September 15th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

If you are a freelancer just starting out or are having trouble getting things off the ground, it is important that you build your business foundations. Once you have your core pillars in place, you will find that it is smooth sailing from there. 

To grow your business, you are going to need to deploy a variety of strategies in different areas of your business to build and support your growth. Marketing is going to be a key part of this, but what most people fail to do is set themselves up in other areas, such as finances, skills, market positioning and customer support. If you only focus on marketing your business, even if you do attract clients, you are not going to have the foundation to serve them and scale your business. 

The right strategies will enable you to drive the right people to your business more efficiently and cost-effectively, build a loyal following with repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals, make the right investments back into your business and scale your business easily. 

To support you on your business journey, here are some of the most important strategies you need in place to grow your business. 

1 Build your brand

You need to have a clear, solid and consistent brand that stands out in your market. Start by defining your niche, which is a specialist and specific area within your industry. Define your core purpose, mission and values, and craft your target audience through market research and conversations with people in your industry. This will help you pull together a story and personality for your business, as well as a visual identity. Your branding is what customers are going to see, and it needs to resonate with them and be memorable from your competitors. This needs to be clearly defined and created, so it can be used consistently throughout all of your products, services and marketing. If you don’t have one, or keep changing it, people are not going to get to know you or trust you. 

2 Organise your finances 

Finances are a vital part of your business. While you might want to set up your brand and hit the ground running, you are quickly going to come up against challenges if your finances aren’t in order, and even worse, you may face costly penalties if your finances are not organised correctly or compliantly. Finances don’t just help you build your business, but they fuel all areas, including marketing, as well as ensure you are legally compliant in your country. You need to have a clear budget and forecast to get your business going and growing. You need to consider how you can build financial resilience, manage risks and irregular income, avoid debt, and plan for your taxes. Taxes are one of the most critical parts of your business, and it may be that you work with a specialist tax consultant to support you in this area.  

3 Ensure integrated business operations

Depending on the size of your business and your budget, the operations of your business may differ. Regardless, it is vital that you have the right tools and systems in place so that your business, customer service and workflows all run smoothly and efficiently. Consider what tasks can be automated and outsourced, so you are not overwhelmed and no bottlenecks are created. 

4 Prioritise your customers 

Your customers are the heart of your business, and it is vital that you treat them as such. When you prioritise them, you are putting them at the centre of all your tasks, from product/service development to marketing campaigns. This is essential, as everything you are doing is for them. Speak to them, send out surveys, run focus groups and have conversations with your target audience and learn as much as you can about them, so you can really get specific with all areas of your business. Some businesses make the mistake of thinking they know best, which is only going to waste time and money. Not only should you integrate this into development and marketing, but also the customer support that you offer. Make sure you listen actively, learn their needs and solve their problems. Be consistent and always offer high-quality, valuable and efficient service. 

5 Strategically market your business

Marketing is how your business gets seen by your target audience. Without effort in this area, you are going to find business very slow and difficult to come by. However, marketing doesn’t just mean random ads and social posts. There needs to be a solid strategy behind it, built with all your market research incorporated into it. This will help you to really refine your strategy and speak directly to your target audience. If you don’t, you risk wasting budget and effort casting too wide a net. Instead, you want to drive intentional traffic to your website. You should define clear goals, find out what channels will meet your target audience and determine your unique value proposition. Develop your messaging according to your target audience and your business mission, and then craft specific campaigns across the relevant marketing channels, for example, social media. Leveraging these platforms and search engine optimisation (SEO) will help you to build a sustainable and organic stream of traffic.

6 Network and position yourself as an authority 

Networking is key in any industry. The more you put yourself out there, speak to different people, attend and host events and get involved in communities, you will find that your recognition, trust and authority skyrockets. Crafting your business image as a thought leader and an authority in your industry will not only give you recognition, but will help build long term trust and drive people right to your business. It will support all of your marketing campaigns and help you get more eyes on your business.

