Will I need to report my theft to the Police?
Malicious Damage or Theft claims must be reported to the Police who will issue you with a crime reference number.

Should I take photographs?
Photographs are not always necessary. However, we would recommend that you take some to support your claim should Insurers ask for them, particularly in property damage and personal injury cases.  Never dispose of damaged items before your claim has been settled.

Must I wait for Insurers to approve my claim before I carry out repairs?
Your insurers will normally allow you to carry out emergency repairs to make the property sound or to prevent further damage prior to estimates being obtained for permanent repairs. If you are not sure whether you should proceed with emergency repairs, please contact the claims department for advice.

Can I use my own tradesman?
Many insurers have approved tradesmen or firms to repair or replace damaged or lost property. If you would rather use your own tradesman or firm then you should submit two competitive quotations. The insurers may wish to check that the charges made by your chosen tradesman or firm are reasonable and competitive and may wish to inspect any damage either prior to or post completion of the works.

Will I have to pay an excess?
It is likely that your policy will carry an excess, which will be deducted from any claim payment.

Will I lose my no claims discount?
As most policies include some form of a no claims discount, it may not be worthwhile claiming if the loss/damage is close to the level of policy excess - please contact us for advice for your own particular circumstances.

How long will it take to process my claim?
This is the question that most people ask. It is very difficult to give a general time scale of how long a claim will take to process. Each claim is completely different from the next and depending on the type and extent of loss; the time taken to deal with a claim varies greatly. We will however take all steps to ensure your claim is settled without delay.

I am not happy with the settlement offered, what should I do?
Contact us and let us know. We will always try to obtain the best settlement for you and are happy to refer your comments to your Insurers.

Can you send me a Claim Form?
Yes. Please email or call us and we will be happy to send you a Claim Form.

I cannot find details of my Insurance Company on your list?
If your Insurance Company is not listed or you are unsure which company covers your claim, please contact us.

What is public liability insurance and why do I need it?

Market trader’s public liability insurance will cover you if a member of the public’s property is damaged or they suffer injury whilst you are carrying out your business activities, resulting in them making a claim for compensation. It is often a requirement for market traders to have a valid public liability policy in order to obtain a trading license from the local council.

What will be covered in a public liability claim?

Market trader’s public liability is there to protect you against claims made against you by the public, if you are legally liable for injury or damage to them or their property. These types of claims can be very costly, in the event of a claim the insurance would cover the compensation payment plus legal expenses. An example would be if someone tripped over a cable or your stall collapsed, causing someone injury or damage.

What is products liability insurance and why do I need it?

Market trader’s products liability will cover you if any goods, including food and beverages, that you supply, sell, test, service or repair cause injury to a member of the public or damages their property. This could result in them making a claim for compensation.

What will be covered in a products liability claim?

Market trader’s products liability is there to protect you against claims made against you by the public, if you are legally liable for products causing injury or damage to them or their property. These types of claims can be very costly, so in the event of a claim the insurance would cover the compensation payment plus legal expenses. An example would be if a customer developed food poisoning and claimed compensation from you.

What is employers liability insurance and why do I need it?

Market trader’s employers liability insurance is there to protect you if you are legally liable for any death, injury or illness for any of your employees, whilst they are working for you. You are responsible for the health and safety of your employees (temporary or permanent) and it is a legal requirement for employers to have this insurance in place. You can be fined substantial amounts if you are required to and do not have it. Please refer to this document for more details http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hse40.pdf

What is the ERN Number?

The ERN is also commonly referred to as 'Employer PAYE Reference'. This is the reference number provided by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) under which the employees' income tax and NI contributions are recorded. The term 'Employee' includes:

- Any person under a Contract of Service or Apprenticeship
- Any person hired to or borrowed by the Insured
- Labour Masters and persons supplied by them
- Persons employed by Labour Only Subcontractors
- Persons under Work Experience Schemes

Where can I find my ERN Number?

The ERN can be obtained from mandatory HMRC documentation, including P45, P60, P11/D and most payslips. Numbers allocated since 2001 will mostly have a format of NNN/Aznnnnn - (NNN is the 3 digit number for the Tax Office catchment area / Aznnnnn is the ERN, Az being alpha, nnnnn being numeric).

In the majority of cases, numbers issued prior to 2001 will have a format of NNN/Annnnn.

I don't have an ERN number

You may be exempt from holding an ERN. This will generally be where you pay your staff less than £503 per month, per employee. You will still need to advise us of your ERN number where it is requested.

What will be covered in an employers liability claim?

