Business insurance: the basics
Introduction
Getting the right insurance is essential for any new business.
You're legally required to have some types of cover - such as motor insurance or employers' liability compulsory insurance if you have staff.
It's a sensible business decision to insure your premises, fixtures, fittings, equipment and stock against disasters such as fire, flood and theft which could prove highly damaging to your operations.
Some businesses may also want to consider insuring against legal liabilities and buying life and health cover for staff.
This guide sets out the insurance required by law and the other types of cover a new business may require. It also explains how to get advice from a broker and gives details of insurance for homeworkers.
Subjects covered in this guide
- Introduction
- Get the right insurance for your business needs
- Insurance you must have by law
- Insure against common business risks
- Liability and professional indemnity cover
- Protect your people with insurance
- Insurance for businesses set up from home
- Reduce your risks and premiums

BIBA Consumer Helpline
0870 950 1790

Actions
- Use our interactive tool to work out which forms of insurance you should have for your business
- Business insurance guidance on the Association of British Insurers website - Opens in a new window
- Insurance broker listings on the British Insurance Brokers' Association website - Opens in a new window
- Manage your personal list of starting-up tasks with our Business start-up organiser
- View local and national events linked to this topic