It is difficult to start and run a business, let alone be seen in your industry. Use these vital strategies to hit the ground running and build a business you can be proud of.

September 15th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

A new study has revealed that the UK’s broadband users could be missing out on up to £1.2 billion worth of savings, simply because they aren’t switching providers regularly enough. It found that users can save an average of £58 on their annual broadband bill by switching to the cheapest deal available for the same speeds when their contract runs out.

Despite this, over three-quarters (77%) of broadband users don’t switch as often as needed to maximise savings, equal to 21 million households across the country. As a result, the nation is missing out on a fortune of broadband savings.

The research comes from Go.Compare broadband. It estimated how many households could switch providers more often by applying its latest survey figures to ONS data. It then calculated the average maximum saving if they switched to a cheaper package offering the same speeds, based on its internal sales data.

The comparison site says that the optimum time to switch is at the end of a broadband contract, which will be around once every one or two years for most users. Based on this, it recommends that Brits start to compare deals around 30 days before their current contract ends.

But, only around a fifth (23%) of users routinely change their provider every year or when their contract ends, and almost a third (32%) admitted that they’ve never changed providers.Older users are especially unlikely to perform this routine switch, with just 18% of over-54s saying they do so, compared to just over a quarter (26%) of under-35s.

Surprisingly, lower-income households were found to be less likely to switch providers, despite the potential savings on offer. Two in five (40%) of those on a lower income stated that they’ve never switched providers, compared to a quarter of higher-income homes. This means that those struggling the most might be missing an opportunity to cut costs.

Matt Sanders, broadband expert at Go.Compare, said: “Things like introductory rates and mid-contract price rises are commonplace in broadband deals, so you’re more likely to see costs creeping up if you stick with the same provider for a long time. This means you can usually find a cheaper deal by comparing packages when your contract is up, without having to settle for slower speeds.

“The best time to compare deals is around a month before your contract ends, as this means you’ll avoid paying any early exit fees. Changing providers is much more straightforward these days, too, as Ofcom launched its ‘One Touch Switch’ process last September. When you buy a deal from a new provider, they’ll tell your current provider that you’re leaving, so there’s no need to be put off by the thought of switching being a hassle.”

More statistics about switching broadband providers can be found on Go.Compare’s website.

September 12th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

You know that feeling when you order something online and it arrives looking, well, pretty questionable? Like the logo looks like someone whipped it up in Microsoft Paint, the packaging is giving “Amazon box with a bit of tape,” and then you’re left wondering if you just wasted your money. Honestly, none of this is exactly confidence-inspiring, right? It’s like businesses that do that don’t even want to bother with elevating their business. So what’s even the deal with that in the first place?

Well, that’s what happens when businesses cut corners on branding. They think they’re saving cash, but really they’re whispering to customers, “Hey, don’t take me too seriously.”Okay, maybe it’s not that direct, but it still gives a clear message, and once people clock that, it’s hard to win them back.

Bad Branding Hits Your Wallet Pretty Hard

For starters, customers don’t sit there analysing your brand like it’s a case study. Why would they? They’re not making a pro and con list. Instead, they’re going with gut instinct. Does this look trustworthy? Does it look like someone’s put effort into it? Well, if the answer’s no, they’re already moving on to the next option before you’ve had a chance to pitch yourself.

Oh, and it’s not just about losing one sale either. In fact, cheap-looking branding can chip away at your reputation. In that case, you’re spending way more time and money trying to convince people you’re worth it. Basically, repairing trust costs a whole lot more than just getting the branding right to begin with. It’s just not worth it to mess up from the beginning, either.

Looking Polished isn’t that Expensive

Now, this isn’t exactly saying you need to splash out on embossed packaging or a designer who charges the same as a new car. Sure, that’s what luxury brands do, but expectations for them aren’t the same as they are for you and your business (well, most likely). But you do need to look like you care. And yeah, like what was already mentioned, customers notice the details. They notice if your logo looks the same on your packaging as it does online. They notice if your stuff feels put-together instead of slapped together.

