Question 1

Do you insure my type of business?

Accepted Answer

We insure a wide range of UK businesses and are specialists, particularly in hospitality, retail and professional services, but not every business will be a fit. Our approach is selective. We focus on businesses that are well run, stable and operating responsibly. That allows us to price more accurately and often more competitively. The quickest way to find out is to check your price. If we show you one, it means we have gathered data and believe your business is something we can offer a competitive price for. If you would like to see your price simply ‘get a quote’ via our website.

Question 2

What kinds of businesses do you not insure?

Accepted Answer

We don’t insure businesses that fall outside our underwriting appetite, particularly those with higher or unpredictable risk. That’s all a bit of insurance speak. What it means is we avoid signs and indicators that companies operate in higher risk industries, areas, or don’t seem to display signs of a well-run business. That can include businesses with poor operating standards, inconsistent trading history or certain types of activity that carry claims risk. Rather than trying to cover everything or everyone, we choose to focus on businesses we understand well. That’s what allows us to offer better pricing and a simpler experience for those like you that fit.

Question 3

What do you mean by a “well-run business”?

Accepted Answer

A well-run business is one that operates consistently, looks after its customers and manages risk sensibly. That might show up through things like strong customer reviews, good operational standards and a stable trading history. We don’t rely on one signal alone. It’s a combination of factors that help us understand how your business behaves in the real world, not just on a form.

Question 4

How do you decide if I’m eligible?

Accepted Answer

We assess eligibility using a combination of public data, business information and risk signals. This is what makes Expression Insurance unique and different to other insurers or brokers. This data magic happens before you fill in long forms. It allows us to determine whether your business is likely to be a good fit and whether we can offer a price. If we show you a quote, it means you’ve passed that initial assessment. Check on the website to get a quote.

Question 5

Can I still get cover if I’ve had claims before?

Accepted Answer

Yes, having previous claims doesn’t automatically mean you won’t be eligible. We look at the context and pattern of claims rather than treating every claim the same. A one-off incident is very different from repeated issues. Our aim is to understand the underlying risk, not apply blanket rules.

Question 6

Do you insure new businesses or only established ones?

Accepted Answer

We can insure both new and established businesses, depending on the overall risk profile. Established businesses tend to have more data available, which can make assessment easier. New businesses are assessed more on their setup, structure and type of activity. If we can understand the risk clearly, we can usually make a decision.

Question 7

Do you look at customer reviews when deciding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, customer reviews can form part of how we assess a business. They give a useful real-world signal of how a business operates and how it treats its customers. They’re not used in isolation, but they do help build a broader picture of quality and consistency.

Question 8

Why have I received a price when others haven’t?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve received a price, it means your business meets our initial criteria. We don’t show prices to everyone. We focus on businesses where we believe we can offer fair and sustainable cover. That’s part of our model. It’s designed to be selective rather than universal.

Question 9

Is this insurance invitation-only?

Accepted Answer

In practice, yes. We don’t position it as a formal invitation process, but we only show prices to businesses that meet our criteria. If you can see a price, you’ve effectively been selected as a good fit for our best prices.

Question 10

How did you calculate my price?

Accepted Answer

Your price is calculated using a combination of business data, risk signals and underwriting models. We assess your business before showing a price, rather than asking you to complete long forms first. This is known as pre-underwriting. It also saves you time. We know insurance is not what you want to spend all day on. It allows us to give you a realistic price upfront, based on how your business actually operates.

Question 11

Why is my price lower than my current insurer?

Accepted Answer

Your price may be lower because we’ve assessed your business as lower risk. If your business is well run and shows strong signals, we can often price more competitively than insurers who take a broader, less selective approach. In simple terms, better risks tend to receive better pricing.

Question 12

Why might my price be higher than expected?

Accepted Answer

If your price is higher, it usually reflects higher perceived risk. That could be due to your type of business, past claims, limited data or certain risk factors we’ve identified. Our pricing is designed to be accurate rather than artificially low upfront. By adding or adjusting aspects of your quote online, providing specific new detail about your insurance needs will further refine your quote and final price.

Question 13

What data do you use to assess my business?

Accepted Answer

We use a mix of business data, public information and risk indicators. This can include your business type, location, trading activity and other signals that help us understand how your business operates. The aim is to build a realistic picture without asking you to complete unnecessary forms.

Question 14

Why don’t I need to fill in lots of forms?

Accepted Answer

Because we’ve already done much of the work upfront. By assessing your business using available data, we can reduce the amount of information we need to ask you for directly. That’s why you can see a price quickly, without a long application process.

Question 15

How accurate is the price shown?

Accepted Answer

The price shown is designed to be accurate based on the information we’ve assessed. In most cases, what you see is what you pay, provided the key details of your business are correct. If anything changes or needs changing, we’ll make that clear before you proceed.

