Saaniya Shafqat

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How Big A Problem Is Tool Theft?

Nearly £100 million worth of tools were stolen last year, with many tool thefts going unreported.
Vans are prime targets, with thieves using lock-picking tools, peel-and-steal methods and electronic key hacking to break in. Tool theft insurance is more important than ever, as stolen tools leave tradespeople unable to work and facing expensive replacements. See article –
Source: BBC News

Recovery rates are shockingly low and replacing stolen tools can be financially crippling. The rise in second-hand tool sales on online marketplaces and social media has made it easier than ever for thieves to profit.

The Challenge With The Law

Despite tool theft being a huge issue, it’s rarely a top priority for police. Cases are often closed without investigation and even when thieves are caught, penalties are minimal.

Right now, there’s no specific legal classification for theft of tools—it simply falls under general theft offences. Campaigners are calling for tougher deterrents, including harsher punishments for repeat offenders.

A proposed Theft of Tools of Trade Bill (introduced in December 2024) aims to:

Extend anti-theft measures to essential trade tools.
Regulate resale markets to stop stolen tools from being sold online.
Introduce harsher penalties for tool thieves.

But until these changes happen, tradespeople remain at risk of having their ability to work taken away from them.

Where Do The Stolen Tools End Up?

Online marketplaces – Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Gumtree make it easy for stolen tools to be resold, as proof of ownership isn’t required.
Car boot sales & local markets – Many stolen tools are sold at car boot sales, with buyers often unaware they’re purchasing stolen goods.

Without stricter regulations, the cycle of theft continues – so let’s hope the bill gets through Parliament. It had a second reading in April.

You Need To Protect Your Tools With Insurance

With tool theft on the rise, having the right theft of tools insurance can make all the difference. While we don’t offer a stand-alone tool theft insurance policy, we can add it as an extension to a commercial insurance or small business insurance – which is the case with most insurers. Get in touch with the team at David J Miller to find out how we can help protect your tools and more importantly your livelihood.

What Insurance Would David Attenborough Need?

Saaniya Shafqat Insurance Brokers

(Spoiler: Probably not cover for a T-Rex encounter – although we wouldn’t rule it out entirely.)

As our national treasure Sir David Attenborough celebrates his 99th birthday and his latest film ‘Ocean’ gets released today, we couldn’t help wonder: what kind of insurance would a legendary broadcaster, naturalist and globe-trotter like him actually need? Just for fun of course…

Here’s what we came up with:

Travel Insurance (with serious range!)

He’s been to some of the most remote corners of the Earth. A policy with excellent medical cover, evacuation and cancellation protection would be essential – especially when filming near volcanoes, glacier or…komodo dragons.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Even national treasures need to be covered for claims around advice, creative work, or media production. Imagine the cost of re-recording hours of narration in that iconic voice!

Home Insurance

Sir David may have spent more time in the wild than most, but he’ll still need solid home and contacts cover. Especially with all those rare fossils, priceless books and possibly the occasional giant tortoise sculpture.

Public Liability Insurance

When you’re as loved and as visible as Attenborough, there’s always a camera or crowd nearby. Public liability would protect him if he caused an accident resulting in an injury to a member of the public

Specialist Cover for Collectors

With decades of natural history under his belt, he probably owns some unique artefacts. A tailored insurance policy could protect these one-of-a-kind treasures.

Happy 99th Birthday Sir David!

You’ve inspired generations to care about the world around us – and shown us that being passionate, curious and kind never goes out of style. We’ll cover the risks, so the rest of us can go out and explore (or at least, watch you do it).

Tattoo Insurance That Covers More Than Just Ink

Saaniya Shafqat Insurance Brokers

Tattooing is more than a trend – it’s a growing industry and a way of life for many artists across the UK. But whether you’re creating stunning sleeves or delicate fine-line designs, one thing’s for sure: the insurance for your tattoo business should be as specialised as your craft.

If you’re a tattoo artist or body piercer, you’ll want insurance cover that works for you and your business and that’s where we come in.

We’ve been around since 1965, working with businesses big and small. Over the years, we’ve built a solid reputation for offering tailored, competitive cover – and when it comes to tattooist and body piercing insurance, we know our stuff.

Whether you’re a studio owner, have a team of artists or work solo as a self-employed technician, we’ll help you get the right protection in place – including that for cosmetic tattooing and piercing work.

Why Getting The Right Advice Matters

Insurance can be a bit overwhelming. We regularly hear from people who’ve bought policies online only to realise later they weren’t covered correctly.