But in all seriousness here, it doesn’t take a fortune to nail this. Even small touches can make you look ten times more professional. Something as simple as rectangle stickers on packaging instantly makes it feel intentional instead, and customers like stickers anyway, well, good-looking ones at least. It just shows you’re actually putting in an effort.

There’s the Hidden “Trust Tax”

Well, when your branding looks cheap, people assume your product is too. That’s pretty harsh, right? So, that’s the hidden cost no one talks about. You end up lowering your prices, offering discounts, or bending over backwards just to convince people to buy. It’s not exactly a great place to be. But flip it around, though, and good branding does the opposite.

You Can Spend Smart and Cheap

The whole “cheap now, pay later” thing applies big time in business. It’s a principle you’re just going to have to forever keep in mind because saving a few cents on branding might feel clever in the moment, but if it makes customers question you, it’s going to cost you far more than it saves. To sum this all up here, strong branding doesn’t have to drain your budget. It just has to make customers feel confident choosing you.

September 12th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Ofcom has reported that 1.6 million people have already used its new One Touch Switch process to move broadband or landline provider, making it quicker and simpler than ever to shop around for a better deal.

But, according to financial wellness platform Money Wellness, millions of low-income households are still missing out on even bigger savings because they don’t realise they could qualify for discounted broadband and phone social tariffs.

Social tariffs are specially discounted deals available to people on certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some disability benefits. They can cost as little as £12-£20 a month, which is often half the price of standard packages. And could save households around £200–£250 a year.

Yet take-up remains low. Of the 4.3 million eligible households, only around 220,000 (5.1%) are currently signed up. That means millions are still paying over the odds.

Thomas Gibbons, a money adviser at Money Wellness, said: ““It’s brilliant to see so many people taking advantage of Ofcom’s One Touch Switch. Switching has never been easier. But we’re worried too many low-income households are being left behind. Social tariffs could make broadband and phone bills genuinely affordable, yet most people who qualify don’t even know they exist. We speak to hundreds of people every day who have never heard of them or understand how they can help reduce their bills.

“With the cost of living still tight, we’d urge everyone to check today if they qualify for a social tariff. It could save you hundreds of pounds a year, and switching couldn’t be simpler.”

While major providers such as BT, Virgin Media, Sky, and Vodafone offer discounted plans for eligible low-income households, not all providers have introduced social tariffs. Availability can also vary by location. And some smaller or regional providers, for example Quickline, KCOM, and YouFibre, may offer social tariffs that are not widely advertised.

Money Wellness is urging households not to miss out on support that could help ease the pressure of rising bills.

Gibbons adds: “Take just half an hour this week to check what tariff you’re on – it could save you hundreds of pounds a year. If you’re on a low income or receive means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, there’s a good chance you qualify for a social tariff. If you’re unsure where to start, speak to your current provider first; they can often help you switch to a cheaper deal before you even need to look elsewhere. If they don’t offer a social tariff, you can find a complete list of providers who do on Ofcom’s website. And if you need to switch, just contact the provider you’d like to join, and One Touch Switch will handle the process for you. It’s really straightforward and easy to do.”

September 10th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

A new study has revealed that 1.3 million UK households could be missing out on a cheaper broadband deal simply because of forgetfulness. The research found that over three-quarters (77%) of broadband users don’t switch providers as regularly as needed to maximise savings. Of these users, 6% said they don’t switch more often because they just forget to look for better deals.

As a result, these households could be missing out on an average saving of up to £58 on their yearly broadband bill, if they switched to the cheapest deal available for the same speeds. This means users are leaving up to £76.6 million worth of savings up for grabs nationwide.

The research comes from Go.Compare broadband, which applied the results of its latest survey to ONS data to estimate how many homes are forgetting to switch regularly. It then compared how much Brits pay for their broadband to its internal sales figures to calculate how much could be saved by switching.

