social media influencer insurance can cover anyone who uses their social media channels to promote products and services for third parties.

So, if an individual or a company pays you to endorse their product on social media, influencer insurance could provide essential cover should anything go wrong with your professional relationship.

This specialist insurance can also provide essential cover for public figures, celebrities, and other influential online figures with large audiences. A misguided social media post, or a throwaway comment in an interview, could be considered slander or libel, which could result in costly legal action.

What Does Social Media Influencer Insurance Cover?

Social media influencer insurance can cover the legal fees, along with any compensation that might be due, for a number of claims:

  • Defamation – If an individual or a company claims a negative post is slanderous or libellous.
  • Negligence – If the influencer represents a company or a brand, then poor online conduct can put this company or brand in a bad light. This could be considered negligence.
  • Breach of contract or confidentiality – A promotional contract may specify a certain number of promotional posts, or it may even outline the desired outcomes, in terms of the number of likes or followers. If the influencer fails to meet these terms, they will be in breach of contract. Similarly, if they share any information that is classed as confidential, they will also have breached their contract.
  • Intellectual property infringement – If a post uses copyrighted images, videos, or music without permission, then it could result in a highly costly intellectual property infringement claim.
  • Regulatory breaches – Online content, along with all promotional content, is highly regulated in many parts of the world. If a social media influencer breaches any statutes, standards, codes, or regulations, it could lead to fines or legal action.

Who Might Need Social Media Influencer Insurance?

  • Actors, athletes, politicians, celebrities, influencers, and other public figures with large online followers.
  • Paid content creators including YouTubers, streamers, and bloggers.
  • Podcasters, TV personalities, radio personalities, and anyone else who may speak or be invited to speak on broadcasts.
  • Digital marketers who promote third party products or services on social media.

Do I Need Social Media Influencer Insurance?

If you make your living online, whether as an influencer or a digital marketer, then your reputation is everything. Businesses and brands will choose to work with you as a direct result of your large following and your influence. And when they work with you, they will expect results.

But your situation may be more precarious than it seems. A single off-colour post, or an absent-minded comment in a stream or an interview, could destroy your influence in an instant. And should this happen, it could compromise any contracts you have with your sponsors.

They could make a claim against you, for breach of contract or negligence. Or anyone else involved in an online scandal could accuse you of libel or slander. In any case, this could result in hefty legal fees or compensation payments. And without sufficient cover, you will be personally liable to meet these costs.

We Can Help You Get The Specialist Social Media Influencer Insurance You Need

Online careers can be fragile, and far too many seem to fail overnight. Social media influencer insurance will not itself protect your online reputation. But it will at least ensure that, should anything go wrong, you will be covered for all resulting costs. You should think of social media influencer insurance as an essential safety net that can ensure that a bad situation will not get any worse.

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

We will take the time to understand your public profile, and your relationships with your sponsors and promoters. We can then help you get the specialist insurance you need to cover you for the risks you face as a social media influencer.

Learn more about our specialist insurance services.

 

What is Commercial Crime Insurance?
What is Commercial Crime Insurance? 1000 563 James Hallam

Commercial crime insurance will give your business cover for losses that can arise from criminal activity such as theft, forgery, or embezzlement.

What Does Commercial Crime Insurance Cover?

A commercial crime insurance policy may provide cover for all risks, or for named risks. In any case, your policy may provide the following core areas of cover:

  • Losses from third party criminal activity including robberies that take place on the business premises, or in transit.
  • Fraudulent or dishonest employee activity, including credit fraud, forged cheques, embezzlement, and insider trading.
  • Losses arising from receiving counterfeit money, and other forms of third party fraud.

While commercial crime insurance can also cover your business for losses resulting from cyber breaches, data theft, and social engineering attacks, dedicated cyber insurance can offer the most comprehensive cover.

Who Needs Commercial Crime Insurance?

All businesses should consider commercial crime insurance as part of their wider business insurance cover.

