Insights

Do I Need Motor Trade Insurance?
Do I Need Motor Trade Insurance? 1000 665 James Hallam

Anyone who is involved in the motor trade in any capacity should consider getting specialist motor trade insurance. This will cover you for many of the risks that all businesses face, along with the unique motor trade risks that many other businesses never have to think about.

What is Motor Trade Insurance?

Motor trade insurance is dedicated cover for professionals involved in the motor trade.

A motor trade insurance package can cover many standard business risks, such as:

  • Public and employer’s liability cover
  • Premises and contents cover
  • Industry-specific risks. For example, road risk insurance can cover you and your staff to drive customers’ vehicles to and from your premises.

Read our full guide to what motor trade insurance is, and what it covers, here.

Who Needs Motor Trade Insurance?

Any business involved in the motor trade sector should consider getting specialist motor trade insurance, including:

  • MOT testing centres.
  • Car dealerships – whether you are selling new cars or used cars, and whether you run a small independent dealerships or a nationwide franchise.
  • Car detailers and valets.
  • Auto-electricians.
  • Vehicle diagnostic specialists.
  • Tyre and exhaust fitters.

Do I Need Motor Trade Insurance?

Yes, you need dedicated cover to protect your business against the unique risks associated with the motor trade.

You have a legal obligation to get some forms of cover:

  • Employer’s Liability Insurance: If you employ any staff, you need employer’s liability cover. This will cover your staff for any accidents or injuries they sustain on the job.
  • Road Risk Insurance: It is illegal to drive any vehicle on UK roads without at least third party vehicle insurance in place. If you need to move customers’ vehicles as part of your work – whether this is to move them around your premises, or to transport them to and from your premises – then you will need at least third party road risk cover.
  • Buildings insurance: You may be required to get some form of premises or buildings cover as part of your leasing agreement.

Beyond this, there is no legal requirement to get any insurance. However, if you do not have appropriate cover in place, then even a small mistake could potentially bring your entire business down.

What Happens If I Do Not Have Motor Trade Insurance?

Think about the following situations:

  • Pay out of pocket for legal fees and compensation: A customer is dissatisfied with your work, or a system or component you have worked on subsequently fails. This customer may make a claim against you with allegations of negligence or poor workmanship. Without professional liability cover in place, you would be personally liable to cover all subsequent legal fees and compensation payments.
  • Cover loss or damage to tools: Thieves break into your garage in the night and steal or damage your tools and equipment. Contents insurance could cover you for this loss or damage. But without this cover, would you be able to afford repairs or replacements?
  • Pay for damage caused by fire or flood: A fire or a flood breaks out at your garage. Would you be able to afford the necessary repairs? And would you be able to survive the loss of income while your garage is closed for the duration of the repairs?

Motor trade insurance could cover you for all of these scenarios, and more. With comprehensive insurance in place, you could rest assured that you will be covered for almost anything, leaving you free to focus on your business.

Specialist Motor Trade Insurance Services From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with access to a hand-picked selection of A-rated insurance providers. We can help you understand the unique risks you face as a motor trade business, before helping you get the specialist cover you need at a competitive price.

Get in touch for a free quote today.

 

Can You Share CCTV Footage on Social Media?
Can You Share CCTV Footage on Social Media? 1000 667 James Hallam

Generally speaking, it is not a good idea to share CCTV footage on social media. In this post we will assess the legal and ethical factors you should take into consideration before you think about sharing CCTV footage on either your personal or your business social media accounts.

Why Would You Want To Share CCTV Footage on Social Media?

If you are a shopkeeper or business owner, you might capture footage of thieves, vandals, or antisocial behaviour on your CCTV. And you might think about sharing this footage on social media.

Sharing CCTV footage on social media might help to identify the criminals, and it could even act as a strong deterrent against future crime. After all, if people know that you are filming them, and that you are willing to name and shame perpetrators, maybe they will think twice about causing trouble on your premises in the future.

But not so fast. There are numerous reasons why you should think twice before you share CCTV footage on social media.

Is Sharing CCTV Footage Illegal?

