Business Insurance - is nothing ever simple?

[bizzylizzy]

I'm just about to start up a new business. It's linked to the promotions industry, specifically consumer competitions.

My website is almost ready, my stationery has been printed, I'm almost ready to launch myself on an unsuspecting world. But I have a problem regarding insurance.

To begin with, there are no job titles that cover what I do. I guess advertising/marketing consultant is the nearest, but it's not perfect.

Secondly. I need to organise Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance but that's easier said than done. I select the appropriate box to say I haven't started my business yet but will be starting on the 1st August, it then carries on asking me questions as though I've been in business for years ie how much time do you spent in radio/tv stations? How much time do you spend working away from home? I could understand it if it asked me to estimate these things, but until I start my business I don't know how much time I'll spend doing anything. I'm hesitant to select anything that's not 100% accurate as, to be frank, I simply don't trust insurance companies. I'm an honest person and simple want to organise the basic cover I feel I should when starting up a new business. But nothing is black or white, sometimes there are grey areas. Can anyone recommend an understand insurance company who will deal straightforwardly with a new business start up that doesn't fall into the usual categories.

[twix123]

It seems that you are using a 'comparison' website, or a specific insurance company, and are now finding that 'one size doesn't fit all'. Speak to an Insurance Broker who should go to the market with your specific needs to obtain quotes and subsequently recommend the most appropriate cover for your circumstances.

[woozer]

Twix is right your best course of action is to speak to a reputable broker, preferably local to you who understands commercial insurance.

[InsuranceAdviser]

For a new business you will always have to estimate the pattern of business activity. If insurance companies deal directly with business customers, they act on a "non-advised" basis so they cannot give you much help with completing the information.

For commercial insurances it is always best to use a broker, particularly when you are starting a new business and will need some advice. I would suggest using a Chartered Insurance Broker which can be found at http://cii.co.uk/web/...dtitle/GISearch.aspx. I work for a broker that specialises in commerical insurances (Independents Insurance Solutions), but you may prefer to use someone local.

[InsuranceAdviser]

For a new business you will always have to estimate the pattern of business activity. If insurance companies deal directly with business customers, they act on a "non-advised" basis so they cannot give you much help with completing the information. For commercial insurances it is always best to use a broker, particularly when you are starting a new business and will need some advice. I would suggest using a Chartered Insurance Broker which can be found at http://cii.co.uk/web/...dtitle/GISearch.aspx. I work for a broker that specialises in commerical insurances (Independents Insurance Solutions), but you may prefer to use someone local.

[Pollypeptide]

Why on earth would you want to try and set up this kind of insurance yourself, unless you are an experienced, qualified Insurance Broker? Find someone in your area and let them do the work for you. When I worked in this field (for thirty years) we didn't make any charge for our services as the insurance companies paid us commission if we placed business with them. You can't afford to make a mistake so get yourself a Broker.