Insights

Insuring photography collections in a changing market
Insuring photography collections in a changing market 1000 667 James Hallam

While paintings and sculptures continue to make headlines with their staggering prices, savvy collectors are increasingly discovering rare and historical photography as an attractive investment opportunity. No longer viewed as art’s lesser cousin, photography has established itself as a powerful asset class, with masterworks now regularly selling for millions at prestigious auctions.

The appreciation of photography collections as an investment

The trajectory of photographic art values tells a compelling story of remarkable growth:

These are not isolated examples but clear indicators of photography’s ascendance as a serious investment requiring appropriate protection.

Unique insurance considerations for photography collections

Photography presents distinctive challenges separating it from other collectibles:

Editioning complexities

  • Unlike paintings, photographs typically exist in limited editions.
  • Edition size significantly impacts valuation.
  • Artist proofs carry different values than standard editions.
  • First prints command higher premiums than later prints.
  • Edition numbering affects insurance considerations.

Material vulnerabilities

  • Photographic works show particular susceptibility to environmental damage.
  • Light exposure causes irreversible fading in even modern prints.
  • Humidity fluctuations lead to paper warping or mould formation.
  • Temperature variations can compromise print stability.
  • Even archival materials require meticulous care maintenance.

Provenance challenges

  • The reproducible nature creates unique authentication concerns.
  • Establishing ownership history proves essential for verification.
  • Digital technologies have complicated authentication processes.
  • Certificates of authenticity require secure storage.
  • Auction records provide crucial valuation benchmarks.

The essential role of specialist insurance

Standard household policies cannot address the nuanced requirements of fine art photography collections. The market demands specialised cover:

  • Common cover gaps to avoid – Many collectors discover crucial protection gaps only after an incident occurs, typically finding outdated valuations, inadequate transportation cover during vulnerable periods, and standard policies that exclude light and environmental damage (the primary threats to photographs). These policies often provide insufficient restoration options and minimal cover for the contemporary printing processes.
  • Future-proofing your photography collection – We recommend regular reappraisals to ensure your insurance cover matches the value of your collection. Forward-thinking collectors must anticipate market dynamics, including emerging artists whose values can skyrocket overnight and evolving authentication technologies that continuously transform how provenance is established and verified.
  • Beyond financial protection – While financial protection forms the foundation of cover, truly comprehensive insurance extends beyond simple replacement values. The best policies focus on restoration rather than replacement. When claims occur, specialised handling by photography experts ensures proper care, ultimately providing the confidence that allows collectors to enjoy their investments without unnecessary worry or concern.

At James Hallam, we see photography not just as an alternative investment, but as a true passion. That is why we are dedicated to protecting these collections with the care they deserve. In a world full of uncertainty, specialist insurance offers peace of mind, helping ensure these treasured pieces are preserved for the next generation of collectors and enthusiasts.

How cybercrime and identity theft can derail your finances
How cybercrime and identity theft can derail your finances 1000 667 James Hallam

In an increasingly digitised world, where nearly every financial transaction and personal record has a digital counterpart, high net worth individuals face growing risks from cybercrime. While traditional security has long protected physical assets, today’s most dangerous threats are often invisible, lurking in inboxes, online accounts, and the dark web.

The evolving nature of digital threats

Cybercriminals are no longer operating as lone hackers but as part of organised, sophisticated networks. These groups often target wealthy individuals with attacks designed to exploit the complexity of their financial arrangements. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has repeatedly warned that cybercriminals are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics like impersonation, email spoofing, and ransomware attacks, to infiltrate systems and steal sensitive data or funds.

In 2023 alone, the UK saw a 13% increase in cybercrime reports, according to data from Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. High net worth individuals are particularly exposed, given the greater scope and fluidity of their financial dealings.

Why wealth attracts cybercrime

Affluent individuals offer a high return on investment for cybercriminals and are targets because:

  • They typically hold multiple bank and investment accounts.
  • They are more likely to approve large financial transfers.
  • Their personal networks include professionals (lawyers, advisors) whose accounts may be more vulnerable.
  • Their financial arrangements – often involving trusts, offshore entities, or family offices – can obscure fraudulent activity for longer periods.
  • High net worth individuals make ideal candidates for ‘whaling’ attacks – phishing scams that impersonate a trusted contact to deceive someone into making a high-value transaction.

