Liability Insurance :: Articles

The 5 most common Business Insurance mistakes

What are the most common mistakes business owners make with insurance?

The 5  most common Business Insurance mistakes

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Looking over your insurance premiums each year, you may be wondering how you could save a dollar or two on your next premium. As an intangible asset, it can be difficult to put a value on insurance ... until something goes wrong and you need to claim. In this article, we highlight the five most common mistakes that business owners make when evaluating their insurance requirements:

Not understanding your full Risk Profile

When reviewing your insurance needs, it's essential to sit down and determine what types of events could occur in your business that would create adverse impact. From there, you need to determine what would have the biggest business impact - in terms of dollars, time and effort. Then you need to work out how to ensure that you are adequately covered against these risks.
Often policy holders will do away with one part of a policy thinking that they can save money. For example, they will go for theft, fire and glass coverage, but not take out burglary even though it's a relatively minor additional fee.
Business Insurance
Image for Business InsuranceIf you're in the process of buying or renewing your business insurance, whether it be a factory, a shop, office, warehouse, a farm or whatever .. even a home-based business, we can show you a quick way through the maze of offers and options available on the market. Our Australia-wide broker panel will ensure that you get the best cover for your specific needs … and at the right price to suit your budget.
It is Murphy's Law that the one thing you leave out is the one thing you need to claim for on your insurance. And it can be for the most oddest of items. The strangest story I've heard of is a fish and chip shop that was robbed of all their frozen fish. Although it was never proven, it was suspected that a competitor fish and chip shop, just around the corner, decided that they wanted a freezer full of product to sell without the set up costs!

Not disclosing everything!

Yes, it is true ... if you don't disclose everything upfront when you sign up your insurance policy, the insurance company is quite within their rights to not pay out on your claim. Worst still, they won't even refund your premium paid to date. Therefore, don't hold back. Disclose anything relevant to your insurance upfront to save any drama's at a later date.

Insuring assets at written down value instead of replacement value.

It is essential that you insure your assets for REPLACEMENT value. In other words, how much would it cost you to repurchase the items insured at full price. A common mistake, particularly when purchasing an existing business, is to insure the assets at the "written down" (or depreciated) value, rather than replacement cost.

Being "cheap" on your premium

Don't get caught out by trying to save yourself a few hundred dollars on your insurance premium, to the detriment of being fully insured. Being cheap now could end up costing you thousands of dollars down the track.

Not listening to your Insurance Broker

Your insurance broker is the best person to advise you on insurance cover. Having seen many similar businesses to yours, they have seen other business owners go through the pain that you don't need to. Your insurance broker will know what works for your type of business and how to get it for the cheapest possible price. As an insurance agent, they know the ropes and can maneuver you through the subtleties in insurance policies which will save you dollars in the long term.
It's a quick, efficient and cheap way to grow your profits immediately!

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: 62


Business Insurance Articles

Public Liability Insurance Claims: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Public Liability Insurance Claims: What to Expect and How to Prepare
When it comes to navigating the complex waters of insurance, understanding public liability insurance claims is crucial for businesses and individuals alike. Public liability insurance serves as a safeguard, protecting against the financial repercussions that arise from accidents or injuries that occur on your premises or through your operations. In this introductory section, we will delve into the essence of public liability insurance and underline its significance. - read more
The Cost of Public Liability Coverage: Is It Worth It?
The Cost of Public Liability Coverage: Is It Worth It?
Public liability insurance is a crucial safety net for both businesses and individuals, providing protection against the financial fallout from claims of injury or damage that your business operations might cause to third parties. This type of insurance is designed to cover legal and compensation costs, safeguarding you from unexpected financial burdens. - read more
The Cost of Being Uninsured: Why Every Australian Small Business Needs Liability Coverage
The Cost of Being Uninsured: Why Every Australian Small Business Needs Liability Coverage
Welcome to the complex world of running a small business in Australia where navigating through liability risks is as crucial as managing daily operations. This article is crafted to illuminate why every Australian small business needs liability coverage — a shield to protect against potential financial catastrophes. - read more
How to Lower Public Liability Insurance Premiums Without Sacrificing Coverage
How to Lower Public Liability Insurance Premiums Without Sacrificing Coverage
In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian commerce, business insurance stands as a crucial bulwark, safeguarding enterprises against unforeseen financial perils. Recognizing this, our in-depth exploration begins with an overview of the monumental role business insurance plays for Australian companies, both large and small. It's a cornerstone for risk management, providing business owners with peace of mind as they navigate the intricacies of their industries. - read more

Insurance News

Navigating the Rise in Strata Insurance Premiums: Causes and Solutions
Navigating the Rise in Strata Insurance Premiums: Causes and Solutions
30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In recent years, many Australian strata property owners have faced significant increases in insurance premiums, with some experiencing hikes of 40-80% since 2022. Understanding the underlying causes of these increases is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage and mitigate costs. - read more
Consumer Advocates Call for Ban on Conflicted Strata Broker Payments
Consumer Advocates Call for Ban on Conflicted Strata Broker Payments
30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Consumer advocacy groups are urging the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) to explicitly prohibit conflicted remuneration arrangements in strata insurance. This call comes amid concerns that such financial practices may compromise the interests of strata property owners. - read more
Potential Crisis Looms Over Strata Industry Amid Proposed Insurance Commission Reforms
Potential Crisis Looms Over Strata Industry Amid Proposed Insurance Commission Reforms
30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The strata management sector in Australia is at a crossroads, with proposed reforms to eliminate insurance commissions sparking concerns about the industry's future viability. Bobby Lehane, CEO of PICA Group, has issued a stark warning that removing these commissions could lead to a decline similar to that experienced by the aged care industry. - read more
Significant Decline in Australian Commercial Insurance Rates in Early 2026
Significant Decline in Australian Commercial Insurance Rates in Early 2026
30 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In the first quarter of 2026, Australia's commercial insurance market experienced a notable decline in rates, with an average decrease of 12%, as reported by Marsh's latest Global Insurance Market Index. This trend marks a continuation of the previous quarter's downward trajectory, offering potential relief to businesses grappling with insurance costs. - read more

Start Here !
Start here!
Cover Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.


Knowledgebase
Professional indemnity:
An insurance that provides cover for liability incurred in the course of exercising a profession.