Take the time to assess the risks your business faces, including risks that are specific to your sector or industry. If there is the potential to make a significant loss as a result of theft or fraud, then commercial crime insurance could give your business essential cover for such losses.

High Risk Business Requirements

Any business offering financial services may be at a greater risk of insider fraud, and other forms of employee dishonesty. So while financial institutions will need some form of crime insurance cover, they are often required by law to get a specific type of cover known as a fidelity bond.

Fidelity bonds offer highly specific cover for certain forms of employee dishonesty. You can read our full guide to the difference between commercial crime insurance and fidelity bonds.

Understanding the Risks of Commercial Crime

If an opportunistic thief breaks into a shop and lifts some money from the till, the business losses may be significant, but they may be manageable.

But the losses arising from fraud, embezzlement, data breaches, and other forms of commercial crime can be utterly devastating for any business. Along with the financial losses, which could amount to five or six figure sums, your business may also suffer considerable reputational damages.

Consider former high street café chain Patisserie Valerie, for example. Investigations revealed that the company’s finance directors were inflating income while hiding debts. This resulted in the abrupt closure of 70 branches, the loss of 900 jobs, and personal losses of almost £200m for the company’s founder.

Why You Need Commercial Crime Insurance

It is important to note that commercial crime insurance does not itself prevent crime, and that a policy may not provide adequate cover for such an egregious case as this. However, this example demonstrates that:

  • Commercial crime can occur in any sector, and is not exclusive to financial institutions.
  • No business is too big to fall. If commercial crime can sink such an establishment as Patisserie Valerie, then it could sink your business too.

This is why all businesses and professionals should get comprehensive insurance cover for any potential losses that may arise from criminal activity. Your insurance may not prevent crime from taking place, but it could at least help your business to bounce back from cases of fraud, embezzlement, and theft.

At James Hallam, We Can Help Your Business Get The Cover You Need

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 requirements.  We can then help you get the cover you need for the crime risks your business is facing, whether this means a broad crime insurance policy, a more specific fidelity bonds policy, or a dedicated cyber breach response policy.

Learn more about our professional risks insurance services.

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

When did you last look at your insurance portfolio?
When did you last look at your insurance portfolio? 1000 667 James Hallam

As our lives evolve, so too do the risks and responsibilities that come with them. Yet amid the pace of daily life, reviewing your insurance portfolio is often pushed to the bottom of the list. Just as you would revisit your financial planning, tax position or legal affairs each year, it is worth checking to make sure that your insurance is still doing what you need it to.

A regular review is a key part of managing your personal and financial wellbeing.

Life changes. So should your cover.

It is easy to assume that once your insurance is in place, you can set it aside and forget about it. But the reality is that cover which made perfect sense a year or two ago may no longer reflect your current circumstances.

Think about the changes that might have taken place over the past 12 months:

  • Have you purchased, renovated, or sold property?
  • Have you acquired valuable items such as artwork, jewellery, or vehicles?
  • Has your family situation changed?

These are just a few examples of life events that could impact your risk profile. Without adjusting your insurance to account for them, you may be unknowingly underinsured, or paying for cover you no longer need.

The risk of being underinsured

Underinsurance does not always reveal itself until a claim is made and by then, it may be too late. A property that has risen in value, a high-spec renovation, or an overlooked asset can all create shortfalls if your policy limits have not been updated accordingly.

It is not only about physical assets. Think cybercrime, personal liability or legal exposures – it is also about ensuring your policies reflect the world we live in today.

Even the best policies can fall out of step if left unchecked.

A review is not a chore, it is a sensible habit

An insurance review does not need to be time-consuming or complicated. In fact, it is often a straightforward process that provides valuable clarity and confidence.

Importantly, it also gives you the opportunity to better understand what is covered, what is not covered and where changes might offer more suitable protection. It is not always about adding more cover – it is about making sure the cover you have is appropriate, proportionate, and relevant.

