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All businesses are exposed to risks in their day-to-day operations. Without insurance cover to provide protection against some of these risks, businesses would find it difficult to operate efficiently and profitably.

All businesses that employ at least one person are legally required to have Employer’s Liability Insurance.

These days, many people are not afraid to seek compensation. No win - no fee advertisements encourage claims, and businesses need to protect themselves against liability claims that could run into millions of pounds. In addition, you could be held personally responsible and even face criminal charges if found negligent.

Adequate insurance is therefore not a luxury - it is an absolute necessity.

Health Insurance is probably one of the most important types of insurance you can own. Without it, an illness or accident can have serious long-term financial implications for you and your family.

Most people will be aware that Health Insurance can cover the cost of private medical treatment for any acute conditions you may suffer in the future. However, there are a number of other types of health-related insurance policies which are worthy of serious consideration including critical illness and income protection cover.

This provides income where you are ill or injured, and as a result your income through employment or your normal route stops.

It is designed to replace most of your net income.

Cover lasts for either a set term in whole years, or to a given age (typically your state retirement age). The amount you pay is called the premium. It can either be guaranteed not to change, or it can be reviewable. Reviewable cover normally changes based on the claims experience of the life assurance company.

The government levies tax on the value of a person’s estate, if their estate is worth more than the Nil Rate Band. 

The IHT ‘Nil Rate Band’ (NRB) is currently £325,000 (2023/2024) and many people are still getting caught in the trap of property inheritance tax as the threshold has not kept pace with the inflation of property prices, and so is affecting more and more people.

There is also an additional ‘main residence’ allowance ('Residence Nil Rate Band' (RNRB)) which applies if a person’s home is given to their children (including adopted, foster or stepchildren) or grandchildren. This is set at £175,000 (2023/2024) and is added to the IHT threshold providing a total allowance of £500,000 (2023/2024).

When a relative dies and leaves an estate worth more than £325,000 (2023/2024) or £500,000 (2023/2024) if the ‘main residence’ allowance applies, families are required to pay tax on the amount in excess of the NRB (and RNRB if applicable) within six months. After that, they are charged interest at a rate of 6.5% (2023/2024).