Women in particular are twice as likely to forget to look out for cheaper broadband deals. Around 8% of women who don’t switch regularly gave forgetfulness as a reason, compared to 4% of men. Younger users are also more likely to make this error, as one in 10 under-35s who don’t switch regularly stated that forgetfulness was a reason why. Just 4% of over-54s make the same mistake.

While many users cited forgetfulness, convenience was the most common reason for not changing providers more often. Of those who don’t switch regularly, around two in five (39%) gave this reason, saying it’s easier to keep their current provider, despite the introduction of Ofcom’s One Touch Switch process last year.

A similar percentage (37%) said they don’t switch if their current provider has been highly reliable. A smaller proportion (16%) admitted they didn’t think they’d be able to find a cheaper deal, despite the high potential savings on offer. Others said their provider delivers good customer service, or that their package includes a TV deal they want to keep, both of which were picked by 15% of those surveyed.

However, many users said they will change if they are unhappy with their provider for some reason. Just over a fifth (22%) said they usually switch when their provider increases prices, while one in 10 said they do so if their service becomes too unreliable. A smaller percentage (2%) said they would switch if their provider starts slowing down their speeds.

Catherine Hiley, broadband expert at Go.Compare, said: “Things like introductory rates and mid-contract price rises are commonplace in broadband deals, so you’re more likely to see costs creeping up if you stick with the same provider for a long time. This means you can usually find a cheaper deal by comparing packages when your contract is up, without having to settle for slower speeds.

“The best time to compare deals is around a month before your contract ends, as this means you’ll avoid paying any early exit fees. Of course, it can be easy for this to slip your mind, so it’s worth setting a reminder on your phone or calendar for when it’s time to look over deals.

“Changing providers is much more straightforward these days, too, as Ofcom launched its ‘One Touch Switch’ process last September. When you buy a deal from a new provider, they’ll tell your current provider that you’re leaving, so there’s no need to be put off by the thought of switching being a hassle.”

More statistics about switching broadband providers can be found on Go.Compare’s website.

September 10th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

In the food industry, success doesn’t just come from branding, pricing, or even presentation. It starts with your ingredients. Whether you’re running a bakery, a beverage company, or a larger scale food production facility, the quality and consistency of your ingredients have a direct impact on your product, your reputation, and your bottom line. 

For instance, choosing the right type of sweetener, like invert sugar syrup, can influence taste, shelf life, and customer satisfaction. Let’s take a look at why sourcing the right ingredients is one of the most important choices you’ll make in your food business.

1. The quality of your ingredients impacts product consistency. One of the most critical elements of running a food business is consistency. Your customers expect the same great taste and texture every single time they buy your product. So if your ingredients vary in quality or composition, your product will too. And that’s a quick way to lose loyal customers. Using a consistent ingredient like invert sugar syrup, which has a reliable sweetness profile and stability, helps to maintain uniformity across batches. This is especially important in packaged foods and beverages where texture, sweetness, and appearance need to be consistent.
2. Ingredients improve shelf life. Shelf life is a key factor for any food business, especially if you distribute your products over long distances or store them for extended periods. Choosing functional ingredients can improve how well your product holds up over time. Take invert sugar syrup as an example. Again, it’s not just a sweetener. It helps to retain moisture, and using the right ingredients can reduce your rates, lower return rates and improve customer satisfaction.
3. Your ingredient choices affect production efficiency. Your ingredients don’t just influence your final product, but they also impact your production process. Some ingredients are easier to store, mix or measure, and others may require special handling or more labour intensive processing. Choosing high quality, functional ingredients can streamline your operations. For example, liquid sweeteners are easier to blend and dissolve compared to granulated sugar, which will save time and energy during production.
4. Customers do care about what’s inside. Today’s consumers are so much more ingredient savvy than they ever have been. They read the labels, they research sourcing, and they care deeply about what goes into foods that they eat. If your ingredients don’t align with your brand’s promises, you risk losing customer trust. Sourcing the right ingredients shows that you care about quality and transparency along with the health of your consumers.
5. Better ingredients protect your brand. If something goes wrong with an ingredient, whether it’s a contamination issue, poor quality, or inconsistent supply, it damages the reputation of your brand, which you could be avoiding. Choosing trusted suppliers and proven ingredients help to mitigate that risk. A reliable ingredient from a reputable source can mean fewer production issues and happier customers. 