There are laws in place surrounding how you capture, store, and use CCTV footage. If you are a shopkeeper or a business owner, you need to consider:

Essentially, these are laws that were introduced to protect privacy. The footage you gather on your CCTV could be classed as personal data, in that it could be used to identify people. As a result, it may be illegal for you to share such data in any way – such as through posting CCTV footage on social media.

Share CCTV footage without consent and you could end up in court on a breach of privacy charge.

The Risk of Defamation

If you share CCTV footage on social media, and ask your followers to help you identify the people in it, then there is no guarantee that the right people will be identified.

If an innocent person gets labelled as a criminal as a result of your actions, then they could make a claim against you on the grounds of defamation. This would inevitably lead to expensive legal fees, and you may eventually have to pay significant damages.

It Could Damage Your Reputation

If you get involved in legal trouble as a result of your actions, as well as incurring considerable costs, you may also damage your reputation. If you share footage of theft or other crimes that occurred at your business, what if you send the wrong message?

You might think that sharing CCTV footage on social media will help you find justice, but it could also backfire, as:

  • People may be unwilling to patronise a business that does not appear to value privacy
  • People may look at this footage and conclude that it is not safe to spend any time on your premises
  • It could alienate your existing customers and lead to publish backlash

How To Manage Your CCTV Footage

If you capture a crime on CCTV, do not be tempted to post it on social media. Instead, send it directly to the police.

The police will then be able to use this footage in their investigations. In some cases, sharing CCTV footage might be viewed as being in the public’s best interest, in which case the police might advise you to share it in any way you can, including on social media.

However, you should only share this footage if you have been specifically advised by the police to do so. Prematurely sharing the footage could compromise the police investigation. It could alert suspects that they have been spotted, which could encourage them to destroy evidence, or even ramp up their criminal activity.

Preventing Theft and Other Crimes on Your Business Premises

We have numerous guides on our website designed to help a variety of business owners reduce the risk of theft on their premises:

Get Dedicated SME 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 business.

We can help you get the cover you need at a truly competitive price, which will help you recover from any profit losses you experience as a result of theft.

Learn more about our specialist insurance services here.

What Insurance Do Publishers Need?
What Insurance Do Publishers Need? 1000 638 James Hallam

If you are involved in any kind of publishing, whether it is books, newspapers, magazines, or digital publishing, then you need specialist insurance to cover you for the unique risks you face in your business.

In this post we will outline the key insurance products that publishers should consider, including:

  • Professional indemnity insurance
  • Public and employers liability insurance
  • Buildings and contents insurance
  • Cyber insurance

Professional Indemnity Insurance For Publishers

As a publisher, many people will rely on you for your professional advice and expertise. If any of your clients ever experience financial loss having followed your advice, they may make a claim against you. You may also face claims from others with allegations of:

  • Negligence
  • Errors or omissions
  • Copyright infringement
  • Breach of contract

In this case, professional indemnity insurance can cover any legal fees, along with any compensation, that may be due. In this way, you can protect yourself against potentially significant losses, along with reputational damages that may arise as a result of the claim.

Public and Employer’s Liability Insurance

Employer’s liability insurance is a legal obligation if you employ any staff. This will cover your employees for any accidents and injuries they may experience while working for you.

Public liability insurance offers similar cover, but for members of the public who may be visiting your premises – whether they are existing or potential clients, tradespeople, delivery drivers, or others.

Public liability can also cover potential damages to third party property outside of the workplace – such as if you accidentally spill coffee on a client’s computer while visiting their premises, or you accidentally injure an attendee at a book launch or other event.

Product liability insurance may also be cover publishers wish to get, which could cover the costs associated with product recalls due to printing errors and other mistakes.

Buildings and Contents Insurance For Publishers

Buildings insurance can cover your business premises for damages caused by fire, theft, flood, vandalism, and more.

Contents insurance can cover your fixtures, fittings, and furniture for such losses, along with the equipment you use to do your job, including your laptops and smartphones.

If an incident such as a fire or a flood temporarily prevents you from operating your publishing business, then business interruption insurance can cover all of your overheads until you are able to get back on your feet.

Cyber Insurance For Publishers

Cybercrime is a real risk for all businesses. A publishing firm might be a prime target for a cyberattack, as cybercriminals know how much sensitive data you store on your systems. Plus, they might think of you as an easy target, as they might think you are unlikely to have taken any steps to secure your systems.