Real-world cyber threats in the UK

The following UK-specific incidents and trends demonstrate the severity of the risk:

  • Email spoofing in property transactions – One case involved a couple who lost £333,000 after having their emails intercepted during the process of selling a flat.
  • AI-generated voice fraud – The head of the world’s biggest advertising group was the target of an elaborate deepfake scam that involved an artificial intelligence voice clone.
  • Ransomware attacks on high-profile individuals – According to a 2023 National Crime Agency briefing, there was a sharp rise in ransomware attacks targeting business executives and prominent individuals. Average ransom demands exceeded £90,000, and in some cases, hackers threatened to release sensitive personal or business information unless payment was made.

The hidden costs of cybercrime

The financial impact of cybercrime is significant, but the true costs often extend far beyond the stolen sums. Victims frequently incur substantial legal fees while recovering stolen funds or defending against resulting liabilities and it can take a long time to resolve identity-related crime disrupting both personal and professional life. There is also the emotional impact that such an incident can have. A 2023 survey by the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Walesfound that 84% of cybercrime victims reported stress, anxiety, or feelings of vulnerability. For those in leadership or public-facing roles, data breaches can damage credibility, strain relationships, and affect long-term career prospects.

Personal cyber protection: what you can do

Protecting yourself digitally is not just about having antivirus software. It requires a layered approach, combining technology, education, and tailored support.

Practical steps include:

  • Regular vulnerability assessments: These can identify weak spots in your digital footprint, such as exposed passwords, misconfigured cloud services, or insecure communications.
  • Advanced authentication methods: Use multi-factor authentication (MFA), biometrics, and password managers across all sensitive accounts.
  • Secure your communications: Avoid using unencrypted email for financial transactions. Employ secure client portals or end-to-end encrypted messaging services.
  • Staff and household training: If you employ personal assistants, house managers, or IT support, ensure they understand how to identify phishing and social engineering attacks.

At James Hallam, we recognise that personal security extends beyond alarm systems and safes. We work with high-net-worth individuals and a select panel of insurers to ensure that you receive Cyber Cover which can include a combination of advice helplines and cover for a potential financial loss.

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.

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.

 

How To Protect Your Pub From Theft
How To Protect Your Pub From Theft 500 333 James Hallam

If you run a pub, then you will almost certainly have experienced some form of theft at one time or other.

In a December 2024 report, The Office for National Statistics claimed that there had been a 54% increase in robberies from business properties compared to previous years.

In this post we will discuss the common types of theft that occur in pubs, and outline some ways you can protect your pub from theft.

The Most Common Types of Theft in Pubs

How To Protect Your Pub From Theft

Below we will explore how you can address each type of pub theft, in turn.

How To Prevent Petty Theft of Pub Property

  • Run a pint glass and tableware amnesty. Allow customers to return any items they may have stolen in exchange for a discount on drinks or food.
  • Add a small charge to every item on your menu to offset the costs of replacing stolen items. This could be as little as 10p.
  • Introduce a one-glass-per-customer system, where you wash and refill the same glass instead of handing out a new one. You could even ask customers to pay a deposit on their glass, which could deter theft while offsetting any potential losses.

How to Prevent Theft From Pub Staff and Customers

  • Put up notices warning customers about the risks of theft, advising them to never leave any valuables unattended.
  • Install CCTV to help deter theft, and to make conviction more likely if theft does occur.
  • Consider hiring dedicated security staff, to help protect staff and customers from violent criminals.

How to Prevent Theft By Pub Staff

  • Perform background checks on all new applicants. Highlight the importance of honesty and integrity during staff induction, and run regular training sessions to reiterate these values. Also make it clear that you have a zero tolerance approach to theft – one strike, and they are out.
  • Perform regular stock and receipt checks. This will help you ensure that everything adds up, and that there are no discrepancies.
  • Make sure every till is covered by CCTV. This could help deter all kinds of theft, while giving you a means of investigating should you suspect that theft has taken place.

How to Prevent Breaking and Entering in Your Pub

  • Invest in extensive security systems, including extra locks, alarms, CCTV, motion activated floodlights, and so on.
  • Lock all cash and other valuables in a safe overnight.
  • Join a neighbourhood watch scheme. Encourage local residents to look out for your pub while you look out for neighbouring properties.

Get The Right Insurance For Your Pub

Dedicated insurance for your pub will not prevent theft, but it can help you bounce back from any financial loss you may experience as a result of theft.

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