One common mistake? Assuming public liability insurance includes treatment risk insurance. It doesn’t – they’re two separate types of cover. If you’re carrying out treatments on clients, treatment risk is essential and should be considered and added to your policy.

That’s why it pays to speak to someone who understands the tattoo industry to help arrange cover to suit your specific requirements.

Every studio and artist is different and your policy should reflect that. Here’s a look at the key things your specialised tattoo insurance should provide cover for:-

Treatment Risk Insurance

This protects you against claims from clients who suffer injury, allergic reactions or infections following a treatment – like tattooing, body piercing or cosmetic work. It can be arranged for self-employed artists or by studio owners for their staff.

This is a package-style policy covering your business as a whole. It can include:

Public Liability Insurance
Employers Liability Insurance – A legal requirement if you have staff.
Contents Insurance – For your machines, chairs, stock and tools.
Buildings Cover – If you own your premises.
Business Interruption – If something stops you trading.

Also referred to as tattoo parlour insurance or tattoo shop insurance – it’s all the same thing, just tailored to your studio setup.

Body Piercing Insurance

If you also offer body piercing, this can be built in to your policy. Just like tattooing, you’ll need treatment risk insurance to cover claims from injuries or infections caused by treatments.

Cover For Local Authority Registration

If you’re offering tattooing or cosmetic piercing, you’ll need proof of public liability insurance when registering wit your local council – whether you own your studio or rent a space.

We’ll make sure you’ve got everything sorted to get registered smoothly and meet all the requirements.

Final Thoughts: Ink Smart, Insure Smarter

Tattooing is your passion – but it’s also your business. We make the process easy, offering clear advice and cover that fits your business.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been inking for years, we’ll help protect your tools, your clients and your reputation with straightforward, affordable specialised tattoo insurance that works as hard as you do. We’re here to help so get in touch with the team today!

Fete Insurance Essentials

Saaniya Shafqat Insurance Brokers

Fetes are a fantastic way to bring communities together, boost local spirit and provide a fun day out for all ages.

However whilst they offer plenty of entertainment, they also come with risks that organisors must consider. With various activities, food stalls and large crowds, accidents can happen-and without the right fete insurance cover in place, you could be left facing costly claims. Call them what you want – fete, fayre, family fun day, community event, parish gathering, or even school fun days. No matter what you call it, the need for insurance remains the same to protect organisors and attendees alike.

Why Do You Need Fete Insurance?

No matter how well an event is planned, unforeseen incidents can occur. From accidental damage to third-party property to injuries suffered by attendees, there are numerous risks that could lead to legal claims. Public liability insurance may be a contractual requirement if you are using council owned land or a hired venue, whilst employers’ liability insurance is necessary if you have volunteers or staff assisting you.

Having the right insurance for your fete ensures you have protection in place should an accident or incident occur. Additionally, adverse weather or unforeseen circumstances could result in financial losses if the event is cancelled. A tailor-made event insurance provides essential protection, giving you peace of mind so you can focus on delivering a successful event.

What Does Fete Insurance Cover?

Our fete insurance policies can be tailored to meet the needs of event organisers, covering range of potential risks, including options such as:-

Public Liability Insurance – Covers injury to third parties or damage to their property. Most councils and venue providers will insist on it and will have a minimum level of cover required (you will need to find out).
Employers’ Liability Insurance – Required if you have staff, volunteers or temporary workers under your control, protecting you against claims made due to injury or negligence.
Event Equipment Insurance – Protects any event equipment owned or hired in case it’s damaged or stolen.
Event Cancellation Insurance – Provides financial protection if your event has to be cancelled, postponed or abandoned due to unforeseen circumstances. An extension could also be arranged to cover cancellations caused by adverse weather conditions.

Protect Your Event Today

Every year, thousands of fetes take place across the UK at different times of the year, often organised by dedicated committees or individuals volunteering their time. Our fete event insurance team is here to help ensure you have the right level of protection, allowing you to focus on making your fete a memorable occasion for all the right reasons.

For more information about insurance for your fete and to get a quote tailored to your needs, contact the team at David J Millers today.

Do You Have The Right Golf Club Insurance?

Saaniya Shafqat Insurance Brokers

Many golf clubs believe that a standard insurance policy will provide the protection they need, but this isn’t always the case. While a general commercial insurance policy may seem suitable at first glance, it often doesn’t cover the unique risks that golf clubs might face. We receive enquiries from golf clubs who believe their insurance policy is sufficient. However, in many of the cases, we discover that these clubs are either under insured or paying for cover they don’t need. This can leave golf clubs exposed to potential financial risks or lead to unnecessary premiums.

