If you’ve ever rented out a property, you’ll know that no two tenancies are the same, but managing an HMO (house in multiple occupation) is a world of its own.
In a standard let, things are fairly simple. There’s one tenancy agreement, one set of responsibilities, and the people in the property usually behave in quite predictable ways.
In an HMO, none of that applies. With several independent adults living under one roof, cooking at different times, and coming and going at different times, things get far riskier.
More people = more responsibility
In an HMO, you often have strangers living side by side. In addition to communal kitchens and bathrooms being used more often, there’s a greater chance of disagreements, accidental damage and maintenance issues compared to a standard let.
On top of that, the safety requirements are much stricter. Fire doors, smoke alarms, escape routes, and electrics all have a higher safety threshold to meet in HMOs.
It’s not that a standard landlord insurance policy is bad or ineffective. It’s simply that it’s built for an entirely different category of property.
A standard landlord policy might not be enough
If your insurer has reason to believe your properly isn’t properly insured – for instance, if you have standard landlord cover for an HMO – claims can become complicated.
That’s because standard landlord insurance simply won’t cover communal areas, multiple separate tenancy agreements, higher liability, and HMO licensing issues.
Landlords who have standard cover when they need HMO insurance don’t get it wrong on purpose. Many landlords just don’t realise that their property counts as an HMO.
But if you’re running an HMO, a standard landlord policy simply isn’t enough.
Why specialist advice makes a real difference
Just because two properties are both HMOs, that doesn’t mean they’re the same. A four-bed student house will have a totally different risk profile to an eight-bed professional let, and an insurer would evaluate these two properties very differently.
That’s where specialist advice comes in. A broker who understands HMOs can help you to properly understand your property’s risks, make sure you’re not accidentally underinsured, and help you secure the right liability cover.
Your broker will look at:
How many tenants live there
The size and layout of the home
Whether the tenants are professionals, students or mixed
How many HMOs you manage
By evaluating all this information, your broker can arrange a policy you can trust.
How EIC supports landlords and property investors
At EIC, we work closely with landlords across Hertfordshire to make sure their insurance is a good fit.
We know that running an HMO comes with its challenges. With us, you don’t need to guess the level of cover you need or try to demystify complex insurance jargon. We handle all of it for you, giving you the confidence you need to manage your HMO.
Need advice on your HMO insurance?
If you own or manage an HMO in Hertfordshire, our team can help you find the right cover for your property. For specialist, straightforward advice, get in touch with EIC on 01442 286910 orinfo@eicinsurance.co.uk.
Growth, customers, staff, daily pressures, and the unexpected – all things you are likely to have to juggle while running a Hertfordshire business. It’s a lot to handle, but having the right commercial insurance broker by your side can make a world of difference.
That’s where EIC Insurance comes in. We are an independent broker based in Tring, but we have been working with businesses from across Hertfordshire and beyond since 1973. Our values – being collaborative, curious, diligent and genuine – guide every conversation that we have and every policy that we arrange.
When helping businesses to choose a policy, we are always guided by the same commitment: to help you protect the things that you care about. This applies no matter the kind of business you run – we take the time to understand what matters most to you, whether you’ve got a small start-up, an established organisation with a long history, or a growing local enterprise.
In this article, we take a look at why choosing a local commercial insurance broker like EIC can make such a difference to your insurance experience.
A commercial insurance broker with roots in Hertfordshire
Rather than a faceless national provider, we are a long-standing, local independent broker. Our experience in supporting businesses across Hertfordshire has taught us that there’s a wealth of small and medium-sized businesses in the area, covering everything from trades and construction firms to manufacturers, retailers, professional services, landlords and commercial property owners. But every sector faces very different, localised risks, which means a broker who understands the local landscape is better placed to shape your business’s cover.
We are FCA-regulated, and combining this with our longevity and established reputation means that you can be confident that you are working with a team who knows the area well and understands local business communities.
Why choose a local insurance broker?
When you’re busy juggling plates, you might find the speed and convenience of insurance comparison sites appealing – but taking out cover this way doesn’t always go smoothly. Buying insurance directly from insurers or comparison sites can often lead to gaps in your cover, duplicated features, unsuitable policy limits, or even exclusions that you don’t notice until it’s too late.
Buying insurance from a local broker in Hertfordshire is very different. At EIC, we take the time to understand how your business operates, and rather than selecting a generic off-the-shelf policy, we build solutions that reflect your specific needs. This often results in more appropriate cover, better value for money, and fewer exclusions than you would find with an online policy.
We also have access to a wider market. Direct insurers can only offer their own products, but brokers like EIC work with a broad panel of insurers. This gives you more choice as well as better opportunities to compare cover and secure competitive premiums. Being independent means that we are not tied to one provider.