Cyber insurance cannot protect you against a cyberattack, but it can at least help you respond effectively. This specialist insurance can cover all of the costs associated with responding to a data breach, including:

  • Recovering your data
  • Securing your system
  • Notifying any affected third parties

Get Specialist Publishers Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who are committed to protecting your publishing business.

We can advise you on all of the risks you face as a professional publisher, and we can help you get the specialist cover you need at a competitive price.

Find out how we can help you today.

 

Beach Hut Buying Guide for 2025
Beach Hut Buying Guide for 2025 1000 667 James Hallam

Growing numbers of Brits are buying beach huts across the country. If you are looking to buy your first beach hut, this post will provide a step-by-step guide to the process, from your initial research to the final sale.

Research Your Beach Hut Location

Where do you want your beach hut to be based? Somewhere close to you, so that you can escape to it every weekend throughout the summer? Or somewhere further away, so that you can base your full family holiday around your beach hut?

One thing to consider is that the prices of beach huts will vary across the country. So it might be worth deciding your budget before you pick your location.

Make a shortlist of possible locations, and be sure to spend some time in each location before you make any final decisions. Take in the local amenities, and try to get a feel for the atmosphere and the community in the area.

Finally, contact the local council. Certain councils might impose certain restrictions on beach hut ownership, and you may have to get their permission before you make any changes to the hut.

Should You Buy a Freehold or Leasehold Beach Hut?

You may have to choose between a freehold or a leasehold beach hut:

  • Freehold – You own both the structure and the land it is built on. This would give you the freedom to do essentially anything with the hut. However, freehold beach huts tend to be expensive, and comparatively rare.
  • Leasehold – These are managed by local councils, and there are often tight restrictions on how you can use the hut, along with lengthy waiting lists to get a hut. Some councils only allow local residents to purchase their leasehold beach huts, but others will be a bit more flexible. The upside is that leasehold beach huts tend to be a lot cheaper than freehold beach huts.

Choose Your Hut

Once you have a budget and a location in mind, it is time to choose your beach hut.

If you want to get a leasehold beach hut, you will have to purchase it through the local council.

If you want to buy a freehold beach hut, you will have to do so through other channels, such as:

  • Find an estate agent that specialises in beach huts in your target area
  • Get in touch with the local beach hut association
  • Check online marketplaces, such as Facebook and eBay
  • Look at local classified ads in newspapers and newsagents

Be sure to view any potential hut before you agree to buy it. Get an idea of its condition, and think about whether you would need to do any work before you could start using the hut. Also think about how close it is to the nearest facilities and amenities. And perhaps most important of all, does it have a good view?

Finalising the Sale

If you are looking to purchase a leasehold beach hut, then you will pay whatever price the council wants you to pay.

But if you are looking to buy a freehold beach hut, you might be able to make an offer. Just remember that the current owner might have a lot of interest in their hut, so they may be considering multiple offers alongside yours.

If they accept your offer, you can then agree on the terms of your sale. This mainly means agreeing on a completion date, but you may also be able to agree on including certain items in the sale, such as fixtures, fittings, and furniture.

It may be useful to hire a solicitor to ensure that all of the paperwork is in order, and that you are not overlooking anything major. After this, it will just be a case of making the payment on your agreed terms, and getting all the documents and the keys on your completion date.

Taking Care Of Your Beach Hut

Once you have bought your beach hut, you will have to commit to ongoing maintenance. There are a number of reasons to do this:

  • It will keep your beach hut in good condition, ensuring that it will always remain a pleasant place to spend time.
  • It will help to protect your beach hut from the elements. A fresh coat of paint now and then can form an effective barrier against wind and rain over the winter.
  • Thieves and vandals may be more likely to target beaten and weathered beach huts. Keep yours in good condition and it might deter them.
  • Your insurer may require you to perform certain maintenance as part of your beach hut insurance

Read our essential guide to beach hut maintenance.

Get The Right Cover For Your Beach Hut

Just like any investment, it is a good idea to get adequate insurance cover for your beach hut.

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 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.

