Working from home is one of the fastest growing sectors of Uk employment in the UK. Thousands upon thousands work from home either writing, selling products and services or even designing websites. This is all before you count the legal secretaries, accountants and other professional that work from home.

Working from home has both advantages and disadvantages. Who doesnt love the flexibility? Catering your work day around kids, doctors appointments and other activities is a definite advantage. But, being the sole proprietor of your own business also requires some responsibility and planning. Even if you have thought about the possibility of legal liabilities arising from home working you most likely rely on your home insurance policy to cover you. But this is not what home insurance policies are designed for and are a poor substitute for business liability cover.

So whatever your line of business, it's important to review your existing home insurance to see exactly what it does and oesn't cover. For example, most home workers use office equipment such as a computer. If used for business purposes, damage or theft of your computer may not be covered. Also, you will want make sure that you have enough cover as any claim may be partially declined if a fire damages your equipment and it was not listed in your policy. Include specified cover for expensive equipment, stock or vehicles and dont forget your car if you use it for business transportation. Check that your car insurance covers you for business use also.

And what about home deliveries or sales trips? A simple pick up at your home could lead to catastrophe. One fall is all it takes to not only put you out of business but possibly cost you your home. It only takes one lawsuit to put the most savvy business person out of business.

First of all, dont rush out and buy all the business cover available. Appropriate and adequate coverage is not as expensive as you may think. Many people who work from home just need a simple rider attached to their home insurance policy. This rider will cover your office equipment and keep you in business if disaster strikes. But, this may not cover all of your needs. If in doubt consult a commercial insurance broker about your needs and find out what they suggest.

If you are concerned about the cost of insuring your home business it's important to know what you need and shop around for the best policy at the best price. There are few tips that will guarantee the most reasonable coverage for your needs.

Research - know what you need

Whether you do your own research or take advice from a broker, understand what your business insurance needs are so you can filter out the policies that don't meet them and compare like with like. You can search a list of UK insurance brokers at www.biba.org.uk.

Compare - shop around

The power and reach of internet means you can compare hundreds of business insurance policies in minutes. Use a commercial insurance broker if you need help or advice, otherwise you can compare business insurance companies using quote comparison websites such as Premierline Direct or Simply Business.