Wholesale businesses rarely operate in exactly the same way. The stock they hold, how it is stored, the way it moves through the business and the consequences of an interruption can vary considerably from one operation to another.
That’s why Jensten Underwriting is highlighting three wholesale sectors within its Commercial Combined proposition: electrical goods, mechanical goods and food.
We want to hear about suitable risks across all three sectors and help brokers understand where a conversation with our underwriting team may be worthwhile.
Electrical goods wholesalers
Electrical wholesalers can combine high stock values, fast-moving products and a variety of distribution models.
Our appetite includes consumer electronics, white goods, lighting, cabling and electrical installation materials. We also want to hear about suitable import/export operations, multi-site distribution businesses and e-commerce wholesalers.
Businesses combining warehousing with light assembly, kitting or testing may be considered, provided they are not manufacturing electrical goods.
Security arrangements, stock values and the nature of the operation are important considerations. High-value goods stored without monitored intruder alarms or CCTV require referral for review, while bulk lithium battery or e-bike/e-scooter battery storage as a primary activity should be referred to underwriters before quoting.
Mechanical Goods Wholesalers
Mechanical wholesale encompasses a wide variety of products and operating models.
Our appetite includes tools and workshop equipment, plumbing and heating supplies, industrial hardware, fixings and fasteners, machinery parts, bearings, hydraulics and mechanical components. Automotive parts and accessories may be considered, subject to the relevant safety-critical exclusions.
Trade counters, multi-site depot networks and distribution businesses undertaking minor kitting, packaging or light reconditioning may also be relevant.
The type of stock, storage arrangements and site security all matter. Safety-critical automotive components, primary compressed gas cylinder storage and significant open-yard storage without adequate security or fencing require referral for review, as applicable.
Food wholesalers
Food distribution brings its own operational considerations. Ambient, chilled and frozen goods can have different storage needs, and refrigeration or plant breakdown can affect both stock and trading.
Our appetite includes ambient food, chilled and frozen distribution, fresh produce, meat, poultry and fish wholesale within the stated processing limitations, non-alcoholic and licensed drinks, catering supplies and foodservice distribution.
We also want to hear about multi-temperature warehouses, own-fleet delivery operations and suitable import/export food distribution.
Temperature monitoring, cold storage arrangements, stock values and claims history are important to the underwriting conversation. Sites without adequate temperature-monitoring or alarm systems, and sites with poor food hygiene ratings or unresolved enforcement action, require referral for review.
Business Interruption is available alongside Material Damage, including cover reflecting the impact of refrigeration or plant breakdown on stock and trading, subject to the policy terms and applicable sub-limits.
A Commercial Combined proposition for wholesale risks
Across the three sectors, the supplied appetite guides highlight:
- Combined Material Damage and Business Interruption sum insured of up to £10 million per location.
- Material Damage available on a standalone basis.
- Legal Expenses included
- A flexible approach informed by how the business operates and the risk it presents.
The appetite guides also set out sector-specific limits and considerations. These should be reviewed before a risk is submitted.
Start a conversation with Jensten Underwriting
If you’re working on an electrical, mechanical or food wholesale risk, our appetite guides are a practical starting point.
Review the relevant criteria and send your presentation to bespoke.quotes@jensten.co.uk
Our team aims to provide a clear steer on whether the risk may fit and what further information is needed.
Contact Jensten Underwriting – 0344 880 0291
All risks remain subject to underwriting acceptance, policy terms, conditions, limits and exclusions. Please consult the applicable appetite guide and confirm any referral requirements with the underwriting team.