 

Do You Pay Council Tax on Unoccupied Properties?
Do You Pay Council Tax on Unoccupied Properties? 1000 867 James Hallam

In most cases, you have to pay council tax on every property you own, even if the property is currently empty or unoccupied. However, depending on your local council, you may be able to get a discount on council tax for any unoccupied properties you own.

What is an Unoccupied Property?

Usually, when we talk about empty or unoccupied properties, we might be referring to:

  • Homes that have been left vacant after the owner passes away.
  • Rental properties that do not currently have any tenants. This might include commercial properties as well as homes.
  • Second homes and holiday homes, which are only occupied at certain times of the year.

Do You Pay Council Tax on Unoccupied Properties?

Yes, you usually have to pay council tax on all properties you own or rent, even if they do not currently have anyone occupying them.

If your property is classed as a “second home”, then you may have to pay a second home premium, which can be up to two times the ordinary council tax rate.

If your property is empty for a long period of time, your council maybe be able to charge you up to 300% on top of the standard council tax rate.

It all depends on the local council. For more information, contact your local council to see what rates apply in your area. You may also be able to apply for a discount.

Unoccupied Property Council Tax Exemptions

First, certain individuals are exempt – or “disregarded” – from paying council tax. You must apply for exemption even if you meet the criteria. Head here for a full list of people who are eligible for council tax exemption.

Beyond this, there are permanent exemptions for certain types of second homes and empty properties:

  • If the property is an annex – that is, it forms part of the same property, and is being used as part of the main residence.
  • If the property is supplied by your employer to use as accommodation when working in a different area.
  • If certain local planning restrictions mean that you cannot use the property as a permanent residence.
  • The property is currently uninhabitable due to major repairs or renovations. In this case, you may have to supply evidence of the property’s condition, along with a timeline for the work, to qualify for discount or exemption.

Also, you can get a 12 month exemption from paying the second home premium if:

  • You are currently marketing the property for sale or to rent.
  • You have received a grant of probate for the property, and are therefore managing it as part of your duty as a will’s executor.

Please note that these exemptions, whether they are temporary or permanent, only apply to the second home premium. You may still have to pay the standard council tax rate, even if you meet the criteria.

Long-Term Empty Property Council Tax Premiums

Some councils will apply significant premiums if a property is left empty for a long-term period:

  • If the property is left empty for two years, you may have to pay double the standard rate.
  • After five years, you may have to pay triple the standard rate.
  • After 10 years, you may have to pay quadruple the standard rate.

This is why it is a good idea to sell or lease properties as quickly as possible. If you are a landlord and you are struggling to find suitable tenants, enlisting a letting agent could help you fill the property quicker so as to avoid these hefty premiums.

You may also be able to avoid these premiums through converting the property for commercial use. Commercial buildings may be subject to business rates rather than council tax, for which you may be able to get some tax relief.

How to Keep Your Empty Property Safe

Empty properties are more vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Plus, if anything goes wrong in the property, if there is nobody around to address the issue, even a small problem could quickly escalate into a full scale disaster. A small leak, for example, could spiral into a major escape of water situation.

No matter what your circumstances are, there are certain steps you should take to keep your empty property safe:

  • Invest in extra security, such as CCTV, alarms, and locks.
  • Use timers and motion-activated lights to make it look like someone is home.
  • Check on the property as often as possible, to look for any potential issues. You could also collect accumulating mail and take care of the bins, again to make it look like the home is occupied.
  • Appoint someone to check on your property for you, if you can’t. Some organisations offer dedicated property guardian schemes for this very purpose.
  • Consider turning the utilities off whenever you are not using the property. There may be risks associated with this, though – such as no power to supply your security systems, and a lack of heating leading to frozen pipes in the winter. Be sure to weigh up the pros and cons first.
  • Get specialist insurance cover. Most home insurance properties will only cover occupied homes. Depending on your circumstances, you may have to get dedicated probate home insurance, second home insurance, holiday home insurance, or home renovation insurance.

Specialist Unoccupied Home Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who are committed to protecting your property at a competitive price.

We can help you get dedicated insurance to cover your unoccupied property, no matter what your specific personal circumstances are. We can also advise you on steps you can take to keep your property safe and secure.

Learn more about our insurance services and get a free quote today.

Safety Tips For Navigating Crowded Waterways
Safety Tips For Navigating Crowded Waterways 1000 667 James Hallam

UK waterways can get crowded, especially during the busy summer months.

