BLOG: Down at the bottom of the garden...insuring the new office

Although the UK’s Covid-19 vaccination programme is now well underway, it is highly unlikely that we will see a full-scale return to the office as many employees recognise the benefits of more flexible working arrangements. This was highlighted at the end of last year by an Institute of Directors (IOD) survey that found that 74% of businesses surveyed would keep an increased level of home working, even once restrictions lift.

In seeking more comfortable home-working spaces, many individuals have turned to their back gardens, building fit-for-purpose offices or converting existing outbuildings into plush workspaces to enable them to continue working from home on a more permanent basis.

In a new blog published exclusively by Insurance Age, Amie Wright considers the insurance implications of such activities and outlines some of the things that brokers should be aware of when discussing their clients’ home insurance arrangements such as:

The nature of work to be conducted in the home office. If an insured is planning on holding stock or having clients in for meetings, their insurer needs to be aware as specialist covers may be needed.

The level of contents cover on the insured’s existing policy. Have the limits been increased to reflect the computer equipment, offices furnishings … the all-important coffee machine?

The materials used in the build. Some insurers may exclude buildings constructed from certain types of materials.

The level of works being carried out to construct the new building.  Buildings that are obviously undergoing some kind of work are at increased risk of burglary.

It’s clear that for many, the move to home-working is here to stay, and it’s important to ensure that clients are not exposed to increased risk as they develop their own offices.

To read Amie’s blog in full click here (subscription required)

If you want to talk to the team about your clients’ insurance needs, please contact 0207 553 0800