September 5th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

Capital on Tap surveyed over 250 UK business owners and 1,000 British consumers to understand how people are using credit and how credit habits differ between business owners and consumers.

• 46% of business owners don’t have a business credit card, with 54% of consumers actively avoiding them

• Small business owners spend over £1,900 per month on employee-related expenses alone

• Brits spend nearly £400 per month on credit cards towards holidays and travel

• Over three-quarters of Brits aged 18-24 have maxed out their credit card

• High interest rates or fees are the biggest blocker to credit card usage

For many businesses and consumers, using credit cards is a practical and helpful way to manage everyday cash flow, build credit scores, and spread costs. A new survey conducted by Capital on Tap of 250 UK business owners and 1,000 British consumers revealed that 36% of business owners have never owned a business credit card, and 54% of consumers said they actively avoid using credit cards.

The survey also revealed the reasons behind these stats, as well as showing how attitudes towards credit cards vary by business industry and across generations.

You can read the research in full here: https://www.capitalontap.com/en/blog/posts/the-uks-attitude-towards-credit/

Small business owners spend an average of £1,903 per month on employee-related expenses alone

For business owners, cash flow management is the main purpose of a credit card, with 80% highlighting this as their reason for use. But how much are small business owners spending on their credit cards?

Employee-related expenses such as payroll and employee perks rank as the biggest expenditure for small businesses, with an average of £1,902.90 spent each month on these costs. This is followed by raw materials (£1,707.50) and professional services (£1,429.40). Interestingly, businesses that have operated for over a decade invest more in professional services, spending an average of £2,076.70 per month in this area.

The survey also explores how different industries engage in credit cards, with the building and construction industry topping the list: nearly two-thirds (65%) of owners in this sector state they use a credit card. At another end of the scale, just 23% of personal care business owners currently use business credit cards.

Brits spend an average of £389.20 per month on credit cards towards holidays and travel

The survey also explored how the general population uses credit cards and their spending habits. Brits rely on their credit cards the most for holidays and travel, spending nearly £4,670.40 a year on this.

The second biggest spending area is rent and utilities (£318.20), followed by insurance (£244.70).

Over three quarters of Brits aged 18-24 have maxed out their credit card

The survey highlights how age plays an important role in attitudes toward credit cards and debt. Of all respondents, 53% have maxed out their credit card at some point, a figure that increases to 78% among 18-24 year olds.

However, the older generation appear to be more cautious, with just 31% of 65 or over maxing out their card and only 6% missing a credit card payment.

High interest rates or fees are the biggest barriers to credit card usage

Despite the survey highlighting the advantages of credit cards with 63% of business owners stating that perks and rewards are their main attraction towards credit,there is still a shared sense of uncertainty among both business owners and consumers. Specifically, 34% of business owners and 31% of consumers report that high interest rates and fees are a concern.

For consumers, worrying about overspending is the biggest barrier to owning a credit card, with 36% stating this as their main concern. This is followed by concerns about debt (33%).

While nearly a third of consumers (31%) prefer to pay upfront using methods like cash, bank transfers, or savings, this is less of a concern for business owners, as only 21% cite it as a reason for hesitating to use credit cards.