In this post we will discuss some safety tips for navigating crowded waterways during high season, to help you avoid stress, arguments, and potential damages to your boat and others.

Who Has Right of Way on UK Waterways?

Which Side To Pass Other Boats
On UK waterways, you should navigate on the right (starboard) side, as opposed to the left (port) side, as you would on UK roads.

Wind-powered Boats vs. Engines
There are also certain international regulations determining what types of vessels have right of way on the water. Generally speaking, wind-powered boats have right of way over boats powered by engines, due to their comparatively limited manoeuvrability.

Large Vessels vs Smaller Vessels
Larger vessels also tend to take priority over smaller vessels, mainly because smaller vessels can easily move around larger vessels, which may struggle to correct course.

However, these regulations largely apply to vessels at sea. Local authorities may set their own regulations concerning right of way, and other issues. So before you use any waterways, make sure you familiarise yourself with the local laws.

Stand-On and Give-Way

Whenever two or more vessels encounter each other on any waterway, it is important to consider the “stand-on” vs. “give-way” concept:

  • The stand-on vessel should maintain its speed, and its course.
  • The give-way vessel should adjust its speed and course accordingly so as to avoid a collision.

As we mentioned above, different types of vessels may take priority on waterways. As a general rule of thumb, larger vessels, and those powered solely by wind, should be viewed as stand-on vessels, as it will be harder for such boats to alter their course. Meanwhile, smaller vessels, and those powered by engines, will be viewed as give-way vessels, as they will find it easier to manoeuvre.

But once again, certain waterways may impose their own regulations. For example, all boats may be required to give priority to commercial vessels and local trip boats. And if a waterway is used for certain types of water sports, then this activity may take priority over other types of boating.

Safety and Courtesy for Passing Other Vessels

What if you encounter a similar type of boat to yours? Who will take priority then? For example, what happens when two canalboats need to pass on a waterway?

Technically, neither boat will have priority in this situation. So instead of thinking about right of way, instead aim to follow some general safety and courtesy procedures:

  • Keep your distance from all other boats. Be aware of your boat’s capabilities, and always give yourself enough space and time to react to potential collisions.
  • Follow any speed restrictions on the waterways, and try to keep your speed consistent so that other waterway users can anticipate your actions.
  • If you find yourself on a narrow or crowded waterway, slow down and try to avoid making any abrupt movements.
  • Keep a careful lookout for particularly vulnerable vessels and individuals on the waterway, such as swimmers, canoes, and kayaks.
  • Stick to any designated channels or courses for your particular vessel, as this can help to avoid any unexpected encounters. Also try to stick to one side of the waterway, so that other vessels can easily pass on the other side.
  • Plot your course carefully to avoid any potentially unsuitable or overcrowded channels, and to prevent sudden course changes.
  • Try to stay on your course, and try to avoid U-turns, as these can quickly create bottlenecks and other problems.

Understanding the Water

It is also important to understand the specific nature of the water you are sailing on.

If you are boating on river, a lake, or at sea, then you might have more room to manoeuvre. However, you will also have currents to contend with, and you may sometimes have to deal with turbulent waters. These factors will affect your turning circle, and potentially your speed.

On tidal waters, navigation lights may also be compulsory, so that you can easily communicate your intentions to other vessels.

If you are boating on a marine, or canal, then you may not have to deal with tides, currents, and waves. However, you may have to contend with narrower channels, and potentially more congestion.

Prepare For Emergencies

No matter what sort of waterway you are on, it is important to ensure your vessel is equipped with all of the essential safety equipment in case of emergencies.

You will need a suitable anchor and chain, to stop yourself from drifting in the event of engine failure. Make sure everyone onboard has a life jacket, or access to a life ring or life buoy. Also ensure that everyone has a basic understanding of water safety, and on what to do in case of emergency.

Make sure you have enough fuel for every journey you undertake, to avoid getting stranded. It may also be a good idea to pack flares, so that you can signal to other boats, or a VHF radio to communicate with coastguards and other emergency services.

