We compare quotes from leading UK guest house insurers
Why Every Guest House Needs an Insurance Checklist
Running a guest house involves managing a wide range of risks - from guest injuries
and property damage to employee claims, food safety incidents and cyber threats.
Many guest house owners rely on a single “combined” policy without fully understanding
what is included, what is excluded, or whether their cover still reflects how the
business operates today.
This Guest House Insurance Checklist is designed to help UK guest house
owners, B&B operators and accommodation providers review their insurance arrangements,
identify gaps in cover and ensure they are adequately protected.
Use this checklist when buying insurance for the first time, renewing an existing
policy, expanding your services, or purchasing a new guest house.
Core Guest House Insurance Covers – Checklist
Property & Assets
Buildings insurance (correct rebuild value)
Contents and furnishings cover
Fixtures, fittings and décor
Outbuildings, annexes or cottages
Accidental damage extensions
Liability Risks
Public & guest liability insurance
Employers’ liability (legal requirement)
Guest personal effects cover
Foodborne illness & contamination liability
Products liability (if applicable)
Buildings Insurance – What to Check
Buildings insurance should reflect the full cost of rebuilding your guest house
from the ground up, including professional fees and compliance with current
building regulations.
Is the rebuild value up to date?
Are all buildings included (annexes, cottages)?
Is cover provided for fire, flood and storm?
Are escape-of-water risks included?
Are periods of unoccupancy disclosed?
Contents, Furnishings & Equipment Checklist
Bedroom furniture and soft furnishings
TVs, electronics and Wi-Fi equipment
Kitchen and laundry equipment
Replacement cost (not depreciated value)
High-value items correctly specified
Public & Guest Liability – What to Review
Public liability insurance protects against claims from guests and visitors who
suffer injury or property damage while on your premises.
Appropriate liability limit (£2m–£10m)
Coverage for slips, trips and falls
External areas, car parks and gardens included
Events, dining and food service declared
Legal defence costs included
Employers’ Liability – Legal Compliance Checklist
Employers’ Liability in place (minimum £5m)
All staff types declared (cleaners, maintenance)
Seasonal and casual workers included
Certificate accessible as required by law
Correct business activities declared
Food & Catering Risks – Insurance Checklist
Serving food, even just breakfast, creates additional liability exposure.
Food service disclosed to insurers
Foodborne illness liability included
Allergen risks addressed
Public liability extends to dining areas
Environmental Health compliance
Cyber & Data Protection Checklist
Online booking systems declared
Card payment processing covered
Guest Wi-Fi risks addressed
GDPR and data breach response included
Business interruption from cyber events
Loss of Income & Business Interruption
If your guest house becomes unusable following insured damage, loss of income
cover protects your revenue while repairs are completed.
Complete Guest House Insurance Guide: Protecting Your Hospitality Business
Running a guest house is a rewarding but complex business venture that comes with unique risks and challenges. From property damage and guest injuries to business interruption …