Question 1

Do you only arrange cover for Birmingham landlords?

Accepted Answer

No. We arrange cover for landlords, businesses and fleet operators right across the UK. Birmingham is one of our busiest areas, especially for HMO and portfolio landlords, but we work with clients from Cornwall to the Highlands. Wherever you are, you'll get the same service and access to the same panel of insurers.

Question 2

Do you arrange HMO insurance for Birmingham landlords?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HMO insurance is one of our specialist areas, and Birmingham has a strong HMO market, particularly around Selly Oak, Bournbrook and Edgbaston. We work with insurers who cover everything from small three-bed student lets to larger licensed HMOs. We'll ask about tenant type, licensing, fire safety and planning before we approach insurers. Cover is subject to underwriting, insurer terms and acceptance. Policy limits and exclusions apply.

Question 3

Can you help if my property in Birmingham is in an Article 4 HMO zone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Selly Oak Article 4 direction is the best known in Birmingham, but other areas may follow. Article 4 mostly affects planning rather than insurance directly, but insurers will still want to know the property is properly licensed and compliant. We'll work through the details with you and find cover that fits. Cover is subject to underwriting, insurer terms and acceptance. Policy limits and exclusions apply.

Question 4

Can you help with property near HS2 or Big City Plan regeneration sites?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Major regeneration around Curzon Street, Smithfield, Eastside and Paradise can change the risk picture for nearby property, especially during construction. We work with insurers who understand commercial property in active regeneration zones and can help with both unoccupied and trading premises. Cover is subject to underwriting, insurer terms and acceptance. Policy limits and exclusions apply.

Question 5

How quickly can you arrange insurance for my Birmingham property or business?

Accepted Answer

For straightforward risks, we can often turn quotes around within a working day. Larger portfolios, HMOs and unusual commercial risks can take a little longer. Once you accept terms, cover can usually start the same day. Call 01733 263311 and we'll give you a realistic timeline based on what you need.

Question 6

Do I need to be based in Birmingham to work with you?

Accepted Answer

No. We're a Peterborough-based broker working with clients nationwide. Everything is done by phone, email and post, so you don't need to be local to us. Many Birmingham landlords and business owners have worked with us for years without ever meeting in person. The service is the same wherever you are.

Question 7

Do you arrange office insurance for West Midlands businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Office insurance for a business in Birmingham, Solihull, Wolverhampton, Coventry or anywhere in the West Midlands is arranged the same way as for any UK client: contents, computers and equipment, public and employers' liability, business interruption, and buildings if you own the unit or the lease makes you responsible. We place it with insurers on our panel who write office risks, and the cover is arranged by phone and email from Peterborough.

Question 8

Can you arrange motor fleet insurance for a West Midlands operator?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We arrange fleet insurance for vans, cars, HGVs, taxis and mixed fleets based in the West Midlands, from three vehicles upwards, on named-driver or any-driver terms. Insurers rate on the vehicles, the drivers, the use (own goods, hire and reward, couriers), the postcode and the claims record, so a Birmingham depot is rated on its own facts rather than a regional loading. Haulage and courier operators working the M6, M5 and M42 corridors are a large part of the fleet book we place.

Question 9

Is office insurance a legal requirement?

Accepted Answer

Employers liability insurance is a legal requirement for most businesses that employ staff. The rest of an office policy, such as contents, computer equipment, business interruption and public liability, is optional, although a landlord or lease may require buildings or liability cover. Most West Midlands offices we arrange cover for take a combined policy so everything sits under one renewal.

Question 10

How much is commercial insurance in the UK?

Accepted Answer

There is no standard price. Insurers rate each business on its trade, turnover, number of staff, the value of contents and stock, the premises and its postcode, the limits of indemnity chosen and the claims history, and every insurer on our panel weighs those factors differently. A Birmingham office, a Black Country workshop and a West Midlands fleet are each priced on their own facts, which is why we compare terms from several insurers before recommending one.

Question 11

Do I need separate cover for each West Midlands location?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Insurers want the address, construction and use of every site so each one is rated properly, but several premises can normally sit on one office or commercial combined policy with a schedule for each location. If you add or move premises, for example a second office in Solihull or a unit in the Black Country, tell us before you move in so the cover follows you.

Question 12

Do you charge a broker fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fees may apply depending on the type of cover and complexity of the risk. Any fee will be disclosed in writing before you commit to anything. There are no hidden charges and no surprise add-ons. If you'd like to know what a typical fee looks like for your situation, just ask when you call.

Office & Commercial Insurance Broker Serving Birmingham & West Midlands