Get The Right Cover For Your Boat This Summer

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 for potential collisions and other emergencies all year round.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

Avoiding Overheating Boat Engine and Equipment Failure in the Summer
Avoiding Overheating Boat Engine and Equipment Failure in the Summer 1000 667 James Hallam

An overheating boat engine is one of the biggest risks associated with the summer season. In this post we will discuss how you can maintain your boat engine during the summer, with tips on what you should do if your engine starts overheating.

What Causes Engine Overheating?

Boat engines can overheat at any time of the year, but overheating is more likely in the summer. This is because:

  • Strain on the engine: You are more likely to use your boat for extended periods over the summer, and with shorter breaks between each use. Over time, this can put a strain on the engine and its components.
  • High Temperatures: Higher temperatures in the summer months can mean that the engine’s cooling systems have to work harder, which can eventually make them less effective.
  • Shallow waters: The specific waters in which you use your boat can also increase the risks of your engine overheating. Shallow waters, for example, can cause sediment to enter your engine’s cooling systems, which can affect their performance. Plus, if there is a lot of debris or vegetation about, it can clog your engine’s water intake, which can also affect the effectiveness of your cooling system.
  • Saltwater: If you take your vessel out to sea, saltwater can, over time, block your engines cooling systems, which can eventually lead to overheating.

Understanding Your Engine And Cooling System

Getting to know your engine and cooling system is key to understanding and preventing overheating.

Outboard engines
These are water-cooled. The engine draws in water through an inlet before discharging it from the tell-tale. If the cooling system is operating, there should be a small stream of water emanating from the tell-tale while the engine is running.

Inboard engines and stern drive engines
Like cars and other road vehicles, these may rely on engine coolant, along with a heat exchanger that relies on a flow of raw water to keep cool. Or, they might be entirely water-cooled, via thru-hull fittings or a special strainer for saltwater.

Air-cooled engines
Certain smaller outboard engines are air-cooled, rather than water-cooled. The engines feature passages allowing for a flow of air. Excessive loads or blockages can place a strain on these systems.

How To Tell If Your Engine is Overheating

There are some obvious signs that your engine is overheating:

  • Steam might start emanating from the engine compartment.
  • A strong smell of burning.
  • The engine may sound strained.
  • Temperature gauge rising into the red.

Depending on the specific type of engine your boat uses, there might be other early warning signs that things are starting to overheat. If you have a water-cooled system, for instance, look out for a reduced flow from the system’s tell-tale. Some engines will display warning lights if the coolant engines are running too low. And most engines will experience performance issues if they get too hot.

What To Do If Your Engine Starts Overheating

  • Turn off your engine immediately. Set the throttle to idle, and stop wherever it is safe to do so. The longer you run an overheating engine, the worse the damage will be, and the more the repairs will cost you.
  • Give the engine at least 30 minutes to cool.
  • Check the system for faults. Pay particular attention to the coolant levels, and top them up if need be. Also check for blockages wherever they may develop, such as in the outboard water intakes, the thru-hull fittings, or the air intakes.
  • Aim to get your engine system fully inspected and, if necessary, fully serviced before you take to the water again. You should certainly get professional help if your engine will not start again after overheating, or if you notice any visible signs of damage to the cooling system.

How to Prevent Engine Overheating

Regular maintenance will help you prevent your engine overheating.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on regular engine maintenance, and make sure you carry essential maintenance equipment, and spare parts as necessary. Regularly monitor your engine’s coolant levels, and keep an eye on the temperature gauges whenever you are running your boat.

Regular cleaning can also help prevent engine overheating, as it can prevent blockages from developing. For seagoing vessels, you should regularly flush your cooling system to remove any blockages caused by saltwater.

Be sure to read our full guide to mid-season boat checks and maintenance that will help keep your boat in full working order throughout the summer and beyond.

Get The Right Cover For Your Boat This Summer

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.

Beach Hut Maintenance Checklist for the Summer
Beach Hut Maintenance Checklist for the Summer 1000 667 James Hallam

Regular maintenance will keep your beach hut clean and pleasant all year round. Maintenance can also help to protect your beach hut from the elements, which is why some insurers specify how you should care for your beach hut as a requirement of their beach hut insurance policies.

In this post we will discuss an essential beach hut maintenance for the summer, which will help you enjoy your hut throughout the winter while keeping it safe through the colder months of the year.

