Lloyds TSB Insurance Services – Business insurance whatever your needs

At Lloyds TSB Insurance, we know how important your business is to you. You've invested a lot of time and money into it, and we want to help you make it a success. That's why Essential Business Insurance was created - designed to help ensure your business has the right kind of insurance protection

Essential Business Insurance which is arranged, administered and underwritten by AXA Insurance UK plc, offers you:

• Interest-free monthly direct debits
• Quick, specialist service, tailored to your needs
• Quotations, cover and claims over the phone
• Flexible range of business insurance options

To find out more, visit http://www.lloydstsbbusinessinsurance.co.uk or call 0800 068 1591.

As part of the package for businesses, we've also incorporated Essential Business Advice , a service that keeps you up to date with the rules and regulations you need to know to run your business properly and even gives you the reassurance of legal protection up to £50,000 per year'.

To find out more, call 0800 056 2233 and quote EBA09 or go to www.essential4business.co.uk

Lloyds TSB Insurance - Supporting your business

Our research has found that one in four small businesses are taking unnecessary risks by not having adequate insurance cover to protect them should the worst happen – and w ith so many things to think about each day, business insurance may not be something you've considered.

Different businesses have different business insurance needs so it's vital you take time out to get the right protection to suit your business' individual requirements.

W e've prepared a list of top tips to help you take the first steps to protect your business:

Lloyds TSB Insurance's 10 point guide to shopping around for Small to Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) insurance

1. Know your worth – It's crucial that you total up the replacement value of the various elements of your business including items such as premises, machinery, contents, stock, IT equipment and vehicles.
2. Know your risks – Recent Lloyds TSB Insurance research highlighted that a worryingly high percentage of restaurants (40%) and hairdressers (25%) * do not have cover in place for fire damage which could be disastrous.
3. Check the level of cover – ensure your policy offers flexible cover based on your insurance needs.
4. Covering all the bases -  Our research has shown that over half of van users leave valuable tools and equipment in their vans overnight which if stolen, would not be covered by most insurance policies.
5. Business interruption cover – check that your policy includes this valuable protection which will cover loss of income whilst your business is out of action and you're getting back on your feet.
6. Check the exclusions – not all policies are created equal so make sure you're aware of the exclusions.  For example, make sure you're aware of the relevant security requirements.
7. Payment options – See if your policy allows you to spread the cost of your insurance at no extra charge across the year.
8. Discounts – it can sometimes be cost effective to keep all your eggs in one basket! 
9. Customer services – It's essential that you have confidence in the company you choose. A quick call to Essential Business Insurance customer claims service can have your business back on its feet as quickly as possible saving time better spent actually running the business.
10. Help in the event of an emergency – advice can be equally important as cash in the event of an emergency so make sure your prospective insurer offers such assistance.  There is a dedicated Essential Business Advice 24 hour legal helpline, 365 days a year.  A team of fully qualified professionals can also offer advice on day-to-day business issues such as health & safety, employment law and disputes with suppliers and customers.

* - Research undertaken by Tickbox 2005