Standard risks - 24 to 48 hours. Most independent and tenanted pubs with a clean claims record and a complete information set can be placed within one to two working days.

Mid-complexity risks - two to five working days. Pubs with significant catering operations, late-night licensing, prior claims or accommodation typically need a small amount of additional underwriting.

Complex or large risks - one to two weeks or more. Large managed houses, pubs with significant accommodation operations - see our guide to holiday let landlord insurance for pubs with self-catering or short-let rooms, those with a history of licence reviews, or risks requiring specialist market placement may take longer to arrange. A specialist broker who understands the licensed trade can manage this process efficiently, but allowing adequate lead time is important.

This is a short summary - see our full guide to the information needed to get pub insurance for the complete breakdown.

Premises details:

• Address and full postcode
• Type of premises (freehold / leasehold / tenanted)
• Year built and construction type (walls and roof)
• Floor area and customer capacity
• Whether there is accommodation above or attached

Business operations:

• Annual turnover, split between wet sales (drinks) and dry sales (food)
• Whether a commercial kitchen operates and the type of cooking (fryers, grills, etc.)
• Details of any entertainment - live music, DJs, sporting event screenings
• Opening hours and whether a late-night licence is held
• Number of employees and annual wage roll

Insurance history:

• Current insurer and renewal date (if applicable)
• Claims history for the previous five years - date, nature, amount settled
• Whether any insurer has declined to offer cover or applied special terms

Sums insured needed:

• Buildings reinstatement value (if applicable)
• Contents, fixtures and fittings value
• Maximum stock value
• Level of public liability cover needed
• Business interruption basis and indemnity period needed

Incomplete information, prior claims requiring detail, unusual premises construction, late-night entertainment licensing, accommodation operations, and any history of licence reviews all require additional underwriting and can lengthen the placement timeline.

Yes. Where cover is needed at short notice - typically for a completion or change of tenant - insurers can issue a cover note providing immediate protection while the full policy is being placed. A specialist broker can manage this.

New pub operators can obtain cover, though some insurers may look at the premises' trading history rather than the individual operator's record. Working with a specialist broker helps access the broadest range of options.

A specialist broker should approach the market for renewal quotations at least four to six weeks before the renewal date. This provides adequate time to review alternatives, negotiate terms, and ensure cover is in place without a gap.

• Provide complete underwriting information at the outset
• Have your claims history available - including dates, descriptions and settlement amounts
• Confirm accurate sums insured before requesting quotations
• Work with a specialist broker who knows which insurers respond fastest