Why do fishmongers need insurance?
A customer becomes ill
Food safety is paramount when serving the public. Even when following food safety and hygiene regulations, mistakes can happen. Perhaps your fish is contaminated during preparation, or a refrigeration fault ruins fresh produce.
A customer could fall ill and claim that your fish caused the issue, seeking compensation for their illness, medical expenses, or lost wages. If you find yourself facing a claim, the right insurance can help cover the cost of defending or settling it.
An employee gets injured
Regardless of your commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment, accidents can happen. One of your employees might slip on a wet floor, injure their back while carrying heavy trays, or cut themselves on a sharp knife.
The right insurance cover can offer peace of mind and protection against work-related employee injury claims.
Your equipment gets damaged
Knives, tweezers, shears, and fridges are essential pieces of equipment you use daily. Protecting them can help ensure your business runs smoothly. A water leak might damage your refrigeration units, or valuable filleting knives might be stolen. Replacement costs can add up quickly.
The right insurance can help cover repair or replacement costs when your contents are lost, damaged, or stolen, helping to minimise disruption to your operations.
What insurance is available for fishmongers?
Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance can help protect you against the risks of serving the public. Customers, delivery drivers, and suppliers all interact with your business daily.
If someone slips on a wet floor due to melting ice or trips over discarded packaging, you may be held liable for injuries or damage to their property. If you find yourself facing a claim, public liability insurance can help to cover the costs of associated compensation and legal defence costs.
Employers’ liability insurance
Wet conditions, sharp knives, and heavy lifting can pose various risks for workplace injuries in a fishmonger’s shop.
Employers’ liability is legally required (external link) for most employers. Employers’ liability can protect you if one of your employees claims that they became ill or injured because of their work for you. This can include support for compensation or legal defence costs associated with claims.
Business contents insurance
Business contents insurance can help support your fishmonger’s business against the risk of loss, damage, or theft of items stored inside. A burst pipe might damage your produce, or a thief might steal your computer equipment.
Business contents insurance can help you replace damaged equipment or ruined stock, allowing you to get back to serving customers.
Hiscox Risk Academy
Hiscox Risk Academy is a free online portal available to all policyholders. It provides a suite of e-learning modules tailored to each business and their industry, covering topics such as fire risk management, employee wellbeing, and general health and safety.
Fishmongers can also access courses on food safety and food allergy awareness, as well managing risks related to slips, trips, and falls.
Not sure what you need? Tell us more about your fishmonger business. We want to hear what you do and the challenges you face.
Get a quoteInsurance for fishmongers: FAQs
Is business insurance mandatory for fishmonger businesses in the UK?
Employers’ liability insurance is the only mandatory business insurance (external link)policy for most fishmongers in the UK.
Do I need business insurance if I’m a self-employed fishmonger?
Employers’ liability insurance isn’t typically required for a self-employed fishmonger working alone.
However, since you work with and serve the public, the Fishmongers’ Company (external link) considers holding public liability insurance as best practice.
Does public liability insurance cover food poisoning?
While public liability can cover claims arising from your activities – e.g. slips and trips in your shop - products liability insurance can cover claims for food poisoning. Even if you don’t feel it’s your fault, this cover can help with the costs of defending and settling food poisoning claims.
Policy holders can improve their knowledge of health and safety risks through Hiscox Risk Academy's free courses, including Food Safety, Food Allergy Awareness, and Slips, Trips, and Falls Prevention.
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