Guest House Insurance

Guest house insurance is specifically designed for commercial accommodation operations. It includes public liability, business interruption, employers liability, and covers risks that home insurance excludes such as paying guests, commercial activities, and business equipment. Standard home insurance typically excludes any commercial use of your property.

Yes, if you employ anyone - even part-time staff like cleaners, breakfast assistants, or maintenance workers - employers liability insurance is legally required. This applies even if you only employ one person for a few hours per week.

Public liability insurance covers compensation claims if guests are injured due to your negligence. This includes slip and fall accidents, injuries from faulty equipment, or accidents in common areas. Without this cover, you could face significant personal financial liability.

Absolutely. Even a small guest house can lose thousands in revenue if forced to close due to fire, flood, or other insured damage. Business interruption insurance maintains your income during the repair period and covers additional costs like alternative accommodation for displaced bookings.

Yes, if you serve food to guests, products liability coverage protects against food poisoning claims. This is essential if you provide breakfast or any other meals, as food-related claims can be substantial and damage your reputation.

Accidental damage by guests is typically covered under your contents insurance. However, malicious damage may require specific coverage. We can advise on the best approach based on your guest demographic and property type.

Yes, guest property coverage protects against claims when guests' belongings are damaged, destroyed, or stolen while on your premises. This demonstrates your commitment to guest care and protects against compensation claims.

Costs vary based on factors like property size, location, guest capacity, facilities offered, and claims history. A typical small to medium guest house might pay £800-£2,500 annually, but we'll provide an accurate quote based on your specific circumstances.

With online booking systems, guest data storage, and payment processing, cyber insurance is increasingly important. It covers data breach response costs, business interruption from system failures, and liability claims from compromised guest information.

We can arrange seasonal policies or year-round cover with seasonal adjustments. Even when closed, you need buildings insurance, and there may be ongoing risks like maintenance work or property viewings that require liability cover.

Yes, loss of license coverage protects your income if your accommodation license is suspended or revoked due to an insured event. This specialized cover recognizes that losing your license can be as damaging as physical property damage.

Terrorism insurance can be included to cover both property damage and business interruption losses resulting from terrorist acts. This may be particularly relevant for guest houses in major tourist destinations or urban areas.

Professional indemnity covers errors in your service provision, such as booking mistakes, incorrect information given to guests, or failure to provide promised services. It's valuable protection for any service-based business.

Yes, we can include coverage for landscaping, garden furniture, outdoor equipment, and structures like gazebos or decking. This is particularly important if guests use outdoor areas or if your gardens are a key selling point.

Contact us immediately on 0330 127 2333. We'll guide you through the claims process, help with emergency measures, and liaise with insurers on your behalf. Our 24/7 claims support ensures you get help when you need it most.

Yes, we offer flexible payment options including monthly direct debit to help manage your cash flow. This is particularly useful for seasonal businesses where income fluctuates throughout the year.

We'll need details about your property (age, construction, location), business operations (guest capacity, services offered, staff numbers), previous claims history, and any specific risks or concerns you have.

We recommend annual reviews to ensure your coverage remains adequate as your business evolves. You should also contact us immediately if you make significant changes like renovations, capacity increases, or new services.

We can arrange cover during conversion work and transition to full guest house insurance once you're operational. It's important to have appropriate cover throughout the conversion process as standard home insurance won't cover commercial conversion work.

Yes, we have experience with heritage and listed buildings. These properties may require specialist coverage due to higher rebuild costs, conservation requirements, and unique construction materials.

If you host weddings or events at your guest house, this requires additional liability coverage due to increased risks from larger gatherings, alcohol service, and entertainment activities. We can arrange appropriate extensions to your policy.

Hot tubs, saunas, treatment rooms, or gym facilities require additional coverage due to specific risks. We can include appropriate liability and equipment coverage for these amenities.

We'll help calculate the correct rebuild cost based on your property's construction, age, and location. This should reflect full reinstatement costs including professional fees, debris removal, and compliance with current building regulations.

As a leaseholder, you'll typically need contents insurance and may be responsible for certain building elements. We'll review your lease terms to ensure you have appropriate coverage for your responsibilities.