EIC also emphasises relationships, curiosity and genuine care, which are values we commit to in everything we do. With us, there’s no jargon, we’re here to give you clear recommendations and straightforward explanations. Our support is ongoing, because commercial insurance shouldn’t be treated as “buy once a year and forget.” Whether your business takes on a new contract, buys equipment, hires staff or moves premises, we’ll help you to adjust your cover as you grow.
Specialist commercial insurance for Hertfordshire businesses
EIC works with businesses from across a wide range of sectors, including:
SMEs and start-ups
Trades and contractors
Property owners and landlords
Professional services firms
Retail and hospitality businesses
Manufacturers and wholesalers
Our experience helps us to quickly identify the right policies and insurers for your industry, without you having to decode complex policy terms alone.
A claims partner when you need it most
We’ll help you each and every step of the way, from interpreting policy wording, to gathering the evidence and navigating negotiations. Our aim is always to secure a fair and timely outcome. This level of care and customer service is just one reason why so many local businesses renew with us year after year.
FCA regulated, established and independently trusted
EIC Insurance is FCA regulated, so you can have the peace of mind that your broker is held to the highest professional standards. As we have offices in both Tring and London, we can combine local accessibility with professional scale, which many businesses appreciate.
Get in touch
Whether you want to review your existing commercial insurance, arrange a new policy or simply speak with a local expert, we are here to help. Simply give us a call today on 01442 286910, or send an enquiry.
Protecting your business starts with the right conversation, and we are ready when you are.
When you’re looking for business insurance in Berkhamsted, you want the right level of cover, so your people, your property and your business are protected. You also want to be ready for the unexpected. Working with a local broker who truly understands the area can make all the difference.
EIC Insurance is an independent insurance broker that has been operating since 1973, just down the road in Tring. We support businesses across Hertfordshire and the Home Counties with clear advice, tailored cover and genuinely personal service.
Our business is built on four core values: being collaborative, curious, diligent, and genuine, and they shape every interaction we have. They also help us to build strong, lasting relationships with local SMEs, no matter whether you’re a small startup on Berkhamsted High Street, a growing trades business, a property owner or a professional services firm. We provide the local knowledge and hands-on support that online comparison sites simply can’t offer.
In this article, we take a look at why choosing a local business insurance broker near Berkhamsted, like EIC, can help to protect your business more effectively, as well as giving you more confidence in your cover.
A trusted, local business insurance broker near Berkhamsted
Although EIC supports clients across the wider region, we’re Hertfordshire at heart. Operating from our base in Tring, we’ve spent over fifty years working closely with businesses in Berkhamsted and beyond, from small independent shops and tradespeople to property owners and growing SMEs.
This local expertise matters. Berkhamsted has a vibrant business community made up of independent retailers, hospitality venues, creative agencies, consultancies, trades, start-ups, tech firms and commercial landlords. All of these have different insurance needs, and a local broker like EIC is better placed to understand the unique risks and pressures facing these businesses.
And EIC doesn’t just know insurance. In fact, we understand Berkhamsted’s claims patterns and property landscape. For many businesses in the area, our local presence and the personal support we offer is part of why they choose EIC over national call-centre-style providers.
Why working with a local broker beats online comparison sites
If you’ve looked for business insurance online, you’ve likely come across comparison sites, which promise speed and simplicity. This can be tempting if you’re busy running your business, but they can fall short – many business owners only discover gaps in their cover when it’s time to claim, and by then it’s too late.
In contrast, we take the time to understand exactly how your business works. That means we learn about your employees, what you do, the assets you depend on and what could disrupt your operations. Our approach is tailored, not templated, and online comparison sites can’t offer the same kind of personal touch.
Most Berkhamsted businesses need a mix of core protections, tailored to their sector and risk profile, such as:
Public liability
Employers’ liability
Professional indemnity cover
Property or landlord insurance
Cyber liability, motor fleet, directors’ and officers’, business interruption and more
We work across all these areas and more. You’ll receive cover that reflects your real risk, not just the cheapest available option. Our breadth of experience and our local insight means that we can quickly identify what’s essential for your business, and where you may be paying for cover you don’t need.
Why Berkhamsted businesses benefit from a cover review
If you haven’t reviewed your business insurance for a while, you’re not the only one. Many SMEs simply renew policies each year without checking whether they still reflect their operations, but this can cause problems down the line.
A review with EIC can help you:
Identify gaps in your current cover
Make sure that your sums insured are correct
Remove any unnecessary costs
Update your cover to reflect business growth
Check the fine print on exclusions
Understand whether you’re under-insured
Business risks change over time. That’s why it’s important to regularly review and refresh your policy to ensure that you’re protected against the realities you face today, not the ones you faced a few years ago.
Get in touch
If you’ve got a business based in Berkhamsted and you’d like to review your existing business insurance, we are here to help – we can also arrange brand new policies, or simply offer advice. Just give us a call today on 01442 286910, or send an enquiry.
Protecting your business starts with the right conversation, and we are ready when you are.