Market trader’s employers liability is there to protect you against claims made against you if you are legally liable for an employee’s injury, illness or death. These types of claims can be very costly, so in the event of a claim the insurance would cover the compensation payment plus legal expenses.

Does the cover which I have under my policy apply if I use the vehicle outside the United Kingdom?
NO. For the policy cover which you have to apply outside the UK you must advise us prior to you travelling in order that the policy may be extended (an additional premium will usually be required). If you do not advise us, only the minimum Third Party cover required by law of the country in which you are will apply.

What claims/convictions should I disclose?
You should disclose, whether to blame or not, any accident, claim, incident or loss in which you have been involved during the past 5 years as a driver or as the policyholder. You should also disclose any conviction pending or sustained during the past 10 years. The above requirement applies to any person who drives your vehicle. Failure to disclose this information may invalidate your insurance.

Can another person drive my vehicle under their insurance?
Please check with your Insurer as to whether this cover applies to your policy.

To insure my van with you, do I need to be the owner and registered keeper of the vehicle?
The policyholder,spouse or common law may be the owner and registered keeper of the vehicle.

How long do I need to have held my licence to insure my van with you?
No specific time providing you have a a full UK/EU licence.

What is the maximum weight of Van/Truck that you will Insure?
The vehicle must weigh less than 18 Tonnes (gross vehicle weight)

Am I covered to tow a trailer/caravan?
Yes you will be covered to tow a trailer/caravan however you will only have the minimum third party cover.

Can I add a temporary additional vehicle to my policy?
Yes, policyholders can add temporary additional vehicles to their policy for a limited time as long as they are the registered owner of the vehicle

Is my windscreen covered?
Yes if you have comprehensive cover or have purchased a separate windscreen policy.

How much should I insure my Home and Contents for?
Buildings: Your buildings sum insured should represent the cost of rebuilding your home and any outbuildings

Contents: As a guide, Contents are all items you would be likely to take when you move home, including carpets, curtains, furniture, electrical appliances, valuables, clothing and personal effects.

Your Contents sum insured must represent the total current replacement cost of all such items in the home.

What Home Insurance cover is available to me?
We offer Buildings, Contents, Personal Belongings and Legal Protection. You may also increase your cover to accidental damage for your Buildings and Contents.

What is meant by Personal Belongings?
This section will cover items that are designed to be worn or carried away from the home and is available when you have taken out Contents Insurance.

Would my home and contents insurance cover me for accidents?
Accidental damage is not covered as standard. However, this cover can be purchased.

If you purchase Contents insurance you will have as standard cover for accidental damage to television, satellite, video, audio and computer equipment and breakage of mirrors, ceramic hobs or any glass in furniture such as glass tables or cabinets.

Likewise if you purchase Buildings Insurance as standard you will receive accidental breakage of windows and sanitary ware and damage to drains, pipes, cables or underground tanks.

Is food in the Freezer covered?
Insurers will pay the cost of replacing food spoilt in your freezer due to a rise or fall in temperature.

Is my stock insured at home?
Yes we provide stock cover of £3,000 under our contents policy as standard, certain types of stock are excluded.

Does the cover which I have under my policy apply if I use the vehicle outside the United Kingdom?
YES - You are covered up to 30 days within the EU free of charge.

What claims/convictions should I disclose?
You should disclose, whether to blame or not, any accident, claim, incident or loss in which you have been involved during the past 5 years as a driver or as the policyholder. You should also disclose any conviction pending or sustained during the past 10 years. The above requirement applies to any person who drives your vehicle. Failure to disclose this information may invalidate your insurance.

If my certificate states "any person" may drive my vehicle, does this actually mean "any person"?
NO. In addition to the Certificate of Insurance reference should be made to the policy documentation/schedule. Usually, any person under 25 or over the age of 70 is EXCLUDED, unless they are named. All drivers should hold a full UK/EU driving licence for at least 24 months and be free of any convictions, accidents, claims, losses or incidents, whether to blame or not. Failure to disclose any of this information may invalidate your insurance.

Can I get my car insured under my company name?
YES we can insurer your car in a company name.

How old do I have to be to insure my car with you ?
All drivers must be over 25 and under 70.

To insure my car with you, do I need to be the owner and registered keeper of the vehicle?
The policyholder, spouse or common law may be the owner and registered keeper of the vehicle.

Can I insure my car for Business Use?
Business cover is available-please check your schedule or certificate of insurance.

Is my windscreen covered?
Yes if you have comprehensive cover or have purchased a separate windscreen policy.

Can I add a temporary additional vehicle to my policy?
Yes, policyholders can add temporary additional vehicles to their policy for a limited time as long as they are the registered owner of the vehicle.