Beyond the usual: How to place quirky liability risks with confidence with Yutree

Every broker has been there. A prospective client gets in touch, their business is well-run, responsible and growing – but when it comes to placing liability cover, the trade doesn’t appear on any drop-down menu.

From niche manufacturers to local community groups, some risks are just a little different – and while the work they do might not be unconventional in practice, their activities often don’t sit comfortably within a standard insurer’s appetite.

That’s where things can become frustrating. The liability market isn’t always set up to accommodate the unusual, and brokers can find themselves hitting a wall – not because the risk is too high, but purely because it doesn’t fit a pre-defined box.

At Yutree, we believe that quirky doesn’t mean uninsurable. In fact, with the right underwriting mindset, it often signals an opportunity.

What do we mean by ‘quirky’ or ‘unconventional’ risks?

When we talk about quirky liability risks, we’re not referring to businesses that are reckless or unproven – we’re talking about those that don’t conform to the standard mould. That might mean:

• Small businesses offering specialist services
• Trades that are unusual, hyper-local or seasonal
• Community-based organisations with non-traditional exposures
• Mobile operations or those working across a range of environments

Over the years, we’ve seen it all – and we’ve said yes more often than not. Some of the ‘unusual’ risks we’ve successfully underwritten include:

• Make-up artists giving YouTube tutorials on dolls
• A bridge being built for dormice
• Artisan soap makers
• Marine geologists specialising in the breeding of lobsters
• Beekeepers’ associations
• Donkeys hired for live nativity scenes
• Professional netsmen at fishing lakes
• Mobile caterers
• Flower growers and sellers
• Craft groups and community initiatives

These are responsible, passionate business owners and organisers who simply need a provider that understands their needs and sees beyond the tick-box.

Liability by Yutree

This BIBA-approved product provides employers, public and products liability cover with a focus on simplifying quirky and unconventional liability risks.

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Why these risks deserve better options

For many of these clients, insurance is essential as they are running real operations with public-facing responsibilities, hired staff or volunteers, and physical or digital products to protect. Liability cover isn’t a nice-to-have – it’s a business enabler.

In today’s world, the number of niche and non-standard enterprises is only growing. The rise of side-hustles, social enterprises and pop-up businesses means that brokers are fielding more of these enquiries than ever before.

Turning these prospects away – or settling for sub-par solutions – doesn’t just leave the client exposed. It can also mean lost business for the broker.

By offering real options for the unconventional, brokers can differentiate themselves, retain more clients and grow their book with confidence. That’s exactly why we built our BIBA-approved Liability scheme the way we did: to give brokers the flexibility to say yes, even when the risk looks a little out of the ordinary.

How Yutree helps brokers place the unplaceable

We built the Liability by Yutree scheme with one purpose in mind: to give brokers the tools and support they need to place liability risks that others might turn away.

It’s a BIBA-approved facility, underwritten in-house at Yutree and backed by Lloyd’s-rated Chaucer Syndicate 1084. But what really sets it apart is the mindset behind it – our experienced underwriters know that no two clients are the same, and they’re here to listen, ask the right questions and find a way forward.

Here’s how we help you place the risks that don’t always tick the usual boxes:

• Flexible underwriting from a team that understands the nuances of unconventional trades
• No proposal forms required – we keep things simple and efficient
• Speedy quote turnaround, with same-day documentation available where required
• Low minimum premiums, starting from just £150 + IPT
• An appetite for hundreds of trades, from traditional manufacturers and wholesalers to craft producers, mobile traders and community groups
• The ability to consider higher-risk activities like skip hire, scaffolders or roofing via wholesale facilities
• Support for one-off events, seasonal trades and mobile operations that need a little more flexibility.

This isn’t off-the-shelf cover – it’s tailored liability protection for real businesses that just happen to be a little different.

What to include in your submission

We keep things simple at Yutree, but the more detail you can provide up front, the better we can tailor our terms. Here’s what helps us give you a quick and competitive response:

• A clear description of the business activity – what do they do, where do they work, who do they interact with?
• Any seasonal patterns or one-off activities that might affect the risk profile
• Basic info on health and safety measures in place – particularly for events, traders or any businesses working with the public
• Estimated wages and turnover, as well as expected footfall or attendance at events, if relevant

If you’ve got something ready to place now, you can use our online quote form to get started – designed to save you time and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.

Yutree Underwriting is an underwriting agency offering a variety of products to other brokers.

With rates and expertise across hundreds of trades, we can offer insurance solutions for a wide range of businesses.

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