I recently spent a week at EIC Insurance where I was able to spend time with most of the staff individually, learning about the different roles within the business such as Account Handlers and Executives who look after a book of clients, and the New Business Sales Executive who is responsible for developing new leads/business. I was also given a taste of the types of risks they deal with including Commercial Combined, Liability, Fleet, Property Owners, Home and Cyber.
The computer platform they use is Acturis Limited and I was shown things like how they input information to get a quote and send quotes and renewals to clients. I also spent time with the Accounts Manager where, under supervision, I was able to reconcile some client and insurer payments.
I was also lucky enough to experience a networking event. I accompanied one of the Account Executives to The Aylesbury Group networking lunch. This is an invitation only group of professional members holding senior positions in businesses in and around Aylesbury Vale. Here I ate a delicious lunch of sushi and mingled with different business owners and entrepreneurs. After the lunch we watched a presentation by a currency exchange business and completed a number of interactive activities.
I attended an online Cyber Security seminar hosted by CFC with some of the Account Executives. They spoke about the threats such as hacking and other cyber-attacks which can lead to financial losses, data breaches, and disruption of services. They pointed out the need to understand the nature of cyber-attacks and how defending against them is crucial in maintaining digital security. Cyber-attacks are deliberate exploits targeting information systems to gain unauthorised access, steal data, or cause harm. They can be executed through various means, including malware, phishing and ransomware attacks. Each method employs different techniques but shares the common goal of compromising digital security.
In addition to spending time with the team, I was able to complete some Online Work Experience which is supported by Chartered Insurance Institute
The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) is a professional body dedicated to promoting higher standards of competence and integrity in the insurance and financial services industry. Established in 1912, the CII provides education, training, qualifications, and professional development to individuals working in these sectors. Here’s an in-depth look at the Chartered Insurance Institute:
The CII's mission is to build public trust in insurance by raising professional standards. This is achieved through:
➔ Education and Training: Offering a comprehensive range of qualifications and training programs to help individuals develop their skills and knowledge.
➔ Professional Development: Providing continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities to ensure members keep up to date with industry changes and best practices.
➔ Ethics and Integrity: Promoting high standards of ethical behaviour and professionalism among its members.
The CII offers a variety of qualifications, from introductory to advanced levels, catering to different roles within the insurance and financial services industries:
The online programme gives a really good introduction to Insurance including the different types, how it works and why it is important. You can explore the different roles available within the insurance market, but I was also able to understand what an Insurance Broker is and why you should use a Broker.
Insurance Broking
What is it?
Insurance broking involves the act of brokering insurance policies on behalf of clients. Unlike agents who typically represent a single insurance company, brokers work with multiple insurers to offer a range of products. This gives clients access to a broader spectrum of options, ensuring a more tailored insurance solution.
Why Use an Insurance Broker?
➔ Expertise and Knowledge: Insurance brokers possess in-depth knowledge of the insurance market. They are well-versed in the intricacies of various policies and can offer professional advice on the most suitable options based on individual or business needs.
➔ Personalised Service: Brokers provide personalised services, taking the time to understand clients' unique circumstances and risks. This customised approach ensures that the coverage selected offers the best protection.
➔ Cost-Effective Solutions: By comparing policies from different insurers, brokers can find cost-effective solutions without compromising on coverage. Their ability to negotiate better terms can result in significant savings for clients.
➔ Claims Assistance: In the event of a claim, brokers assist clients through the process, advocating on their behalf to ensure fair and prompt settlements. This support can be invaluable during stressful times.
The Broking Process
The insurance broking process typically involves several key steps:
➔ Risk Assessment: Brokers conduct a thorough risk assessment to understand the client's exposure to potential losses. This involves analysing various factors such as business operations, personal assets, and health conditions.
➔ Market Research: Based on the risk assessment, brokers research the market to identify suitable insurance products. They compare policies from different insurers, considering factors like coverage, exclusions, and premiums.
➔ Recommendation and Placement: After evaluating the options, brokers present their recommendations to the client. Once the client makes a decision, the broker facilitates the placement of the insurance policy.
➔ Ongoing Support: Brokers provide ongoing support, monitoring the policy to ensure it continues to meet the client's needs. They also offer assistance with renewals and adjustments as circumstances change.
I was certainly surprised to learn that you really can insure against almost anything! He’s some fun facts…..
Whacky insurance facts
- Welsh singer Tom Jones insured his chest hair for £7 million.
- Alien abduction insurance is offered by a few companies up to £1.5 million in coverage
Many of these policies will also cover in case of a UFO crash
- The most expensive life insurance policy in the world belongs to famous American director Steven Spielberg which costs £12 million and the lead singer and bassist of the 70’s band Kiss, Gene Simmons insured his tongue for £1 million
- Coverage for werewolf and vampire attacks is available from Lloyds of London for customers concerned about such events
