Essential tips to protect your business this holiday season

Evaluate potential threats such as the likelihood of natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, and burglaries specific to your location, industry, and operations. Your broker can help you identify these risks and suggest an insurance plan of action to help you protect your business against business interruption. 

Ensure your insurance policy covers identified risks, including property damage, business interruption, liability, and specialised coverage like  fire and flood insurance, and make sure to read the fine print, so you know what you are insured for. 

Keep digital and print copies of legal documents away from your premises and in a secure place: titles, deeds, financial records, client contracts, supplier contracts, asset records, and insurance policies. 

Create an emergency communication plan with up-to-date contact lists for all employees, customers, suppliers, and local emergency services. 

Inform your security company of closure dates so they can monitor for suspicious activity. 

Collaborate with local businesses, industry associations, and community groups to share resources and information. 

Avoid reliance on a single supplier by diversifying your supply chain. 

Plan alternative logistics and transportation routes in case of disruptions. 

Manage inventory levels to avoid waste while ensuring adequate stock to meet seasonal demand. 

Consider goods-in-transit cover from Auto&General. 

Conduct a comprehensive security audit, ensuring all locks, alarms, and cameras are functional and up to date. 

Install motion-sensor lighting and ensure all entry points are well-lit. 

Position security cameras at face height to capture clear images, eliminating blind spots. 

Test your alarm system with your response company and ensure battery backups are operational. 

Implement physical safeguards in case of storms. 

Identify your most crucial products or tools, the 20% that generate 80% of your revenue, and store them safely. 

Lock high-risk areas such as cash offices and storerooms. 

Install static panic buttons in strategic locations. 

Limit employee access to sensitive information and areas. 

Auto&General's  content insurance offers comprehensive coverage for damages caused by unforeseen events, providing additional peace of mind during the holiday season. 

Ensure fire extinguishers are functional and staff are trained on procedures. 

Did you know that Auto&General’s policies for building, office contents, and fire policies for businesses come with FireAssist, that provides you with the emergency assistance of a private firefighting service. 

Verify fire alarms are operational. 

Store flammable materials safely and check electrical systems for risks. 

Maintain strict visitor protocols. 

Limit after-hours access to authorised personnel only. 

Always keep supervisors visible on sales floors. 

Promptly remove temporary staff from all systems when their employment ends. 

Verify new staff with proper identification, proof of residence, and references from previous employers. 

Vary cash deposit days, times, and locations to reduce predictability and criminal targeting. 

Plan staff schedules to manage costs during quieter periods. 

Keep company vehicles in good repair with functional lights, brakes, and tyres. 

Remind employees that the four most dangerous driving behaviours: speeding, aggressive driving, inattention, and drowsiness, are more common during holidays. 

Encourage workers to avoid drinking and driving and be aware of other potentially impaired drivers.