Question 1

How quickly will you get back to me?

Accepted Answer

Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. During office hours we'll call you back promptly, as soon as one of the team is free. If you get in touch outside office hours, we'll call you on the next working day.

Question 2

Who will I deal with?

Accepted Answer

Steve or one of his team, all based together in our Macclesfield office. Each has over 10 years' insurance experience and is Cert CII qualified, and claims are supported by a designated claims team through our partnership with Movo. You won't be passed around a call centre.

Question 3

What does an insurance broker do?

Accepted Answer

A broker works for you rather than for an insurer. We take the time to understand your business, approach insurers on our panel, compare what they will actually cover, and explain the options in plain English. After that we handle mid-term changes, renewals and any claims you need to make.

Question 4

Why use a broker rather than going direct?

Accepted Answer

Direct sites are built around standard answers to standard questions. If your business has anything unusual about it, and most do, a broker can put your case to underwriters properly and explain where policies differ beyond the headline price.

Question 5

How are you paid?

Accepted Answer

Through commission from insurers and, in some cases, a fee, as set out in our Terms of Business. We'll always tell you what applies before you commit to anything.

Question 6

Which areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We're based in Macclesfield, Cheshire and look after businesses across the North West and beyond, including Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside and Cumbria. We can help businesses elsewhere in the UK too.

Question 7

What information do I need for a quote?

Accepted Answer

Usually your business name and trade, what you want to insure, rough values for buildings, stock, contents and tools, vehicle and driver details where relevant, your claims history for the last few years, and your current renewal date. If you have an existing policy schedule, that covers most of it.

Question 8

How long does it take to get a quote?

Accepted Answer

During office hours we'll call you back promptly to talk through what you need. Straightforward cover can often be quoted the same day. More specialist risks, such as motor trade or a larger fleet, may take longer because we present them to underwriters individually.

Question 9

Can you review my existing insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we are happy to. Send us your current schedule and we will tell you what it does and does not cover. If it already looks like a good fit, we will say so.

Question 10

What is underinsurance and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Underinsurance is when the sums insured on your policy are lower than the true cost of rebuilding or replacing what you have. If that happens, insurers can reduce a claim payment proportionately, and in some cases decline it altogether. We check your figures look realistic before cover starts.

Question 11

What should I do if I need to make a claim?

Accepted Answer

Make everything safe, gather what you can, such as photographs, incident details and any third-party information, and get in touch with us as soon as possible. Some policies require you to notify the insurer within a set time, so it is worth calling early even if you are unsure.

Question 12

Will you help me with my claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We help you report the claim, explain what the insurer needs, and chase on your behalf when things go quiet. You still deal with the insurer's claims team, but you are not doing it alone.

Question 13

Will claiming push my premium up?

Accepted Answer

It can. Insurers look at claims frequency as well as cost, so several small claims can affect your renewal more than one larger one. We will talk you through the likely effect before you decide whether to claim.

Question 14

Can I pay monthly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with a number of finance providers to offer monthly payments, subject to acceptance. Interest may be charged.

Question 15

What happens at renewal?

Accepted Answer

We contact you before your renewal date, check what has changed in the business over the year, and review the market rather than letting the policy roll over automatically. Then we come back to you with options and a recommendation.

Question 16

What if something changes mid-policy?

Accepted Answer

Tell us. New vehicles, new premises, new staff, a change of trade or a significant increase in stock can all affect your cover. Most changes can be made quickly, and telling us keeps your policy valid.

Question 17

What is an Appointed Representative?

Accepted Answer

An Appointed Representative is a firm that carries out regulated business under the supervision of a directly authorised firm, known as its principal. The principal is responsible to the Financial Conduct Authority for the work its Appointed Representatives do.

Question 18

Who regulates M&B?

Accepted Answer

M&B Ins Brokers Ltd are an Appointed Representative of Movo Partnership Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, authorisation number 823503. Registered Office: Movo House, 33 Green Lane, Chislehurst, BR7 6AG. Registered in England No: 11544238.

Question 19

How do I make a complaint?

Accepted Answer

Contact us first and we will look into it and respond in line with our complaints procedure. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may be able to refer the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Our complaints page has the detail.

Question 20

Do I need commercial vehicle insurance for my van?

Accepted Answer

If the van is used for work, including carrying tools or stock, a private policy is unlikely to respond. Commercial vehicle cover is the right starting point. Our commercial insurance page explains what else usually sits alongside it.

Question 21

What's the difference between road risks and combined cover?

Accepted Answer

Road risks covers driving vehicles in your custody. Combined cover adds premises, stock, tools and liability to the same policy. There is more detail on our motor trade insurance page.

Question 22

How many vehicles do I need for fleet insurance?

Accepted Answer

We can arrange cover for small fleets from two vehicles, through multi-vehicle and fleet policies. Mixed fleets of cars, vans and trucks are common.

Question 23

Do I need specialist cover for an HMO?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes. HMOs are underwritten differently from single lets and many standard landlord policies exclude them. Our property insurance page covers landlord, HMO and commercial property cover.

Question 24

Is employers' liability insurance a legal requirement?

Accepted Answer

For most UK employers it is, typically with a minimum of £5 million of cover, though some exemptions apply. Our liability insurance page explains how public, employers' and products liability fit together.

Business insurance FAQs, answered simply

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