Question 16

Will the price change after I buy?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Once you’ve purchased your policy, your price is fixed for the policy term unless you make changes to your cover or your business. At renewal, the price may change based on updated information or market conditions.

Question 17

What does business insurance actually cover?

Accepted Answer

Business insurance protects your business against financial loss if something goes wrong. This can include claims from third parties, damage to your property or loss of income if you can’t trade. The exact cover depends on your policy, but the aim is to protect the core risks that could impact your business.

Question 18

What is public liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Public liability insurance covers you if someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your business. For example, a customer slipping on a wet floor, or tearing their coat on a nail sticking out from a display fixture. It’s one of the most common types of cover for businesses that interact with the public.

Question 19

What is employers’ liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Employers’ liability insurance covers claims from employees who are injured or become ill through their work. It is a legal requirement for most UK businesses that employ staff. It protects both your employees and your business if something goes wrong.

Question 20

What is product liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Product liability insurance covers claims caused by products you supply. If something you sell leads to injury or damage, this is the cover that responds. It applies whether you manufacture the product or simply sell it.

Question 21

What is business interruption insurance?

Accepted Answer

Business interruption insurance covers lost income if your business can’t operate due to an insured event. For example, if you have to close after a fire, this cover helps replace lost revenue and ongoing costs. It protects your cash flow during periods where you can’t trade.

Question 22

What’s the difference between contents and stock?

Accepted Answer

Contents are the items you use to run your business. Stock is what you sell. Contents might include furniture, fixtures, equipment and tenants improvements. Stock refers to goods held for sale. Both are important, but they are insured separately because they represent different risks.

Question 23

What are tenants’ improvements?

Accepted Answer

Tenants’ improvements are included in your contents limit and cover the changes you’ve made to a rented property. This could include fittings, fixtures or alterations that you’ve paid for. If your premises are damaged, this cover helps reinstate those improvements.

Question 24

What is not covered?

Accepted Answer

No insurance policy covers everything. Typical exclusions can include wear and tear, gradual deterioration or risks outside the agreed scope of cover. Your policy documents set this out clearly. It’s important to understand both what is covered and what is not.

Question 25

How do I decide how much cover I need?

Accepted Answer

The right level of cover depends on your business and your exposure to risk. You should consider the value of your assets, your potential liabilities and how long you could operate if something went wrong. If in doubt, it’s better to be realistic and accurate rather than minimal.

Question 26

How do I buy my insurance?

Accepted Answer

You can buy your insurance online by reviewing your price and confirming your details. The process is designed to be simple and quick, without unnecessary steps. Once you’re happy, you can complete the purchase and receive your documents immediately via email.

Question 27

How long does it take to get covered?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, you can get covered within minutes. Because the price is already calculated, there’s no need for a lengthy application process. You can move from quote to cover very quickly.

Question 28

Do I need to speak to anyone?

Accepted Answer

No, you don’t need to speak to anyone to buy your policy. The process is fully online, but support is available if you need it from an experienced and passionate team based in the UK. You can choose the level of interaction that suits you.

Question 29

Can I buy on my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the process is designed to work on mobile as well as desktop. Most customers can review their price and complete their purchase on their phone. It’s built to fit how people actually buy today.

Question 30

What information do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

You’ll need to confirm key details about your business and your cover. Because we’ve already assessed much of the data, the amount of information required is kept to a minimum. The aim is to keep it simple without losing accuracy.

Question 31

Can I adjust the cover before buying?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can adjust key elements of your cover before you buy. This allows you to tailor the policy to your needs and see how it affects your price. It’s about giving you control without making the process complicated.

Question 32

What happens after I accept the price?

Accepted Answer

Once you accept the price and complete your purchase, your policy is activated. You’ll receive your documents immediately by email. From that point, you’re covered.

Question 33

When does my cover start?

Accepted Answer

Your cover starts from the date you select when you buy your policy. This is usually immediate or aligned to your existing policy expiry. You can choose the timing that works for you.

Question 34

When should I switch my business insurance?

Accepted Answer

The best time to switch is usually at renewal. This allows you to move without overlap or cancellation fees from other insurers. It also gives you a clear comparison between providers.

Question 35

Can I switch before my renewal date?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can switch mid-term, but there may be costs involved imposed by other insurers, we don’t charge you for any changes. Your current insurer may charge a cancellation fee or retain part of your premium. It’s worth checking before making the change.

Question 36

What happens if I cancel early?

Accepted Answer

If you cancel early, you may receive a partial refund, depending on the timing and your policy terms. There is no cancellation fee. But we ask you for 30 days notice. We’ll make this clear so you can make an informed decision. Our aim is to make cancellation as transparent and straightforward as possible.

