Business Insurance | Business from Home Insurance: Frequently asked questions

What if I don't have an email address?
You will need to enter a valid email address to obtain a quote. If you do not have an email address you can still obtain a quote and buy a policy by calling us on 0845 303 1756. Calls may be recorded.
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How long is a quote valid for?
Your quote will be valid for 30 days from the day you receive it.
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How far in advance can I get a quote?
You can get a quote up to 30 days in advance.
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What if I don't know the date of my claim?
If you are unsure of the date of your claim(s) please contact your current or previous insurance provider to find out. Alternatively you can enter an approximate date and then contact us on 0845 303 1760 to amend your claims details with the correct information. Calls may be recorded.
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What if I don't know the amount of my claim?
If you are unsure what the amount of your claim(s) is please contact your current or previous insurance provider to find out. Alternatively you can enter an approximate cost and then contact us on 0845 303 1760 to amend your claims details with the correct information. Calls may be recorded.
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What if the cause of my claim is not there?
If you can not find the cause of you claim from the list provided, please contact us on 0845 303 1756 for help. Calls may be recorded.
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How many claims can I have?
You can provide us with up to four claims within the last 3 years. In the majority of cases we will be able to help, but our ability to provide a quote will depend on the information you supply. Unfortunately, if you have more than four claims we will not be able offer a quote
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What are the exclusions on this policy?
Please refer to the policy summary document where we detail the general exclusions. For more details please refer to your policy wording or call our customer services department on 0845 303 1756. Calls may be recorded.
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What are the standard excesses?
Your individual excesses will be found in the 'Your Summary' page when you have completed the quote details or alternatively please call us on 0845 303 1756. Calls may be recorded.
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Do you accept cheques or cash?
No, we only accept payments by direct debit and credit/debit cards. Cards that are accepted are MasterCard, Visa Electron, Visa, Maestro and Solo card.
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What does public liability cover?
This provides protection against your legal liability for death or bodily injury (other than to an employee) and / or loss or damage to third party property arising out of the operation of your business.
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What does employer's liability cover?
This protects you against claims for compensation from employees following injury for which you are legally liable
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What if I haven't got a business name?
If you do not have a business name then please enter your full name instead.
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I employ more than 6 people, can you cover me?
Sorry, but our policy is only designed to suit businesses employing a maximum of 6 people.
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What is the best insurance for me?
We have a range of insurance solutions for a variety of businesses. Please see the details provided under our other products or call us on 0845 303 1756 to find the product that suits your needs. Calls may be recorded.
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My home insurance covers me for computers and printers, why do I need separate insurance if I work from home?
Many home insurance policies exclude property which is used for business purposes. It is important that your property is insured on the correct basis, which is why our Business From Home product has been specifically designed for businesses run from homes. Our policy includes business contents in your home and other essential covers, such as Public and Products liability.
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Your Business

Can you cover my van under Business from Home policy?
Unfortunately your van is not covered under our Business From Home policy however Direct Line does offer van insurance as a separate product. If you would like to get a quote you can do this online or call us on 0845 303 1756. Calls may be recorded.
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Can I get cover if I am a tenant in the property where I run my business?
Yes, you do not need to own the premises where your business is located.
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Why do you only ask for my postcode at quote stage?
This is to save you time. If you decide to accept a quote then we will ask for your full address later on in the process.
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What if my trade is not on the list?
If you can not find your exact trade, or one that best matches what you do, on the list provided please call us on 0845 303 1756. Calls may be recorded.
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What do I do if I have multiple trades?
You have the option to input up to three trades so that we can fully understand your business. If you need some help selecting the right trade or you have more than 3 trades under one policy please call us on 0845 303 1756. Calls may be recorded.
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How many trades can I have on this policy?
You can select up to a maximum of 3 trades on your policy.
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What covers are available under this product?
Our policy provides the following as standard:

Business Contents
Business Interruption
public liability and Products Liability
Business Money
Personal Accident (Assault)
Goods in Transit

You can also insure:

employers' liability
Specified All Risks
Buildings
Refrigerated Stock
Business Legal Expenses

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What minimum level of security must my building have?
Our minimum standard of security will depend on the types of doors and windows your property has. If your property does not meet our minimum standards we are unable to provide insurance. Our requirements are as follows:

Final Exit Doors (Single Leaf)	The final exit door is fitted with at least a 5 lever mortice deadlock.
Final Exit Doors (Double Leaf)	On one leaf, flush or barrel bolts (the latter being at least 200mm (8'') long) and hinge bolts fitted top and bottom. On the second closing leaf, a 5 lever mortice deadlock and hinge bolts fitted top and bottom. Alternatively, key operated locks or bolts, fitted to the top and bottom of both door leaves.
Patio Doors	All sliding patio doors are fitted with key-operated security locks to the top and bottom of the frame at diagonally opposing corners.
Fire Exit Doors	If you have a fire exit door, this must be secured by means of a panic bar and hinge bolts fitted top and bottom
Windows	All opening ground floor, basement and other accessible windows are to be fitted with a key operated, metal locking device.

If you need any help on our requirements, please call us on 0845 303 1756. Calls may be recorded.
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How will I know what security my building will need?
While our security requirements will depend on your individual details, you will need to be able to meet our minimum security requirements. You will also be asked a question about the security of your premises when the minimum level is not adequate. If the physical security measures need to be increased, an alarm is required or you will need to upgrade your existing alarm please call us on 0845 303 1756 to discuss our requirements. Calls may be recorded.
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I don't have an alarm on my property can I still get insurance?
Whether an alarm is required on your property will depend on your individual details. There will be circumstances when an alarm is not required and you can get insurance. You will be asked a question about the security of your premises if our minimum requirements are not adequate. If an alarm is required or you will need to upgrade your existing alarm please call us on 0845 303 1756 to discuss our requirements. Calls may be recorded.
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If I don't select a certain cover on my policy now, can I add it later in the year?
We realise that your insurance needs may change as your business develops. Please contact us on 0845 303 1756 whenever you need to change the level of cover on your policy. Calls may be recorded.
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I have some specialist equipment in my home for my occupation, can I list this somewhere on my policy so I know it is covered?
If you need to list specialist equipment and it can't be found in the Portable Equipment list, please call us on 0845 303 1756 to discuss your requirements. Calls may be recorded.
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I have converted my garage into a work shop, would the cost of the conversion be covered on this policy?
If you own the building, you can insure the buildings under this product. This would include the re-building cost of the conversions. If you are a tenant of the property any improvements you have made to the building for the purpose of your business can be insured under this product as Tenant's Improvements. Tenant's Improvements can include the re-building cost of the conversion.
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