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