Book debts coverage can protect against loss of guest payments, including deposits and advance bookings, if your records are damaged or destroyed in an insured event.

If your guest house is damaged and you need to relocate guests or find alternative premises to continue operating, additional increased cost coverage can help with these expenses.

Cyber insurance includes coverage for website downtime, online booking system failures, and the costs of restoring your online presence after a cyber incident. This is increasingly important as more bookings move online.

Once we have all necessary information and you've accepted our quote, cover can often be arranged within 24 hours. For urgent requirements, we can sometimes arrange immediate cover subject to documentation following.

We specialize in commercial insurance with deep understanding of hospitality risks. Our team provides personal service, competitive pricing, comprehensive coverage options, and ongoing support throughout your policy term.

Guest house public liability insurance covers compensation claims when guests or visitors are injured on your property due to your negligence. This includes slip and fall accidents on wet floors, injuries from defective stairs or handrails, burns from hot water or radiators, cuts from broken glass or furniture, and food poisoning from meals served. Coverage typically ranges from £1-6 million and includes legal defense costs.

Yes, guest house insurance premiums are generally tax deductible as a legitimate business expense. This includes buildings insurance, contents insurance, public liability, and business interruption coverage. Keep all insurance receipts and policy documents for your accountant, as these premiums can be offset against your taxable profits.

Guest house contents insurance covers furniture, beds, wardrobes, televisions, kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, linen, towels, carpets, curtains, artwork, cleaning equipment, office equipment, and guest amenities like hairdryers and tea-making facilities. It also covers stock such as food, toiletries, and consumables used in your business operations.

Yes, even small guest houses with just 2-3 rooms need specialized commercial insurance. Standard home insurance excludes paying guests, so you're not covered for guest injuries, property damage, or business losses. The size of your operation doesn't reduce the risks - a single guest injury claim could cost thousands without proper coverage.

B&B insurance and guest house insurance are essentially the same product, both designed for small accommodation providers. The terms are often used interchangeably. Both cover buildings, contents, public liability, employers liability (if you have staff), and business interruption. The specific coverage needed depends on your services rather than what you call your business.

Your guest house buildings insurance should cover the full reinstatement cost, not the market value. This includes demolition, debris removal, professional fees, and rebuilding to current standards. For a typical Victorian guest house, this might be £150-300 per square foot. We'll help calculate the correct sum insured based on your property's age, construction, and location.

Yes, though previous claims may affect your premium. We work with insurers who understand that hospitality businesses face higher claim frequencies. Being honest about your claims history is essential - non-disclosure could void your policy. We can often find competitive rates even with previous claims by highlighting risk improvements you've made.

If you're operating as an Airbnb host in a guest house format, you need commercial guest house insurance, not standard home insurance. This includes public liability for guest injuries, contents cover for furnishings, and business interruption if you can't host due to property damage. Airbnb's host protection has limitations and doesn't replace proper commercial insurance.

Standard business interruption insurance typically doesn't cover pandemic-related closures unless you have specific infectious disease coverage. However, if your property suffers physical damage that prevents operations, business interruption coverage would apply. We can advise on available pandemic-related extensions for future protection.

The cheapest guest house insurance isn't necessarily the best value. Premiums typically start from £800-1,200 annually for basic coverage, but inadequate limits or exclusions could prove costly. We focus on finding the right balance of comprehensive coverage and competitive pricing rather than just the lowest premium.

Yes, farmhouse B&Bs need specialized guest house insurance that considers rural risks like septic tanks, oil heating systems, and agricultural activities nearby. Standard farm insurance typically excludes commercial accommodation activities. You may also need additional coverage for farm tours or activities offered to guests.

Guest house fire insurance covers building repairs, contents replacement, alternative accommodation costs, and loss of income during closure. This includes damage from kitchen fires, electrical faults, chimney fires, and arson. Business interruption coverage maintains your income while repairs are completed, which could take months for extensive fire damage.