For individuals with more complex arrangements such as multiple properties, collections, business interests or trusts, this becomes even more important. A review can highlight overlaps, gaps or inefficiencies that are otherwise easy to miss.

Making time for peace of mind

Ultimately, reviewing your insurance portfolio is about staying in control. It is a small effort that can make a significant difference when it matters most. In a world where change is constant, doing so annually is a practical way to stay one step ahead.

When did you last look at your insurance portfolio? If it has been more than a year, or if you have experienced any changes in wealth, lifestyle, or responsibility, it may be time for a second look.

You can call any of the team on 0203 002 9859 or email pcl@jameshallam.co.uk.

The Unmissable Art Exhibitions in the United Kingdom This Summer
The Unmissable Art Exhibitions in the United Kingdom This Summer 1920 1402 James Hallam

As the summer of 2025 unfolds, the United Kingdom’s art scene offers a diverse array of exhibitions that cater to a wide range of artistic tastes. From contemporary installations to classical masterpieces, these exhibitions provide enriching experiences for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Below is a curated selection of noteworthy exhibitions to explore this season.

Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2025, London

The Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition, now in its 257th year, continues its tradition of showcasing contemporary art from emerging and established artists. This open-submission exhibition features a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and architecture. The exhibition runs from 17 June to 17 August 2025.

More information

Do Ho Suh: Walk the House, Tate Modern, London

South Korean artist Do Ho Suh presents ‘Walk the House’, an immersive installation at Tate Modern. Using translucent fabric, Suh recreates architectural spaces from his past, inviting visitors to reflect on themes of home and memory. The exhibition is open until 19 October 2025.

More information

Rachel Whiteread at Goodwood Art Foundation, West Sussex

Renowned sculptor Rachel Whiteread inaugurates the Goodwood Art Foundation with an exhibition that blends indoor and outdoor artworks. Her sculptures, including a concrete cast of a shed, are displayed within the estate’s 70-acre landscape. The exhibition runs from 31 May to 2 November 2025.

More information

Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300–1350, National Gallery, London

This exhibition at the National Gallery explores the development of painting in Siena during the early 14th century. Featuring works by artists such as Duccio di Buoninsegna and Simone Martini, the exhibition offers insights into the artistic innovations of the period. It is on view until 22 June 2025.

More information

Cartier: The Story of Style, Victoria and Albert Museum, London

The Victoria and Albert Museum presents an extensive exhibition on Cartier, showcasing over 350 pieces of jewellery, watches, and decorative objects. The exhibition traces the evolution of Cartier’s design and craftsmanship. It is open until 16 November 2025.

More information

Hiroshige: Artist of the Open Road, British Museum, London

This exhibition at the British Museum focuses on Utagawa Hiroshige’s depictions of travel and landscapes in 19th-century Japan. Through prints and drawings, visitors can explore the artist’s portrayal of the changing Japanese environment. The exhibition runs until 7 September 2025.

More information

Anselm Kiefer: Early Works, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

The Ashmolean Museum presents an exhibition of early works by German artist Anselm Kiefer. The exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Kiefer’s formative years and his exploration of history and mythology. It is on view until 15 June 2025.

More information

Victor Hugo: The Visionary, Royal Academy of Arts, London

Beyond his literary achievements, Victor Hugo was also a prolific visual artist. This exhibition at the Royal Academy showcases his drawings, revealing his imaginative and often surreal artistic vision. The exhibition is open until 29 June 2025.

More information

Edwardians: Age of Elegance, The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London

This exhibition explores the opulence and cultural shifts of the Edwardian era through a collection of over 300 objects from the Royal Collection. Highlights include works by artists such as John Singer Sargent and jewellery by Carl Fabergé. The exhibition runs until 23 November 2025.

More information

Liliane Lijn: Cosmic Dramas, Tate St Ives, Cornwall

Tate St Ives presents the first UK retrospective of artist Liliane Lijn, featuring her explorations of light, movement, and language. The exhibition includes sculptures, drawings, and installations that reflect Lijn’s interest in science and mythology. It is on view until 2 November 2025.