Beach Hut Summer Maintenance For the Beginning of the Season

If you’re using your beach hut for the first time since last year, you might find that you need to do some essential maintenance before you can use your hut this summer:

  • Thoroughly clean your hut both inside and out. Sweep out any sand that may have accumulated, dust all the surfaces, and give the walls a scrub.
  • Open the doors along with any windows to air out your hut, and to help prevent mould and mildew.
  • Oil any hinges to help prevent rust. Also look for any signs of rust and corrosion on metal surfaces, and apply an anti-rust coating if necessary.
  • Consider decluttering your hut. Are there any items you don’t use, or don’t need, anymore? Is there anything you need to repair or replace?
  • If your hut has an outdoor deck, apply a fresh coat of wood stain or sealer.

Beach Hut Safety Checks For Summer

  • Check that all of the hut’s locks work, and replace or repair any components as necessary.
  • Look for any loose components and aim to get them repaired as soon as possible.
  • Consider stocking your hut with essential safety equipment, including sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.
  • Consider installing a smoke alarm, and even a burglar alarm, to address the risks of fires or break-ins.

How Often Should I Repaint My Beach Hut?

If possible, give your hut a fresh coat of paint once a year – ideally in spring, before the summer season starts.

Beach huts can take a battering over the winter, as the temperatures drop and the likelihood of severe weather increases. But all year round, salty air can affect any paint job.

Regularly painting your beach hut will help keep it looking and feeling fresh, while also offering ongoing protection against the elements. Plus, thieves and vandals may be less likely to target a hut that looks colourful and pristine, as it can suggest that the hut is regularly used and regularly monitored.

Just note that the local council may set certain requirements for the colours you can use for your hut.

As well as refreshing your hut with a coat or two of paint, you could also look for ways to revitalise the interior. This could be with a new rug, new cushions, or new curtains.

Specialist Beach Hut Insurance From James Hallam

As we mentioned above, you may be required to carry out certain annual maintenance tasks as part of your beach hut insurance.

The summer might be a good opportunity to review your beach hut insurance. Are you getting all the cover you need, at a best price?

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who are committed to protecting your beach hut 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 Do I Insure an Unoccupied Property?
How Do I Insure an Unoccupied Property? 1000 667 James Hallam

Most home insurance policies will only cover “occupied” properties. If a property is unoccupied for a certain period of time, the policy may no longer provide the cover you need.

In this post we will discuss how you can insure an unoccupied property, to give you peace of mind that you will be fully covered even when there is nobody currently occupying the property.

Unoccupied Property vs. Vacant Property

An unoccupied property is one that was previously inhabited, but which does not currently have any inhabitants. This could be as a result of a homeowner passing away.

A “vacant” property, is a property that is completely empty with no current occupants. For example, a new build home that is yet to be bought, or a rental property that is seeking tenants, will be classed as a “vacant” property rather than an “unoccupied” property.

Read our full guide to the difference between unoccupied and vacant properties.

When Does a Property Become Unoccupied?

As we mentioned above, a property might become unoccupied when its owner passes away, and when there is nobody else currently living at the house.

Yet insurers will also consider a property to be unoccupied if it is left empty for a certain period of time. This could be as little as 30 consecutive days.

For this reason, if you have a second home that you only use at certain times of the year, or if you leave your main property for an extended period, your property may eventually be considered “unoccupied”. At this point, your home insurance will no longer cover you.

How Do I Insure an Unoccupied Property?

You can get specialist unoccupied home insurance if your property will be unoccupied for an extended period of time, for reasons such as:

  • You are travelling for an extended period, or you need long-term residential healthcare.
  • You are moving in with your partner, but you have not yet sold your own home.
  • When selling your home, or getting renovations done, you choose to live elsewhere.
  • You buy a new home, but you are unable to move into it for the time being.
  • You own a second home or holiday home, which you only use for certain months of the year.

What If My Property Will Be Unoccupied for Not Much Longer Than 30 Days?

If you will be leaving your home unoccupied for a shorter period of time – longer than 30 days, but not so long as to justify a dedicated unoccupied home insurance policy – then you may be able to get an extension on your current policy’s absence period. Contact your insurer, or check your policy wording, for more information.