If you don't employ anyone, you don't need employers liability insurance. However, this includes part-time cleaners, breakfast staff, maintenance workers, or family members who receive payment. If you later employ staff, you must add employers liability coverage immediately as it's legally required.

Business interruption insurance pays for lost room revenue, continuing expenses like loan payments and insurance premiums, additional costs of working from temporary premises, and extra expenses to minimize the interruption period. It typically covers 12-24 months of lost income following an insured event.

Listed building guest houses need specialized insurance due to higher rebuild costs, conservation requirements, and restrictions on materials and methods. Standard policies may not cover the full cost of heritage restoration. We arrange coverage with insurers experienced in listed building requirements and conservation work.

Contents insurance covers theft of your property by guests, including furniture, equipment, and stock. However, you'll need to report thefts to police and provide evidence. Some policies have specific limits for theft by guests, so it's important to have adequate coverage levels for high-value items.

Yes, but swimming pools require additional liability coverage due to drowning risks and slip hazards around pool areas. You'll need higher public liability limits and must meet safety requirements like fencing, depth markers, and supervision policies. Pool equipment is also covered under contents insurance.

Most insurers offer minimum public liability coverage of £1 million, but £2-6 million is more appropriate for guest houses due to potential injury claims and property damage. Higher limits cost relatively little extra but provide much better protection against serious claims that could threaten your business.

Standard guest house insurance typically doesn't cover wedding receptions or large events due to increased risks from alcohol service, entertainment, and larger gatherings. If you host weddings, you need event liability coverage and may require temporary event insurance for each occasion.

Yes, solar panels can be covered under your buildings insurance, but you must declare them to your insurer. They increase your sum insured and may affect your premium. Some insurers offer specific renewable energy coverage. Panels also need regular maintenance to prevent fire risks and maintain efficiency.

Flood coverage includes building repairs, contents replacement, alternative accommodation, and business interruption losses. However, properties in high flood risk areas may face restrictions or higher premiums. Flood defenses and emergency plans can help reduce premiums and demonstrate good risk management.

Self-catering guest accommodation needs the same commercial insurance as traditional B&Bs - buildings, contents, public liability, and business interruption. Additional risks include kitchen equipment provided to guests and potential for cooking-related accidents or fires. Food hygiene requirements may be different but insurance needs remain similar.

Legal expenses insurance covers employment disputes, health and safety prosecutions, contract disputes with suppliers, debt recovery, and property disputes. It includes legal representation costs, court fees, and expert witness expenses. This is particularly valuable for employment-related claims which are increasingly common.

Hot tubs require additional liability coverage due to risks of drowning, scalding, and slip injuries. You need higher public liability limits and must meet safety requirements including temperature controls, chemical management, and regular maintenance. The hot tub equipment is covered under contents insurance.

Storm damage coverage includes roof repairs, window replacement, structural damage, and contents damaged by wind or rain ingress. Business interruption coverage maintains income during repairs. Storm is typically defined as winds over 55mph, and you may need to provide weather reports to support claims.

Glamping pods need specialized accommodation insurance similar to guest houses but with considerations for outdoor locations, weather exposure, and utility connections. Standard guest house policies may not cover temporary or mobile structures, so specific glamping insurance is often required.

Typical excesses range from £250-£1,000 depending on the claim type and your risk profile. Higher excesses reduce premiums but increase your out-of-pocket costs for claims. Some covers like subsidence may have higher excesses of £1,000-£2,500. We can advise on the most cost-effective excess levels.

Guest houses with bar licenses need additional liability coverage due to alcohol-related risks including guest injuries, fights, and drink-driving incidents. You may need specific licensed premises insurance rather than standard guest house coverage. Compliance with licensing conditions is essential for coverage to remain valid.

Subsidence coverage includes building repairs, alternative accommodation, and business interruption during repair works. However, subsidence claims often have higher excesses and may require extensive investigation. Properties with previous subsidence may face restrictions or higher premiums from some insurers.

Converted barn guest houses need specialized insurance due to unique construction materials, heritage considerations, and rural locations. Standard policies may not adequately cover timber frame construction, thatched roofs, or remote locations. We arrange coverage with insurers experienced in barn conversions and rural properties.