Public liability insurance for dogs

Shabbycat

Hello,
I’m currently volunteer as a dog fosterer for a rescue kennel and have the qualification I need to get a dog boarding license. This year I’m home boarding a dog for two people so I can decide if I want to start a home boarding business. My earnings will be under £1000 so don’t require a license as yet and I think I don’t need to do a self assessment. I feel I should have public liability insurance?? Can I do this before I’ve registered as a sole trader? Can anyone recommend a company?? 

Thanks

DullGreyGuy

You're a sole trader from as soon as you start trading, the HMRC registration is only in relation to taxation not become a sole trader. Remember its £1,000 of revenue in a financial year before you must register, not profit. 

You can buy business insurance from whenever you like, there is no requirement for a business to have over £1,000 turnover to buy insurance. 

There is a lot less direct to buyer insurance in business compared to personal insurances... even this site/moneysupermarket use a broker (SimplyBusiness) rather than build anything that looks at prices outside of what that broker can offer. Check with a few online brokers and then maybe the few direct insurers like DirectLine4Business

Just remember that you are a business now and dont get the same level of statutory protections that a consumer gets!

Shabbycat

Thank you. Lots to think about.

sheramber

A Google search for dog boarding insurance will give you options.

Shabbycat

Great idea, thank you.