What Does Unoccupied Home Insurance Cover?

Unoccupied home insurance will usually offer the same cover as you would get with a standard home insurance policy. However, there may be some exceptions to the cover.

For example, if you will be leaving your home unoccupied while renovations take place, then unoccupied home insurance may not cover you for damages that arise from the renovations, or for damages caused by contractors.

And while unoccupied home insurance will cover you for break-ins and theft, it may not cover you for “unforced entry”. So if you accidentally leave a window or door open, you will not be able to claim for any resulting theft.

Probate Home Insurance

When someone passes away, if they leave a will, an executor will work to ensure that the deceased’s estate is settled. This process is known as probate.

If there is any property in the will, the executor may choose to sell it. Alternatively, the will may stipulate that a relative, or another beneficiary, shall inherit the house.

In any case, nothing can proceed until the probate process is complete. This means that the property may remain unoccupied for as long as it takes to complete probate. As the entire process can take up to a year, this can cause some issues with the home insurance.

A dedicated probate home insurance property can cover the unoccupied property throughout the probate process. The policy might specify that you take certain steps to secure the property throughout the process, and it may also require you to periodically check on the property.

Get Specialist Insurance For Your Unoccupied Property From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who are committed to protecting your property.

Whether you need to cover a property throughout the probate process, or you need to dedicated cover for your property throughout an extended period of absence, we can help you get the specialist cover you need at a competitive price. We can also help you secure comprehensive cover for a second home or a holiday home.

Learn more about our expert private insurance services here.

 

How to Stop Shoplifters and Prevent Theft From Shops
How to Stop Shoplifters and Prevent Theft From Shops 1000 667 James Hallam

We recently published a guide to creating and implanting shoplifting policies and procedures for your retail business.

In this post we will share some additional practical tips to help you reduce shoplifting from your store.

How to Reduce Shoplifting In Store

Perform Regular Stock Checks

Regular stock checks will help you understand the scale of shoplifting in your store. They may also help you to identify which products in your store thieves are most likely to target. If you understand this, then you will know where to prioritise your anti-theft measures.

Consider Your Store Layout

  • Place the till as close to the door as possible. This way, no potential thieves will be able to enter or leave the store unobserved.
  • Keep your layout as simple and straightforward as possible. This will eliminate any blindspots where thieves could operate.
  • Make sure any high value items, or any items that you think thieves are most likely to target, are within sight of the main till.
  • You could also install security mirrors to let your staff see as much of the store as possible without leaving the till area.

Security Features

  • Get CCTV coverage for your store’s front entrance, for the till area, for your stock rooms, and for any areas where you store or display high value items.
  • Place signs notifying visitors that you have CCTV in place. This can help deter opportunistic thieves.
  • Consider installing facial recognition software, which could help you identify repeat offenders, and take appropriate action.
  • Consider placing your most valuable stock in locked cabinets, or behind the till. This way, customers will have to ask staff directly to view them.
  • Use electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags, and other anti-theft devices, which can deter potential thieves while also alerting you immediately to any attempted theft.

Staff Interactions and Customer Service

Your staff are your first line of defence against shoplifters. They can help identify and report instances of shoplifting, and they may even be able to prevent certain thefts from taking place. Staff safety should remain a priority, though. You should never expect your staff to expose themselves to any unnecessary risk.

Members of staff could use customer service techniques to deter thieves. If they notice a customer acting suspiciously, they could approach them and ask if they can be of any assistance. This will let the potential thief know that their actions have been noted, which might make them reconsider the theft.

Think about your staffing levels, too. Thieves often take advantage of busy periods, as they know that when the majority of staff are busy, their crimes will go unobserved. It is also common for thieves to work in pairs, with one distracting your staff while the other lifts items, out of sight. So, take note of your busy times and schedule shifts accordingly. And if possible, try to ensure that nobody ever has to work a shift alone.

Get The Right Insurance For Your Retail Store

Specialist retail shop insurance can help protect your store from many of the risks you face. A comprehensive policy may not prevent shoplifting, but it can give you the cover you need to bounce back from any major disruptions or disasters.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your store. We can help you get specialist retail shop insurance, which can help your business bounce back from any significant losses.

Find out how we can help your shop today.

Start Typing