More information

These exhibitions offer a rich tapestry of artistic expression, providing opportunities to engage with art across different periods and styles. Whether you are interested in contemporary installations or historical masterpieces, the United Kingdom’s art scene this summer has something to offer every visitor.

Safeguarding your garden and outdoor investments: essential insurance considerations for spring and summer
Safeguarding your garden and outdoor investments: essential insurance considerations for spring and summer 1000 667 James Hallam

As the warmer months approach, you may be turning your attention to your outdoor spaces. For homeowners with significant investments in landscape design, garden architecture, and premium outdoor furnishings, appropriate protection extends far beyond standard insurance considerations.

At James Hallam, we understand that your garden may represent both a personal sanctuary and a significant investment. Here, we share insights on ensuring your outdoor spaces receive the appropriate protection through the spring and summer months, with practical steps you can take yourself.

Garden furnishings and luxury outdoor items

Fine garden furniture collections and premium outdoor accessories often represent substantial investments that require appropriate cover:

  • Policy limitations awareness: Many home insurance policies cap garden item cover levels at what could be a fraction of what many high-quality outdoor collections are worth. It is essential to check your item limits to make sure the cover is high enough.
  • Documentation approach: Create your own detailed inventory with photographs and purchase documentation for your valuable outdoor items. This meticulous record-keeping will prove invaluable should a claim arise.
  • Bespoke cover: For gardens featuring significant investments, we can arrange bespoke insurance with broader cover much more appropriate for your outdoor spaces.

Garden structures and architectural elements

Sophisticated garden buildings and architectural features require thoughtful insurance planning:

  • Cover: Garden rooms, orangeries, and pool houses often warrant specific cover extensions under a standard household insurance policy or they may not be suitably insured.
  • Maintenance: Develop your own seasonal maintenance plan for architectural garden features to prevent potential claim complications.
  • Security: When it comes to your property and those special garden features, you really want security solutions that protect everything while still looking good. Find options that will meet your insurance company’s requirements but won’t ruin the look of your architecture. It’s all about striking that right balance.
  • Specialised use: If your garden buildings serve a specific purpose like housing collections or receiving business visitors – please inform us so we can ensure your policy has the right cover in place.

Preparing for British weather extremes

A well-prepared garden can withstand both severe rainfall and heatwaves, protecting your substantial outdoor investments while potentially avoiding insurance claims:

  • Trees: Mature specimen trees add considerable value to distinguished properties but require attention. Regularly inspect trees for dead or weak branches that could damage valuable garden features during storms.
  • Drainage: Check for drainage throughout your garden. French drains disguised with decorative gravel, strategically placed swales that appear as natural landscape contours, or ornamental rain chains can direct water away from valuable structures while enhancing your garden’s aesthetic appeal.
  • Heat-resilient choices: With increasing summer temperatures, consider heat-resistant materials for patios and walkways that remain cool underfoot. Incorporate shade using pergolas, pavilions or strategic planting to protect heat-sensitive elements and create comfortable entertaining areas even during the hottest days.
  • Water systems: Install water collection systems such as elegant cisterns or subtly placed water butts connected to downpipes. These can provide irrigation during drought periods while reducing runoff during heavy rainfall. Smart irrigation systems with moisture sensors can ensure optimal watering while conserving resources.
  • Storm preparation: Storms can develop during hot weather. Secure or relocate valuable garden items before forecasted storms. Having designated protected storage areas for furniture cushions, lightweight containers, and garden ornaments prevents damage and potential liability from wind-mobilised projectiles.

Annual insurance portfolio review

As your garden evolves throughout the seasons, so should your insurance protection. Take time each spring to assess your cover following new garden enhancements, ensuring any significant investments in rare specimens, mature plantings, or bespoke features are properly valued and documented. This annual review helps prevent potential cover gaps that might only become apparent when you need to make a claim.

Ensuring proper protection

Your garden deserves the same careful insurance consideration as your main residence.