This issue arises from the fact that many golf clubs are bundled into a one-size-fits-all commercial sports insurance policy. These general policies are designed to cover a broad range of sports clubs or commercial licensed premises but they do not address the specific risks faced by a golf course/clubhouse as they have distinct requirements.

Tailored Golf Course Insurance

The key to ensuring you are fully protected in a tailor-made golf insurance policy. We don’t offer generic insurance solutions; David J Miller provides policies that can be custom-built for your club’s needs. This means you’ll only pay for what you need while benefiting from the full protection your course deserves.

A standard policy might leave gaps in cover or include unnecessary elements but with tailored golf course insurance, you have the flexibility to add cover where it matters most. For example, if your golf course has valuable artwork or trophies on display, these can be included in your policy. If you need protection for irrigation systems or golf buggies, we can arrange that too. You also have the option of adding on hole-in-one cover for competitions, liability protection for members and guests and even business interruption indemnity to protect against unforeseen closures.

You can opt to cover contents and computer equipment, course furniture and outdoor property, or even liability cover for members, guests and green fee players. These are all important areas that should be considered but a standard policy may not offer cover for your specific situation.

Plus, options like directors’ and officers’ liability, employee liability and contractors’ all-risks cover are also crucial to ensure your club is fully protected. We understand that golf clubs often host events like weddings or corporate functions, so we also offer cancellation and abandonment cover ensuring that your club is covered following cancellation of a planned event.

The Importance Of Expert Advice

A golf club/course is a complex environment with diverse needs and one-size-fits-all policies simply can’t provide the level of cover required. At David J Miller, we are committed to saving you money whilst offering full protection. Our no-obligation free insurance review service can help identify any gaps in your existing policy and ensure you’re not paying for unnecessary extras. Whether you need to increase cover in specific areas or tailor your policy to remove things you don’t need, we’ll work with you to create the perfect policy for your club.

To get started, simply get in touch with us today where our team of experts are on hand to help you find the right golf club insurance policy for your club’s needs.

The Importance Of Home Maintenance

Saaniya Shafqat home insurance, Insurance Brokers

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so it makes sense to take good care of it. While home insurance covers unexpected damage, general wear and tear isn’t included – your HOME INSURER will expect you to maintain and keep your home in good condition. Keeping on top of maintenance and sorting small repairs early can save you money in the long run.

Home Maintenance Tips

Some tasks should be done weekly and monthly, while others are best tackled seasonally as the weather changes.

Spring Jobs To Tick Off

As the weather warms up and the days get longer, it’s a great time to check your home after winter. Here are a few key things to look out for:

Check your roof for damage: Cold winter temperatures
Clear gutters and drains – Moss, leaves and debris can block gutters, causing damp problems if rainwater can’t flow away properly.
Check your chimney – Birds start nesting in spring, so if you’ve had issues before, now’s the time to get a chimney cowl fitted to prevent them from getting stuck or making a home in there.
Inspect brickwork and air bricks – Frost and ice can damage bricks and mortar, letting water in. Also, make sure air bricks are clear to help prevent damp.
Check windows and doors – Look for rotting seals, missing mastic or putty which might need attention to prevent ingress of water and any peeling paintwork that might need freshening up.
Inspect TV aerials and satellite dishes – Windy weather can loosen fittings, so check everything is secure.

A little home maintenance now can prevent small problems becoming bigger, costlier problems later – your home (and your wallet) will thank you for it!

We are able to provide great rates on your home insurance including both home contents and buildings insurance so why not get in touch with the David J Miller team today and let’s see what we can do!

Unexpected Benefits You May Be Covered For Under Your Car Insurance

Saaniya Shafqat Car Insurance

Car insurance can be full of surprises – some policies cover more than you’d expect and for once, it might be a nice surprise!

Fuel – Putting the wrong fuel in to your car

It happens more often than you’d think – a quick lapse in concentration and suddenly your diesel car is sipping petrol. A costly mistake!

Many motor insurers won’t cover this kind of distraction but some will, potentially saving you a hefty bill.

Top tip – If it happens – don’t start the engine! Your best bet might be using your breakdown cover or calling a specialist to drain the tank. It could cost less than your insurance excess, so it’s worth checking to see if cover is available under your policy and then look at the options.

Child Car Seats – are they covered?

Parents know all too well that child car seats don’t come cheap. But did you know that after an accident (even if there’s no visible damage) they should be replaced?

