• Some business insurances do not relate directly to vehicles or transport operations.
• Employers' Liability Insurance is compulsory by law.
• Other non-motor insurances are voluntary and should be considered according to the business's risks.

5.1 EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY INSURANCE

• Under the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, employers must insure against liability for death, injury or disease suffered by employees in the course of employment or arising from it.
• The source identifies exceptions to the normal requirement:
• Certain family members employed by the employer, such as husband, wife, parents, siblings and children.
• Employees not normally resident in Great Britain who work there for less than 14 days.
• Domestic servants employed solely to assist in running a private household.
• Certain employers are exempt, including local authorities other than parish councils and police authorities.
• The source notes substantial fines for failing to obtain required cover or failing to display certificates as prescribed.

5.2 PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

• Public liability insurance is voluntary.
• It protects individuals/businesses against claims, usually for negligence, from people suffering loss or damage.
• For transport businesses, claims can arise from drivers and vehicles being present on customers' premises.
• Typical areas of cover include:
• Defective loading – injury/damage caused by a load being shed because it was inadequately secured.
• Unlicensed or site risk – liability involving vehicles such as yard shunters used for on-site work.
• Property owners'/occupiers' liability – injury or property damage suffered by visitors on the operator's premises.
• First-aid treatment – claims arising from incorrect treatment given by an employee.
• Third-party fire risk – injury or property loss suffered by third parties because of fire at the premises.

5.3 FIRE INSURANCE

• Operators are strongly advised to insure against fire and to value insured property realistically.
• Cover may include:
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• Equipment, furniture, fixtures and fittings.
• Vehicle parts, stock and tools.
• Company goods in stock.
• Goods held in trust.
• Fire-debris removal costs.
• Public-authority property such as water pipes, gas mains and cables.
• Insurers will require reasonable fire precautions appropriate to the risk.
• A fire precaution plan may require insurer approval, especially for medium- and high-risk premises.
• Plans should include suitable fire-prevention equipment, such as sprinkler or drencher systems where required.
• Adequate means of escape must be provided.
• Staff training in the use of fire appliances can be beneficial.
• Fire plans should take account of visitors and everyday hazards such as smoking.

5.4 STORM AND FLOOD DAMAGE INSURANCE

• Operators should consider cover for storm and flood damage to property.
• The location of the premises is a major factor when deciding whether this insurance is necessary.

5.5 FIDELITY GUARANTEE INSURANCE

• Fidelity guarantee insurance, or bonding, protects an employer against loss of money or other property caused by fraud or dishonesty by employees named in the policy.
• Cover can apply where the employee acts alone or in collusion with others.
• It can protect employer property and property for which the employer is legally responsible.
• It is commonly relevant to driver/salesmen and drivers collecting money from customers.
• It can also cover loss of stock, stores or equipment.
• Claims are paid only where losses are proved to result from employee fraud or dishonesty.
• Some insurers may require prosecution of the employee as a condition of settlement.
• Unexplained shortages are not covered.
• The employer must demonstrate that systems, checks and supervision are adequate.
• Insurers may vet employees' character before accepting the proposal.
• Operators whose staff control significant cash or valuable property should assess the cost-benefit of this cover.

5.6 CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS INSURANCE

• Consequential loss insurance protects against loss of revenue or profitability following a major event such as fire or flood.
• It is also known as business interruption insurance.
• The purpose is to cover the financial effects of disruption to the business.

5.7 PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY

• Professional indemnity insurance protects a business/person against financial risks associated with claims arising from professional services.
• The source identifies examples including bad advice, false accusations and breaches of confidence.
• Remote/freelance Transport Managers may benefit from considering this cover.