our heritage insurance
Talking Point
Sharing the latest news, views and information in the care, charity & heritage sectors.
What is heritage?
Heritage means different things to different people; some may define it as ‘listed buildings’ – but heritage buildings aren’t always listed.
We define heritage as ‘buildings, artefacts, monuments, sites or activities with archaeological, historic, architectural, cultural, engineering or scientific significance’ – for example, they can be sited in a conservation area or they may be modern, of unusual design or architectural merit.
We offer a dedicated heritage insurance product covering a diverse market. This allows you to bring a new dimension to your business whilst your customers benefit from dealing with a specialist insurer who understands the market and provides appropriate products, supported by value-added services.
Who is heritage commercial insurance suitable for?
Heritage commercial insurance is for anyone who owns and/or operates a business from a heritage property. Many rely on the heritage aspect of their properties to attract customers, but do not adequately protect them.
There are more heritage buildings than you may think, in most high streets, towns, cities and villages across the UK – browse our heritage insurance target business guides to find out more.
We now have an option to include insurance cover for personal and household contents, personal legal liability and family legal expenses. See the heritage commercial insurance with household summary of cover for further information.
Why Ecclesiastical for heritage insurance?
Ecclesiastical’s commitment to the heritage insurance market is long-standing. We insure more Grade I buildings than anyone else and 42 out of 43 cathedrals. We are also involved in 10 world heritage sites.
We were the first company to offer bespoke insurance for heritage properties, combining all the commercial covers required with specific cover to protect the heritage asset.
We have a broad risk appetite and quote on 8 out of 10 risks presented to us - we cover the building and heritage contents including collections and fine art.
We insure a wide range of businesses – from iconic risks such as Chatsworth House and The Eden Project to many small independent museums such as Penlee House as well as St Paul’s Café.
Our in-house survey and risk management team are heritage building experts, providing free building insurance valuations for cases over £2000 and bespoke risk management advice.
We have an enviable track record and were voted best heritage insurance provider by brokers. **
We constantly consult with brokers and customers when developing and reviewing the cover and services we offer, to ensure the result is a policy that offers real value and sets us apart in this specialist area.
What cover does it offer?
Research by our Survey team shows that only 28% of listed properties are correctly insured, with 17% significantly over-insured and a massive 55% under-insured.
We work with you and your clients to ensure risks are covered with a full appreciation of the insurance implications. Cover can include:
Contents, including antiques, exhibits and fine art
Business interruption
Employers’ liability
Public liability
Equipment breakdown
This is all backed by our great reputation for settling claims swiftly and fairly – with 92% of our customers very or extremely satisfied with our claims service.*
We work closely with brokers to help them develop business within our niches. Visit Ezone to access template prospecting letters written by marketing professionals to help get you started.
For further information use the related documents links above or visit our online literature library. If you have any further questions contact your local regional centre.
*Source: Claims satisfaction survey 2008, Ecclesiastical
**Source: FWD independent market research 2008