Some car insurance companies will cover the cost of a new one if it’s part of a claim for damage or loss to your car. If yours was particularly pricey, it’s worth keeping hold of the receipt, just in case you need to prove its value.

Scams – Would you be covered?

Scammers are getting sneakier and car sellers are a prime target. Whether it’s someone driving off with your car on a test drive or paying with fake cash, fraudsters have plenty of tricks up their sleeves.

While some car insurance policies will cover ‘theft by deception‘, others won’t, so it’s crucial to check your policy details. If you’re selling your car privately, be extra cautious. Using a trusted dealer or requesting payment via direct bank transfer can help you avoid becoming a victim.

Gadgets – What is actually covered?

Your car’s factory fitted tech, like touchscreens and parking cameras, is usually covered under your insurance. But what about removable gadgets like sat navs, dash cams etc.?

Most car insurance companies offer cover under personal possessions and fitted accessories but only up to a certain value, so double-check your policy.

If you regularly carry expensive items in your car, we recommend adding them to your home insurance. However, you should also check your home insurance includes cover for your property away from your home address and includes cover in your personal vehicles. Of course, no matter how well insured you are, don’t leave valuables in plain sight. Take them with you or keep them hidden to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Thieves are always on the lookout!

Policy Wording – We recommend to ALWAYS check this

No two insurers are the same so what’s covered by one might not be covered by another. That’s why it’s always important to check your policy wording – this will outline exactly what’s included in your cover.

If you’re not sure, the team at David J Millers are always on hand to help so get in touch!

Making Sure You’re Fully Covered: The Costa Concordia disaster

Saaniya Shafqat Insurance Brokers

The Costa Concordia disaster is one of the most infamous maritime accidents in recent times.

On January 13, 2012, the luxury cruise liner Costa Concordia, operated by Costa Cruises, ran aground near Giglio Island, Italy. The ship struck a submerged rock while performing a “salute” manoeuvre – a close pass to the island – tearing a 53-meter (174-foot) hole in its hull. Water flooded the engine rooms, causing a catastrophic loss of power and stability.

Within hours, the ship capsized and partially sank, coming to rest on its side in shallow waters. Of the 4,229 people on board, 32 tragically lost their lives and dozens were injured.

The Costa Concordia disaster was largely attributed to human error. Captain Francesco Schettino deviated from the planned course to perform a close pass to Giglio Island, reportedly as a favour to someone onshore. This reckless manoeuvre brought the ship dangerously close to submerged rocks. During the emergency, poor communication and flawed decision-making further escalated the situation, leaving passengers and crew ill-prepared to handle the unfolding crisis.

The lack of protocol adherence became evident during the chaotic evacuation. Many passengers were unaware of assembly points or proper procedures, leading to confusion and delays. Additionally, the crew faced criticism for their insufficient training in handling such emergencies, which further hindered efforts to manage the disaster effectively.

The Costa Concordia was heavily insured under multiple policies, with total losses estimated at over $2 billion, making it one of the costliest maritime insurance claims in history.

Hull and Machinery Insurance: Covered the ship’s total loss. The Costa Concordia was valued at approximately $570 million.

Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Insurance: Covered the compensation claims which included – Payments to victims’ families

Compensation for passengers’ injuries and trauma

Reimbursement for lost personal belongings.

Environmental Liability Coverage: Addressed the massive cost of removing the shipwreck and mitigating pollution risks. Salvage operations alone cost over $1.2 billion! It was the most expensive and complex in history using an intricate method called “parbuckling” to rotate the ship upright which took a year of preparation. She was then refloated and towed to a scrapyard in Genoa for dismantling.

Business Interruption Insurance: Covered the revenue losses due to the ship’s destruction and reputational damage.

Captain Francesco Schettino was convicted of multiple charges, including manslaughter, causing a maritime disaster and abandoning ship. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

His actions became the focal point of blame, though systemic issues within Costa Cruises were also highlighted. It remains a stark reminder of the consequences of poor decision-making, inadequate training and safety oversights. It also highlighted the vital role of comprehensive insurance in addressing financial and environmental damages after such a catastrophic event.

Whilst we appreciate it’s unlikely you will be responsible for steering a cruise ship, it is essential you have adequate cover in place to protect your business (regardless of its size), home, event etc. should you suffer a catastrophic incident. The David J Miller team would welcome the opportunity to carry out an appraisal of your insurance arrangements and requirements so please get in touch and we would be happy to assist.

