INSURANCE

[irene]

I'm setting up a business from a timber framed building in my garden with customers visiting on an appointment-only basis. Also offering a delivery service. Can anyone give me an advice on what insurance I should have and recommend an insurer. There seems to be an aversion to timber buildings. Any advice would be very welcome

[prospero]

I'm with the NFU and they seem to be on the ball as far as commercial insurance is concerned. Heard good things about them
from others too. They have local agents so the service is a bit more personal than some companies. You probably get a visit and
to get a general assessment and the agent might make a few recommendations. Beef up the locks, smoke detectors and things
you would never have thought of.
A commercial policy usually includes a fair bit of public indemnity. Mine also covers goods in transit which is important if you are
delivering people's stuff. You also need to cover goods held in trust - that is, customers work on your premises. It's a good idea to
hit on a base figure to more than cover whatever you have most of the time. If you have to store something extra valuable for a
short time you can pick the phone up a add on a bit of temporary cover.

[ChrisG]

Same as prospero: NFU commercial policy with goods in trust and goods in transit.

[Steve N]

Also check your motor insurance, if a private car, you will need to get cover for business use

[pramsay13]

I'm with Direct Line.
I tried with NFU but it was going to be thousands, they just didn't seem to understand the business (I frame in my garage / workshop).

[GeoSpectrum]

I frame in my garage/workshop and have a home/business policy from NFU. the chap came to visit and couldn't have been more helpful. the premium ended up basically double what I was paying for just my house policy.

[irene]

Thank you all for your advice. There is a local NFU office so I'll try there