Question 1

What is Focus Insurance Services?

Accepted Answer

Focus Insurance Services is a UK-based commercial insurance broker, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We specialise in arranging insurance for Property Owners, Shops & Trades, and Fleet operators. As a broker, we act on your behalf to find suitable cover from our panel of insurers – we are not an insurer ourselves.

Question 2

Are you regulated by the FCA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Focus Insurance Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our FCA registration number is 307413. You can verify our registration on the FCA Register at register.fca.org.uk.

Question 3

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We provide insurance broking services throughout the United Kingdom. While our office is based in Peterborough, we serve clients nationwide. All our business is conducted in English and policies are subject to English law.

Question 4

What are your business hours?

Accepted Answer

Our office is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm (excluding bank holidays). Outside these hours, please leave a voicemail or email us and we will respond on the next working day. For urgent claims matters, please refer to your policy documents for your insurer's 24-hour claims line.

Question 5

Do you provide instant online quotes?

Accepted Answer

For simple, standard risks, we offer online quote options through our trusted partners. However, for more complex or non-standard requirements, we recommend speaking with one of our brokers who can properly assess your needs and search the market for the most suitable cover. Commercial insurance often requires professional advice to ensure adequate protection.

Question 6

What is the difference between a broker and an insurer?

Accepted Answer

An insurer (or insurance company) is the entity that underwrites and pays claims on your policy. A broker, like Focus Insurance, acts as an intermediary – we work on your behalf to find suitable insurance from various insurers. We provide advice, handle paperwork, and support you through the claims process, but the insurance contract is between you and the insurer.

Question 7

Why should I use a broker instead of going direct?

Accepted Answer

Using a broker gives you access to multiple insurers and products through a single point of contact. We can search the market to find terms suited to your needs, provide professional advice tailored to your needs, handle policy administration, and advocate on your behalf if you need to make a claim. For commercial insurance, broker expertise can help ensure you have appropriate cover and avoid gaps in protection.

Question 8

How do you get paid?

Accepted Answer

We are typically remunerated through commission paid by insurers when we place business with them. In some cases, we may also charge a fee for our services, which will always be disclosed to you before you commit to a policy. Full details of our remuneration are provided in our Terms of Business document.

Question 9

Will you recommend the lowest-cost policy?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. While cost is important, our primary focus is on finding cover that is suitable for your needs. The lowest-cost policy may not provide adequate protection or may have exclusions that leave you exposed. We aim to balance cost with quality of cover, insurer financial strength, and claims service reputation.

Question 10

Do you have access to all insurers?

Accepted Answer

We have access to a wide panel of insurers, including major UK insurers and Lloyd's of London markets. However, we do not have access to every insurer in the market. If you wish to know which insurers we can approach for your particular risk, please ask us.

Question 11

What does landlord insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Landlord insurance typically covers buildings insurance (structure, fixtures, fittings), landlord contents (if you provide furnishings), property owners' liability, and loss of rent if the property becomes uninhabitable. Additional covers may include legal expenses, rent guarantee, and malicious damage by tenants. The exact cover depends on your policy – always check your policy wording.

Question 12

Do I need insurance if my property is empty?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it's important to notify your insurer if your property will be unoccupied for an extended period (typically 30+ days). Standard policies often have restrictions on unoccupied properties, and you may need specialist cover. Empty properties face increased risks of vandalism, water damage, and other issues.

Question 13

What is the difference between buildings and contents insurance?

Accepted Answer

Buildings insurance covers the structure of the property – walls, roof, floors, fitted kitchens and bathrooms, and permanent fixtures. Contents insurance covers moveable items inside the property. As a landlord, you need buildings insurance; contents insurance is only needed if you provide furnishings for tenants.

Question 14

Can I insure multiple properties on one policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can arrange portfolio policies that cover multiple properties under a single policy. This can simplify administration, provide consistent cover across your portfolio, and may offer cost efficiencies. Portfolio policies are typically available for landlords with 3 or more properties.

Question 15

What is property owners' liability?

Accepted Answer

Property owners' liability insurance protects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged due to a defect in your property or your negligence as a landlord. For example, if a visitor trips on a broken step or is injured by falling masonry. This cover is essential for all landlords.

Question 16

What insurance does my shop need?

Accepted Answer

At minimum, most shops need public liability insurance, employers' liability (if you have staff), and cover for your premises and stock. Depending on your business, you may also need product liability, business interruption, money cover, goods in transit, and cyber insurance. We can assess your specific needs and recommend appropriate cover.

Question 17

What is public liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Public liability insurance covers your legal liability if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your business activities. For example, if a customer slips on a wet floor in your shop. Most businesses need at least £1 million of cover, though £2 million or £5 million is common.

Question 18

Do I need employers' liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

If you employ anyone – including part-time staff, temporary workers, or apprentices – you are legally required to have employers' liability insurance with a minimum cover of £5 million. This is a legal requirement under the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, and failure to have cover can result in fines.

Question 19

What is professional indemnity insurance?

Accepted Answer

Professional indemnity (PI) insurance covers you if a client suffers a financial loss due to your professional advice or services. It's essential for consultants, accountants, architects, IT professionals, and similar service providers. Some professional bodies and contracts require you to hold PI cover.

Question 20

What is business interruption insurance?

Accepted Answer

Business interruption insurance covers your loss of income if your business cannot operate due to an insured event (such as fire or flood). It can cover ongoing costs like rent and wages while you're unable to trade, and help you get back on your feet. The indemnity period (how long cover lasts) is typically 12-24 months.

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