Help ? It is important to list all tenant's trades as different occupations will have different fire rates. High fire rate trades include those that use nakes flames, such as restaurants or welders. Also businesses that carry combustible materials, such as timber suppliers, sofa retailers etc. Besides the fire risk, there are other trades which may pose underwriters different concerns, such as pollution or environmental issues.

Help ? The building sum insured must reflect the full cost of re-building the property should it be completely destroyed in an insured event. The sum insured should include allowances for removal of debris, architects fees together with any outbuildings, walls and fences etc. The current market value should not be used.

Help ? Many properties may take a considerable time to re-build or repair after an insured event. In this case, inflation may push up the final bill to an amount greater that the original sum insured, leaving the policyholder out of pocket. 'Day One' Inflation protection makes an allowance for this.

Help ? Following damage to the property, it is likely that lease agreements will allow tenants to withhold all or part of the rent payments, until the property is restored. nIndeed, in the case of siginificant damage, it is likely that the tenant will find alternate premises. Loss of rent cover will indemnify this.

Help ? Property owners liability is typically a standard section of most property policies. The standard £1,000,000 indemnity can normally be increased to £2M or £5M if required. The higher limits are necessary when the potential injuries or damages caused by the property could be significant. e.g. A large number of people could be trapped in the building during a fire.

Help ? All risks cover is the widest commonly available, although will still have typical exclusions such as terrorism, asbestos etc. We generally quote all risks as standard, although a minor saving is available for standard perils (which does not cover accidental damage), or subsidence. Basic fire perils are typically only given to unoccupied properties or for those in unusual circumstances.

Help ? Terrorism is a standard exclusion of all commercial insurance policies. When cover for terrorism is required, this can be taken though your insurance company, although it is actually reinisured by the Government fund, Pool Re. IMPORTANT: If you opt for terrorism cover with Pool Re, you must ensure that all your properties have this extension otherwise they will consider the cover void. Alternate cover for terrorism insurance is available through Lloyds of London, which does not have this same stipulation.

Help ? Following damage to the property, it is likely that lease agreements will allow tenants to withhold all or part of the rent payments, until the property is restored. Indeed, in the case of siginificant damage, it is likely that the tenant will find alternate premises. Loss of rent cover will indemnify this.

Help ? Employer's liability insurance is a statutory requirement if you have any employees. Employment law is complex and even times when you instruct a contractor to carry out work on you behalf, you may be deemed to be their employer under certain circumstances. See www.hse.gov.uk

Help ? Insurers must be informed of all instances of flat roofs, even if they are only small areas. Flat roofs are notorious for failing due to storm damage and insurers will often charge an additional premium for buildings that have a significant proportion. Insurers typically also impose an inspection warranty, where the flat roof must be inspected by a competent contractor every one to three years.

Help ? Please tell us any details that you feel the insurers would like to know. If there is something you are not sure worth mentioning, it is best to tell us anyway. Insurance contracts place the onus on the customer to tell the insurer all material facts, whether the insurer ask the right questions or not.