Insurance - help!

[emsyj]

I've set up a bridal showroom in my house and will be opening very soon. I've got quite a lot of appointments booked already so I am conscious that I need to have insurance cover (I'm thinking public liability cover primarily, in case anyone falls down my stairs etc) before my first appointment.

I looked on AXA but it said my business is unsuitable for the 'working at home' policy, but I can't get the 'bridal retailer' insurance either as it asks you to confirm that your business is contained in separate, locked premises (which mine isn't, as it's the top floor of my house).

Can anyone recommend a policy or a broker that I could speak to? I have an online shop too but everyone wants to come and try on before they buy so I never actually make any online sales.

am sure you have already done this but also for running a business from home i think you need permission from your mortgage company, if you have people coming to your house, the area you are using needs to be transferred from council tax to business rates via your local council. you definitely need public liability insurance and also your stock covered, try searching for home business insurance, found this from direct line if it helps.

I've looked at the council tax requirements and because I am not using any part of the house exclusively for the business I think I'm okay.

I haven't looked at permission from the mortgage company but will check the mortgage provider's website now for the details to see if I need permission - hope not! Shit, didn't even think about the mortgage company.

Thanks for the Direct Line link, will look now.

Join the FSB - if nothing else for their free legal advice service
then get a small trader from home policy via towergate - that will cover public liability, stock, all that guff
the mortgage company should not have a say on the matter is no room is being used exclusively - the amount of teleworking that goes on nowadays even among employees .....

also, see what your accountant advises as the good ones (pats self on back) act as all round business advisers

Ha - I am a lawyer as my day job!!!

In my defence tho, I know nothing about small businesses.

Have got an accountant on board, he seems quite good so far. I just hope I make some sales from the appointments I've got booked...

Will take a look at the FSB, didn't know it existed - thanks for the tip .