Fact or Fiction? 10 business insurance myths SMEs should watch out for

When you’ve just started up your small business, it can be easy to think you won’t need insurance. After all, you’re only a small business - what’s the worst that can happen? But, many business owners think they don’t need insurance and get caught out when they least expect it.  

In fact, 44% of business owners in the UK have no commercial insurance, and 47% of these say that their business is “too small” to take out a policy. But, as an SME, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction to protect your hard work.  

Armed with accurate information, let’s debunk the top 10 myths about business insurance to keep you protected.

Top 10 business insurance myths 

Myth 1: I don’t need business insurance if I’m a sole trader 

Many sole traders think their personal finances are sufficient enough to cover any unexpected accidents that crop up. 

However, operating without business insurance exposes you to a whole host of risks that could threaten your personal assets. A client could make a claim due to a slip or injury that causes harm, or one of your employees could injure themselves on a piece of faulty equipment that hasn’t been fixed.  

Having the right insurance in place can protect your finances and give you peace of mind while you manage the day-to-day. Remember, it’s not just a safeguard; it’s an essential part of running a responsible business.  

Myth 2: My business has been running for years - I don’t need insurance now  

Even if your business has successfully operated for years without a hitch, it doesn’t mean you’re immune to risks.  

Long-standing businesses are often more visible and have bigger reputations, which can attract more attention if something goes wrong, increasing your exposure to potential claims. New risks can also rear their heads, like changes in regulations or market conditions or even something out of your control, like extreme weather damaging your business or an ‘Act of God’.  

Insurance is a proactive measure that makes sure you’re prepared for any unforeseen challenges that can put your business at risk.  

Myth 3: Business insurance is too expensive for small businesses 

As a small business owner, we know your list of expenses is endless, and many people believe that insurance is out of their financial reach. However, this isn’t necessarily true.  

At Bionic, our insurance team work with a panel of trusted insurers who can tailor affordable insurance options to meet the needs of your business and get you the right deal.  

Spending a bit of money on insurance can save you from hefty costs down the line — so think of it as a safety net for your business’s financial health.  

Myth 4: I don’t need insurance if my business is online 

Operating an online business may seem like it comes with fewer risks compared to a physical brick-and-mortar store, but the truth is you face a different set of challenges.  

Cyber threats, such as hacking and data breaches, are on the rise, with 50% of UK businesses reporting cyber attacks or security breaches in the past year. And without insurance, you could face devasting financial repercussions. 

Cyber insurance is designed to help you manage these risks, covering the losses from a cyber attack and helping your business recover as quickly as possible. And remember, as an online business, it’s important that you’re offering safe online shopping to secure and retain your customers.  

Myth 5: If I have a home office, my home insurance covers my business equipment 

It’s a common misconception that home insurance covers working from home or any business equipment used in a home office.  

Most standard home insurance policies have specific exclusions regarding business use, but it’s always best to read the small print or get in touch with your insurer. This means that if your equipment is damaged or stolen, you could be left without proper cover in place and paying out of pocket.  

To secure the right cover for your tools, equipment and assets, it’s vital to have a proper business insurance policy that protects you working from home.  

Myth 6: I can wait until my business grows to get insurance 

Delaying insurance until your business grows can be a risky strategy. The earlier you secure the cover you need, the better protected you’ll be against potential risks– even the smallest of small businesses need insurance! 

Unexpected events can happen at any stage of your business journey — from client disputes about the quality of your work to property damage. Getting your insurance sorted early on sets a solid foundation for your business, leaving you equipped to handle any challenge that comes your way (without paying out of pocket).  

Myth 7: Insurance will cover everything  

While insurance is a must-have safety net for your business, it’s also important to remember that no policy covers every possible scenario.  

Each insurance policy has specific terms, conditions and exclusions that outline what is and isn’t covered. Taking the time to read your policy carefully and discussing it with your insurer will help you get to grips with the extent of the policy you want or have in place.  

Myth 8: I’m covered by my client’s insurance 

Assuming your client’s insurance protects you is a gamble that can backfire. Client policies may only cover their liability and not extend to your business operations. This means you could find yourself without proper cover if someone claims against your work.  

It’s so important to make sure you have your own insurance in place for complete protection of your business activities and peace of mind when you’re working with clients.  

Myth 9: Only businesses that rely on technology need cyber insurance 

Every business, regardless of its size or industry you operate in, can be a target for cyber threats. Whether you handle sensitive customer data or financial information, you’re still at risk of cyberattacks.  

Cyber insurance is crucial for protecting your business against financial loss from data breaches, ransomware attacks, and more.  

Myth 10: If I don’t claim, my premiums will also be low 

While not making a claim on your insurance policy may influence your premiums, it’s not the only factor at play.  

Insurers assess different elements, including what type of business you run, your claims history, where your business is located and how risky you are to insure. Regularly reviewing your policy and being open with your insurer can help identify ways to manage and potentially reduce your insurance costs, but this isn’t always a given.  

How often should I renew my business insurance policy? 

You should take a look at your business insurance policy at least once a year (when it’s time for renewal) or whenever a big change happens in your business. This could mean that your company is expanding, adding a new service, or just adapting to keep up with industry trends.  

Regular check-ins help make sure your cover still fits the needs of your business so you’re not left unprotected — and out of pocket.  

At Bionic, we offer annual policies, so get in touch with our insurance team today to find the right policy for your business needs. 

What type of business insurance do you need as an SME? 

Legally, you only need two types of business insurance in certain circumstances: employers’ liability insurance and commercial vehicle insurance.  

• Employers’ liability insurance — If you hire anyone, you need to have this form of insurance by law. Employers’ liability insurance protects against claims made by employees who suffer work-related injuries — like falling from a height — or illnesses.  
• Commercial vehicle insurance — If your business uses cars, vans or anything else, you’ll need to have commercial vehicle insurance. Regular car insurance won’t cover you or your employees if you drive a company vehicle. Unfortunately, at Bionic we can’t offer cover for your business vehicle, but it’s likely we can cover your business operations. 

It’s also a good idea to look into these optional insurance types, as they can save your business in the long run: 

• Public liability insurance — This is essential for protecting your business against claims made by third parties for injury or property damage. For instance, if a client slips and falls while visiting your office, this insurance covers any legal fees and compensation you might owe.  
• Professional indemnity insurance — If you provide professional services, like consulting or legal advice, this insurance is a key consideration. It covers everything from claims of negligence to inadequate work due to incorrect or wrongful advice. For example, imagine you are an architect and the design you created has the wrong measurements in it and therefore the build is flawed, leading to expensive rebuild costs. This insurance would help cover the legal costs of defending against the claims.  
• Business interruption insurance — If something unexpected happens that halts your business's operations, this insurance can provide financial support. For example, if your business is forced to close for repairs after a fire, this policy helps cover lost income during the downtime.   
• Cyber insurance — In today’s digital age, we’re more reliant than ever on technology to help move businesses forward. Cyber insurance protects your business from the fallout of cyberattacks, including data breaches and hacking.  
• Product liability insurance — If your business manufactures or sells products, you should consider product liability insurance. This cover protects you against claims related to injury or damage caused by your products. Imagine you run a small toy shop and a customer gets injured due to a toy you’ve sold them that’s overheated.  

Get your business insurance sorted with Bionic 

Understanding the myths surrounding business insurance is so important for SMEs. By busting these misconceptions, you can make smart choices that truly protect your business. 

 Bionic is the comparison site for your small business. Get in touch with us today to compare business insurance quotes, or head over to our business insurance guides for more information.