Rechargeable Batteries Fire Risk

Saaniya Shafqat home insurance, Insurance Brokers

Lithium batteries are everywhere these days because they offer a lot of advantages over older battery types. They’re lightweight, charge quickly and have a high energy density, meaning they can power devices for longer without making them bulky. That makes them ideal for everything from smartphones and laptops to electric scooters/bikes and power tools. Plus, they’re rechargeable and have a relatively long lifespan, making them more cost-effective in the long run. The downside? They can be sensitive to overheating or damage, which is why you sometimes hear about fire risk safety concerns.

Case Study

A third floor flat in a six-storey building was destroyed by the fire. One man was rescued from the building by firefighters using a fire escape hood due to the toxicity of the fire. Around 30 people were evacuated from the building by the Metropolitan Police Service.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the catastrophic failure of a lithium battery pack for an e-bike that was on charge. Occupants of the flat where the fire started used both electronic bikes and scooters for their employment and several lithium batteries were either stored or on charge.

Here Are Some Tips Recommended By The London Fire Brigade To Mimimise Fire Risk

Use the right charger – Always use the charger that came with the device or a manufacturer-approved one. Cheap, non-branded chargers can be risky.

Avoid overcharging – Unplug devices once fully charged to prevent overheating and reduce battery strain.

Don’t charge on flammable surfaces – Avoid charging on beds, sofas or under pillows where heat can build up.

Watch the temperature – Keep devices away from direct sunlight or extreme cold while charging.

Look for warning signs – If a battery is swelling, overheating or emitting a burning smell, stop using it immediately.

Avoid physical damage – Dropped or punctured batteries can become dangerous, so handle devices with care. Batteries can ignite several days or weeks after the initial damage has occurred.

Never charge unattended or while asleep – If something goes wrong, you need to be able to act quickly.

Avoid charging in escape routes – Hallways and doorways should stay clear in case of an emergency. If possible, charge/store outdoors or in a shed but if this isn’t possible, make sure it’s in a room where you can shut the door and contain the fire.

We hope you find this useful as we don’t want any unnecessary risks being taken but having household insurance does give you peace of mind should the worst happen.

Through our relationships with the UK’s leading insurers, we can provide great rates on your home insurance including both home contents and buildings insurance so why not get in touch with the David J Miller team today and let’s see what we can do!

What Insurance Do Tradespeople Need?

Saaniya Shafqat Insurance Brokers

When you’re a tradesperson, it’s essential to know what insurance you need to protect yourself, your team and your business. Some types of insurance are legal requirements, while others are optional but can provide peace of mind. Let’s break it down:

Motor Insurance – If you use vehicles for your work, having the right motor insurance is a legal must. Your cover needs to reflect the jobs you do and what you transport in your vehicle. You can go to our dedicated car insurance page to learn more.

The Motor Insurance Bureau works with the police to inspect commercial vehicles. If you’re found transporting anything not declared to your insurer your cover could be voided. This could lead to a hefty fine, points on your licence and your vehicle will be impounded until you produce correct insurance documents.

Be upfront with your insurer about the type of goods you carry for the types of jobs you do, especially if your work has diversified in recent years.

Goods in Transit Insurance – Offers protection for the goods you are carrying with the main risks being fire, theft and damage caused by impact.

Liability Insurance

Employers’ Liability – If you employ anyone, this is a legal requirement. You can be fined everyday if you are not properly insured.

Public Liability – Essential for most trades, it covers businesses and individuals in the event of claims that may arise from injury, death or property damage to a third party.

Product Liability – If you manufacture or sell products, this covers claims related to those goods.

Professional Indemnity (PI) – If you provide advice or services that clients rely on, PI insurance is highly recommended. For some trades and professions, it’s a regulatory requirement. This cover protects you against claims for financial loss caused by advice or services you provide.

Tools and Equipment Insurance – Your tools are essential to your work and replacing them all at once can be costly if they’re stolen or damaged. Make sure your policy covers:

The full value of all your tools.
Specialist tools you hire for specific jobs.

Specialist Insurance

Depending on your trade, there are other specialist insurance options you may consider? Cover options for example: –

Cyber Insurance
Directors & Officers Insurance
Business Interruption

Why Choose Us?

Navigating the world of insurance can feel overwhelming, but that’s where we come in. As experienced brokers, we’re here to guide you through your options, ensuring you get the right cover at a competitive price.

Insurance policies can often include terms and apply conditions that you need to comply with. We will bring these to your attention so that you are fully aware of any additional policy requirements.

Let us take the stress out of insurance, so you can focus on what you do best.

Get in touch with the David J Miller team today for expert advice tailored to your business needs!