Question 37

Do you remind me before renewal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we’ll contact you ahead of your renewal date, in fact exactly 21 days. This gives you time to review your cover and make any changes. The aim is to avoid surprises and keep things straightforward.

Question 38

Will my price change at renewal?

Accepted Answer

Your price may change at renewal. This can reflect changes in your business, your risk profile or market conditions. We aim to keep pricing fair and reflective of the actual risk.

Question 39

How easy is it to renew?

Accepted Answer

Renewing is designed to be simple. In most cases, you can review your terms and renew without starting again. If nothing has changed, the process is quick.

Question 40

What happens if my business changes during the year?

Accepted Answer

If your business changes, you should update your policy. This ensures your cover remains accurate and valid. Changes can usually be made mid-term, depending on the adjustment.

Question 41

Who underwrites Expression Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Your policy is underwritten by FCA-regulated insurers with the financial strength to pay claims. We are backed by Accelerant, one of the world’s largest specialty insurers. We combine financial strength with UK-based service & claims handling. We work with carefully selected UK-regulated underwriting partners who provide the actual insurance cover and claims capacity. They are responsible for paying claims and carrying the risk. Expression sits in front of that. We design the pricing, decide which businesses we insure and create a simpler way to buy.

Question 42

Are you regulated?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Expression Insurance is regulated in the UK. This means we operate under strict standards designed to protect customers. You can buy with confidence knowing we meet those requirements.

Question 43

How do I make a claim?

Accepted Answer

We have a dedicated claims team and you can contact them directly and we’ll guide you through the claims process. We’ll explain what’s needed and what happens next. The aim is to make a difficult situation as straightforward as possible. It’s why you buy insurance.

Question 44

How quickly are claims handled?

Accepted Answer

Claims are handled as quickly as possible, depending on their complexity. Simple claims can be resolved quickly, while more complex cases take longer. The focus is on clear communication and steady progress.

Question 45

What support do I get?

Accepted Answer

You have access to support if you need it, whether that’s help with your policy or a claim. We keep things simple and practical, rather than pushing you through layers of process. Our UK-based team is ready to help whenever you need them.

Question 46

Do you have customer reviews?

Accepted Answer

Our customer reviews are rated as “Exceptional” and reviews are available and form an important part of how we operate. They provide a transparent view of how customers experience our service. We believe they should speak for themselves.

Question 47

What happens if something goes wrong?

Accepted Answer

If something goes wrong, we’ll work with you to resolve it. That may involve our support team, claims handlers or formal complaints processes if needed. The aim is to address issues fairly and quickly.

Question 48

How do I access my documents?

Accepted Answer

Your documents are sent by email when you buy your policy. You can download and store them at any time. If needed, we can resend them.

Question 49

Can I make changes to my policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can make changes to your policy during the term. This ensures your cover stays aligned with your business. Changes are subject to underwriting and may affect your price. But unlike other insurers, we don’t charge you any “admin fee” for those changes.

Question 50

Is there a fee for changes?

Accepted Answer

No, we don't charge you to make adjustments to your policy once live. It's one of the things that makes Expression Insurance unique in the market. We believe small changes shouldn't come with surprise costs.

Question 51

How do I cancel?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your policy by emailing or calling us. We’ll explain any implications, including refunds. The process is straightforward.

Question 52

How do I update my details?

Accepted Answer

You can update your details by contacting us via email. It’s important to keep your information accurate so your cover remains valid. We’ll confirm any updates once they’re applied to your policy.

Question 53

Can I add or remove cover mid-term?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cover can usually be adjusted during the policy term. This allows you to respond to changes in your business. Any changes will be confirmed before they take effect.

Question 54

Do I need insurance if I work from home?

Accepted Answer

You may still need business insurance if you work from home. Standard home insurance doesn’t usually cover business activities. If you interact with clients, hold stock or generate income, cover is often required.

Question 55

Do I need insurance as a sole trader?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many sole traders need insurance. If you work with clients, supply products or provide services, you may still be exposed to risk. Insurance protects you personally as well as your business.

Question 56

What happens if I’m underinsured?

Accepted Answer

If you’re underinsured, your claim may be reduced. This means you may not receive the full amount needed to recover your loss. It’s important to insure assets and risks at realistic levels.

Question 57

What is an excess?

Accepted Answer

An excess is the amount you pay towards a claim. The insurer covers the remaining amount. Higher excesses can reduce your price but increase your contribution if you claim.

Question 58

Can I insure multiple locations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, multiple locations can be insured. This depends on your business structure and how your operations are set up. We can reflect this in your policy where appropriate.

Question 59

Do you cover part-time businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes, part-time businesses can be covered. What matters is the nature of the risk, not just the hours you operate. We assess each business on its overall profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility