It’s a new year and many small business owners will be thinking strategically about the next 12 months ahead. Getting your house is in order is key this quarter – particularly as we move into the new financial year. And that’s even more pressing as indie retailers prepare for a business rates rise and potentially higher staffing costs.

Of course, ensuring you have the best insurance premium in place for 2025 is also crucial. The right cover will protect your business from any unexpected bumps in the road while giving you peace of mind that you’ll be able to obtain financial help should you need it.

But with so many different insurers on the market offering so many different products, how do you make sure you choose the right provider for your business?

Best policy

According to Brighton-based company Expression Insurance, independents are often overlooked by larger firms that don’t always offer the right cover for their needs. “We love independents and think they’re underserved by insurers,” says chief underwriting officer Hannah Clark. “Big corporate insurers can be good for big businesses that pay huge premiums and consumers whose needs are straightforward. However, indies don’t want to pay large premiums and often don’t have simple requirements. Business owners can spend a lot of time and energy buying insurance and still feel confused. Our focus has been on making buying business insurance simple and providing extensive, high-quality cover.”

The firm offers specific packages for small businesses, from indie retailers and restaurants to salons and boutique hotels. Its cover is split into three levels: small, medium and large. These all encompass public liability, employer’s liability, stock and contents cover, legal expenses and business Interruption. As the package size increases, the amount of cover increases along with the price.

A key difference in Expression Insurance’s products is that it offers discounts based on customer reviews. So, your business has received lots of positive customer praise online, you could receive up to a 40 per cent discount on your premium.

Small yet mighty

Run by a customer-focused team  with backgrounds in insurance and technology, Expression Insurance was created to “change the world of insurance for small independent businesses.”  Hannah adds: “We were inspired by the independent shops, restaurants and cafés in Brighton where the team is based. Even the name ‘expression’ was inspired by independents, because these businesses are often an expression of their owners’ passion. We think independents are at the heart of every community and they make places what they are.”

Its premium insurance cover is underwritten by Lloyd’s of London and retail owners can expect an easy purchasing journey and access to personal expert account managers. It’s easy to obtain an instant quote via its website or over the phone. But best of all, making a claim is also straightforward should your business run into a financial issue. “Making a claim couldn’t be simpler,” says Hannah. “Business owners can either call or email, anytime of the day, and our UK specialist team will hold their hand throughout the whole process. We stand out because of our simplicity, business savings, exemplary service and the security we offer. That’s why thousands of small businesses choose to insure with us.”

CONTACT: Tel: 01273 071689 Specialist Independent Shop Insurance | Expression Insurance

Choice words

Hannah Clark, chief underwriting officer at Expression Insurance, reveals what small business owners should consider when buying a new premium

1. Check the coverage on your insurance. Renewing can appear easy, but you need to make sure you are covered for the right amount. If you’re not, your insurance might not cover you for full reimbursement to get your business back on track as soon as possible, which could lead to disaster.

2. Make sure there’s a dedicated point of contact. There needs to be someone you can speak to easily and not have to explain your business to each time you need to call, wasting time you could be spending with your customers.

3. Look for an insurer with a tailored solution for your business. At Expression Insurance, we only insure the best, so our customers won’t pay more for being in the same pot as those who insure everyone.

4. Go for a provider who makes insurance easy to understand. If you ask your insurer a question, are they giving you a straight answer, so you know exactly what you are and aren’t covered for. We use simple and clear wording in all our documents.

5. Lastly, be careful of hidden fees. There isn’t a need for hidden fees in insurance, and we believe a need for extra fees at all. We charge no admin, cancellation, or interest fees on any of our packages. Always make sure you’re aware of (and feel happy about) any potential extras.