Business owners, so you think you’re insured properly: 5 things to check
Whoever said, “You can never have too much insurance” obviously never had to pay the premiums. Still, there’s no denying the fact you need it to protect your business and its assets.
So you probably have building and contents, public liability and public indemnity insurance. But what else should you get cover for? What else can you get cover for?
The answer to the first question really depends on the type of business you own. As for what you can get cover for, you may be surprised.
Here are five types of insurance every business should consider:
Business Interruption insurance
If there’s a fire at the premises, chances are your building and contents insurance will cover it. But while everything’s being rebuilt/repaired/replaced, you’re not making any money.
Business Interruption can cover you for loss of profit, ongoing staff costs and additional operating costs (e.g. temporarily relocating to another premises).
Goods in Transit insurance
You may have the stock you have on the premises insured, but what about the stock that’s in transit? Whether you’re buying it, selling it or just using it, your business could suffer if it’s lost or damaged.
With Goods in Transit insurance, you’re covered whether it’s coming or going by ship, air, post, rail or road.
Burglary insurance
While your contents insurance probably covers you against fire, flood, malicious damage and other perils, it may not cover you if your goods are stolen. And if your business involves a property you don’t always have attended, that could be a serious risk.
But with Burglary insurance, your goods are covered if they’re taken from your premises.
Product Liability insurance
No-one goes out of their way to sell a product that will harm people or property. But accidents can happen. There may be a glitch in production, or a misprint in the instruction manual, or the customer may have simply used your product the wrong way.
And that accident can result in legal action.
Product Liability insurance covers you against claims of injury, death or damage from goods you sell, supply, deliver, repair or service.
Employment Practices Liability insurance
While you’d never purposely upset your employees, there may come a time when they feel unhappy enough about their work situation to take legal action.
Employment Practices Liability insurance covers you for any damages or costs resulting from accusations of discrimination, unfair dismissal, harassment or other situations.
As you can see, when it comes to insuring your business you have a lot of options. A combination of bad luck and not being insured for one of the above scenarios could cost your business dearly.
It pays to sit down with a risk insurance advisor on a regular basis and review which insurances—the obvious and the not so obvious—you should consider. Even if you decide not to take out insurance in these additional areas of risk, an annual insurances review can make sure you’re neither under- nor over-insured.
This might save you money on premiums.
It will definitely add to your peace of mind.
Get in touch and we’ll make a time to sit down with you and review your business’ insurance needs.
Need help with your accounting?
Set business goals you’ll actually hit. Track what matters, review often, celebrate wins, and make growth intentional. Read today’s article to learn more.
Understand the difference between major and minor building defects before you buy. Learn what’s serious, what’s wear and tear, and avoid costly surprises.
Thinking of starting a small business? Before you dive in, make sure your foundations are set: structure, ATO registrations, super, and workers comp. We’ve put together a simple guide to help you get started.
The Australian Government’s expanded 5% Deposit Scheme, which commenced on October 1, offers a fast-tracked path to home ownership for many aspiring buyers. By drastically reducing the deposit required and eliminating Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), this program aims to unlock the door to your very own home sooner than ever thought possible. However, like any major economic policy, it has significant implications that buyers and taxpayers must consider. Here is a breakdown of how the scheme works, who qualifies, and what the potential impact could be on the property market. What is the 5% Deposit Scheme and how does it work? The scheme is designed to make home ownership more achievable, particularly for those struggling to save a 20% deposit. Low Deposit: The home buyer secures a loan with a minimum deposit of 5% (for First Home Buyers) or 2% (for single parents/legal guardians). Government Guarantee: Instead of the buyer paying LMI (which protects the lender), the Australian Government provides a guarantee to a Participating Lender. This guarantee allows the lender to provide a home loan covering up to 95% or 98% of the home's value without the usual LMI fee. No LMI: The buyer avoids paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance, significantly reducing upfront costs. Key features of the expanded program include no income caps, as well as unlimited spots and no waiting list. The Scheme also makes a wider choice of home types available (houses, apartments, house/land packages, vacant land with a building contract, new or existing homes). It’s not just for first home buyers!
Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year—it can also be one of the most expensive. The key to enjoying the festive season and reducing the risk of financial stress is careful planning. As your financial partners at Ascent Accountants, we want you to focus on what truly matters—time with friends, family, and peace of mind. Six essential budgeting tips to help you take control of your Christmas spending. 1. Make a detailed budget list. The sooner you start, the more control you have. Begin by listing every expense you anticipate, including gifts, food, clothes, travel, and entertainment. Once you have your total, check it against your available funds. If the total feels too high, look at where you can cut back or spread the cost. Being realistic from the beginning prevents surprises later. 2. Prioritise what truly matters (and pay your priority debts!). When money is tight, focus your funds on the essentials and the things that genuinely bring the most joy. Order your list by priority (e.g., gifts for children first, then shared family meals, then travel). It’s okay—and essential—to say 'no' to extras that don’t fit your budget. Always consider your priority payments and debts before any other Christmas spending. Priority debts, like rent, electricity, or car insurance, must always come first as they significantly impact your day-to-day life if left unpaid. 3. Be cautious with credit and 'Buy Now, Pay Later' arrangements. It's tempting to use a credit card or a Buy Now, Pay Later option, especially when promotions promise delayed payments. However, small instalments add up quickly, and missing a payment can result in fees and/or negatively impact your credit record. If you do use credit, only borrow what you can comfortably afford to repay, and make a solid plan to pay it off as soon as possible in the new year. 4. Compare prices & shop smart. Always take time to research before you buy. Comparing online and in-store prices can result in significant savings. Be wary of high-pressure sales events like Black Friday, which often encourage impulse spending. Before purchasing, ask yourself three questions: Do I really need this? Is this on my original budget list, or is it extra? Is this truly a bargain if I don't actually need it? 5. Suggest a 'Secret Santa'. If your family or friend group has traditionally bought gifts for everyone, suggest switching to a Secret Santa arrangement. Setting a sensible spending limit or pooling funds for one thoughtful gift makes things easier and less expensive for everyone. Often, homemade gifts or vouchers for experiences are more meaningful and last longer in the memory than expensive presents. 6. Plan ahead for next year. The best way to guarantee a calm, affordable Christmas next year is to start preparing now. After this year's holidays, take note of exactly what you spent and where the money went. Set a goal for next year and start a small savings fund. Even setting aside $5 or $10 a week can make a monumental difference in managing next Christmas without stress. Need to tidy up your finances after the holidays? If the Christmas period leaves you needing advice on debt consolidation, setting up a savings plan, or just better budgeting habits for the new year, contact the team at Ascent Accountants. We can help you build the confidence to hit your financial goals!
As the end of the year approaches, businesses are gearing up for the festive season, which means planning the annual Christmas party and showing appreciation with gifts. While the cheer is high, so too are the complexities of Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). Getting the FBT treatment wrong can turn a simple celebration into an unexpected tax bill. As your trusted advisors at Ascent Accountants, here is a breakdown of the key tax rules, with a focus on the crucial $300 per person limit, to ensure your end-of-year generosity is tax-effective. The critical $300 minor benefit threshold. The Minor Benefits Exemption is your best friend for managing FBT. A benefit is generally exempt from FBT if its total notional taxable value is less than $300 (GST inclusive) per person, and it is provided infrequently and irregularly. Christmas parties (entertainment) The location and cost of your party are the key factors for FBT.
