What Insurance Does a Guest House Need?

A clear UK guide to the essential insurance covers for guest houses & B&Bs

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Understanding Guest House Insurance Requirements

Running a guest house or bed & breakfast means welcoming paying guests into your property, often while you live on-site. This creates a unique mix of public liability, property, income and employment risks that are not covered by standard home insurance.

Many guest house owners ask: “What insurance do I actually need?” The answer depends on your premises, services, staffing arrangements and how your business operates.

This guide explains the core insurance covers guest houses typically require in the UK, which covers are legally required, and which are strongly recommended to protect your income and personal assets.

Insurance That Guest Houses Usually Must Have

Employers’ Liability Insurance


Employers’ Liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK if you employ staff.

  • Housekeeping and cleaning staff
  • Reception or breakfast staff
  • Family members helping regularly
  • Seasonal or temporary workers
  • Minimum £5m cover (legal requirement)

Motor Insurance (If Providing Transport)


If you offer airport pickups or guest transport, vehicles must be insured for business use.

  • Commercial vehicle insurance
  • Passenger liability
  • Named drivers and usage declarations

Essential Insurance Covers for Most Guest Houses

Public & Customer Liability Insurance


Public liability insurance protects against claims from guests or visitors who are injured or whose property is damaged.

  • Slip, trip and fall claims
  • Bathroom and staircase accidents
  • Damage to guest belongings
  • Legal defence costs

Buildings & Contents Insurance


  • Fire, flood and storm damage
  • Furniture, furnishings and appliances
  • Fixtures, fittings and décor
  • Theft and malicious damage

Protecting Income & Cashflow

Business Interruption Insurance


Business interruption insurance protects your income if insured damage forces your guest house to close or restrict trading.

  • Lost room bookings
  • Ongoing bills and wages
  • Seasonal income protection
  • Indemnity periods up to 24 months

Why This Is Often Overlooked


Many guest houses focus on buildings cover but underestimate the financial impact of even short-term closure during peak season.

Additional Covers to Consider


  • Guest injury & slip / trip liability
  • Cyber & data insurance
  • Commercial vehicle & transit cover
  • Seasonal / peak period risk cover
  • Legal expenses insurance

Tailoring Cover to Your Guest House


Insurance should reflect how your guest house operates, not a generic checklist. Owner-managed, rural and seasonal properties often need bespoke arrangements.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+-

+- Is guest house insurance legally required?

Employers’ liability is legally required if you employ staff. Other covers are not compulsory but strongly recommended.

+- Can I use home insurance for a guest house?

No. Standard home insurance does not usually cover paying guests or commercial accommodation activities.

+- How much public liability cover do guest houses need?

£2m–£5m is common, but some booking platforms require £10m.

+- Do booking platforms require insurance?

Many platforms require evidence of public liability and appropriate business insurance.

+- Can all covers be combined into one policy?

Yes. Most guest houses arrange combined policies covering liability, property and income risks.

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