For current information regarding insurances and COVID-19: we are regularly updating this landing page as the situation progresses, please check here for guidance.

Guidance for Commercial Clients

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Questions about my policy:

I’m not trading and don’t intend to re-start, should I cancel or not renew my policy?

You may still have assets and liabilities that need insuring, for example:

If you own a property;

  • You will still be liable for damage or injury caused by the property.
  • The building needs to remain insured against damage, especially if there’s an interested party (e.g. mortgage).

If you lease a property;

  • You’ll need to check your lease and the insurance responsibilities you have under it.

If you have stock or machinery and plant etc.

  • The theft and damage risk is still there.
  • You may have obligations to insure imposed by finance companies. 

You may also have liabilities that require continuing cover, after the work has finished.

Information correct as of: 15/05/2020

Will I get some premium back if my business isn’t fully trading?

This will depend on your insurer. Insurance risks remain but some are offering small refunds across certain types of policy.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are advising insurers to review and support consumers where they can.

The full impact of COVID-19 is still unknown but please tell us about changes as and when they happen. Refunds may be considered for:

  • Reduced turnover or wageroll
  • Vehicles declared off road
  • Reduced sums insured or limits
  • Cancelled covers

You may have increased risks e.g. additional equipment for homeworkers or extra buffer stock.

Please contact your usual Sutton Winson team if you have any questions around this.

Information correct as of: 15/05/2020

Do I need to let you know if I’m providing a different product or service, due to COVID-19?

Yes. For example, you may now be:

  • Offering a delivery service
  • Manufacturing different types of goods
  • Working on different types of sites

Your insurers need to be made aware of these types of things. Claims may not be paid if your business is different to the one they think they are insuring.

Information correct as of: 15/05/2020

What happens if I get into premium payment difficulties?

If you don’t already pay in instalments

  • We may be able to offer payment over 10 months with a low interest rate, subject to credit approval.
  • Your insurers may offer low or no interest monthly direct debits.

These options are only available at renewal or the start of a policy.

Premium saving cover adjustments might be possible

Insurers or premium finance companies may offer adjustments to instalments or payment holidays. Each case will be considered on its own merits.

If you find that you can't meet your obligations, please speak with us as soon as possible. Please don't ask your bank to cancel direct debits, as this may affect your insurance cover and your credit history.

Information correct as of: 15/05/2020

Do you charge an administration fee for alterations?

No and we never have done.

Information correct as of: 15/05/2020

Government support for businesses

The UK Government have introduced several measures in the recent budget to support businesses experiencing increases in costs or financial disruptions.

Some of the main measures include:

  • A Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
  • Deferring VAT and Self-Assessment payments
  • A Self-employment Income Support Scheme
  • A Statutory Sick Pay relief package for SMEs

To find out more about this support, the other additional measures being put in place and how to access them, details can be found here on the UK Government website.

A number of private lenders are also making funds available to small businesses impacted by COVID-19, including £2 billion from Lloyds Banking Group and £5 billion from NatWest.

Tax support

A dedicated helpline has also been set up to help businesses and self-employed individuals in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities receive support with their tax affairs.

The dedicated helpline number is 0800 024 1222.

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm and not available on Bank Holidays.

Making your workplace COVID secure

We have our own in-house Risk Management team that's able to support you in getting back to work and to make sure those still home working are safe.

Under the Insights & resources section, we have a number of free resources for you to read and use including: 

COVID-19 Risk Assessment

We also have some chargeable services that will support you. It's a requirement from the UK Government that a COVID-19 Risk Assessment is undertaken in the workplace before re-opening.

You might need help in:

  • Completing a COVID-19 Risk Assessment
  • Drafting a COVID-19 Health and Safety Policy

We can also assist with year-round Health & Safety telephone/e-mail support.

To discuss our Risk Management Services, please contact Martin Coppard on 01444 251162.

The UK Government has released a number of guides for businesses across various industry sectors. These relate to making workplaces as safe as possible when employees return.

These guides, plus further information, can be found here.

If you have any other specific questions about your business insurance, please speak with your usual Sutton Winson team.

Useful links

  • For the latest public information from the UK Government click here

  • For health advice and guidance from the NHS click here

  • For up-to-date travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) click here

  • For the most recent information from the World Health Organisation (WHO) click here

  • For further information about UK Government support for businesses, click here

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