Many standard UK policies fail to adequately address the substantial value contained in fine gardens and outdoor spaces. High net worth insurance policies typically offer more comprehensive cover, but still require careful attention to detail on limits, and exclusions.

Before the peak garden season arrives, review your current policy to ensure your garden investments receive appropriate protection. Consider whether your policy reflects recent garden enhancements, contains appropriate single-item limits for valuable features, and provides adequate restoration cover should the unexpected occur.

At James Hallam, we specialise in sophisticated insurance solutions. For a personalised review of your garden and outdoor insurance needs, please get in touch. We are here to ensure your complete property portfolio receives the protection it deserves throughout every season.

Get in touch 

If you have any concerns or queries on your insurance cover please don’t hesitate to speak to us.
You can call any of the team on 0203 002 9859 or email pcl@jameshallam.co.uk.

Planning summer travels: why travel insurance should not be an afterthought
Planning summer travels: why travel insurance should not be an afterthought 1000 667 James Hallam

With summer fast approaching, many individuals and families are preparing for international travel. Whether that involves a short-haul break to Europe or extended time abroad. While much of the focus is understandably on destinations, accommodation, and logistics, it is equally important to review one area that often gets overlooked: insurance.

For high net worth individuals, travel insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth experience when things don’t go to plan. Rather than being an optional extra, the right policies provide access to medical care, support, and financial protection that can prove essential in a crisis.

Does your Private medical cover operate abroad: what to consider

Even for those with comprehensive private medical insurance at home, international travel introduces different variables. Many domestic health plans do not cover emergency treatment abroad or offer only limited support for overseas claims.

Medical costs in certain regions, particularly North America, parts of Asia, and remote locations, can be substantial. For example, treatment for a serious illness or injury in the United States can run into six figures, especially when hospital stays and specialist care are required. Fixing a broken leg can cost up to $7,500 and a short 3-day hospital stay is on average $30,000. You can see how the costs can quickly add up.

We have seen cases where travellers required air ambulance repatriation following an accident. Without suitable travel insurance or private medical cover, it is possible to incur medical expenses of six figure sums with one claim reported by Forbes coming in at more than £250,000. A well-structured private medical policy with global reach can remove those barriers, ensuring rapid access to care and a coordinated return home if necessary.

Key features to look for include:

  • Emergency hospital treatment abroad
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation
  • Access to private healthcare networks worldwide
  • 24/7 support from medical assistance teams

Travel Insurance: Beyond the Basics

Standard travel insurance often falls short when applied to more complex or higher-value travel plans. Comprehensive travel cover should extend well beyond lost luggage or flight delays, particularly when travelling with valuable items or to remote locations.

High net worth travellers should consider:

  • Trip cancellation or curtailment due to illness or emergency
  • Delays or missed connections impacting onward travel
  • Medical expenses for emergencies when a Private Medical Policy doesn’t operate
  • Cover for political unrest or natural disasters in the destination country

Travel insurance should also reflect the way you travel. Those who take multiple trips each year may benefit from annual multi-trip policies, while more complex or high-risk itineraries may require specialist underwriting. 

An Individualised Approach

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for private medical or travel insurance, particularly for individuals with bespoke needs. The best protection comes from policies tailored to your lifestyle, whether you are spending a month abroad, travelling with dependents, or engaging in specific activities.

If you already have private medical insurance, it is worth checking what international elements are included and whether any exclusions could apply while you are away. Likewise, travel insurance should be reviewed regularly, especially if your plans or circumstances have changed.

Planning Ahead

The best time to review your insurance is well in advance of your departure. By approaching insurance as an essential part of your travel planning, you reduce risk and increase confidence. It allows you to focus on the purpose of your trip, knowing you have reliable support in the background should anything unexpected occur.

Get in touch 

If you have any concerns or queries on your insurance cover please don’t hesitate to speak to us.
You can call any of the team on 0203 002 9859 or email pcl@jameshallam.co.uk.

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