Alex Miles, Chief Operating Officer at Capital on Tap, explains that the idea that credit cards mean taking on debt is one of the biggest credit myths: “The key is to spend within your means. If you’re new to using credit, consider setting a lower credit limit to help manage spending. It’s also wise to integrate your card into your monthly budget and set up a direct debit to automatically repay your balance on time. That way, you stay in control without the stress.”

September 5th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

With the cost of living still squeezing household budgets, many people feel their monthly salary disappears almost as soon as it arrives.

According to Christie Cook, Managing Director of Retail at Hodge Bank, making your money go further isn’t about cutting out everything that brings you joy, it’s about finding the right balance and being more intentional with your spending.

“People often think financial progress comes from big, dramatic changes like cancelling holidays or never eating out.

However, small, consistent tweaks to your everyday habits can have a much bigger impact over time. By making your salary work harder for you, you can enjoy today while still planning for tomorrow.”

• Start with a payday plan

“When your salary lands, consider deciding exactly where it’s going, before you spend a penny. You can do this by moving a set percentage into a savings account or separate ‘essentials’ pot for bills and food.

This ‘pay yourself first’ approach could help to ensure your must-haves and future goals are covered before everyday spending starts. You’re effectively making savings and security a non-negotiable part of your budget, rather than an afterthought.”

• Time your big purchases

“Not all spending needs to be immediate. From electronics and furniture to seasonal clothing, retailers have predictable discount cycles and end-of-season sales. By planning ahead and waiting for these windows, you can often save 20–50% on major purchases.

That’s money that can be redirected towards savings, debt repayment, or experiences you truly value, and it helps your monthly salary stretch further without reducing what you buy.”

• Make use of work-related perks

“Many people don’t fully explore the benefits their employer offers, yet these offers can be worth hundreds of pounds a year. Common perks include discounted gym memberships, cycle-to-work schemes, season ticket loans, and subsidised canteens. Others may offer retail discount platforms or wellness allowances. It’s effectively free money that can reduce your outgoings and help you reallocate that cash elsewhere.”

• Turn small spends into bigger wins

“While cutting small spends out of your routine entirely might not be the best option, things like your daily coffee, snacks, or lunches can amalgamate to higher spends. For example, £5 spent three times a week adds up to nearly £800 a year.

By consciously swapping just a few of these for homemade options, you could free up a lump sum to put towards something bigger, such as a holiday, home upgrade, or emergency fund. This way, you’re still enjoying life’s small pleasures but aligning them with larger, more rewarding goals.”

• Review your regular outgoings quarterly

“Subscriptions, memberships, and forgotten direct debits can slowly chip away at your salary when forgotten about. Setting aside time every three months to review your bank statement and cancel anything you no longer use is a simple but effective way to reclaim extra cash.

Even if you only find £20–£30 a month in unused services, there’s still a saving to be made when streamlining your subscription outputs, without making any lifestyle sacrifices.”

Maximising your salary isn’t about cutting out things you enjoy, it’s about making sure the money you work hard for is spent in ways that truly matter to you.

Even small changes can add up to a big difference, helping you feel more in control and more confident about your financial future.

September 2nd, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

September remains one of the busiest months in the housing market, and for good reason.

With kids heading back to school, milder weather making for more pleasant viewing conditions, and a surge in available stock, many buyers and sellers see September as the ideal time to make a move.

However, while the season has its perks, it also comes with hidden costs, tighter timelines, and potential hold-ups, all of which can add pressure to an already high-stakes process.

James Enos, National Account Manager at Hodge Bank, shares his top advice for buyers looking to move this Autumn, and how to avoid common mistakes that could delay, or even derail, a sale.

1. Don’t View Before You’re Mortgage-Ready

“One of the biggest mistakes we see is buyers finding a dream home before sorting out their mortgage. In a competitive summer market, that delay can mean losing the property altogether.

Our recommendation is getting a mortgage agreement in principle before booking viewings, as this helps clarify budget and shows agents and sellers that you’re serious.

Make sure your paperwork, including ID, proof of income, and deposit, is ready to go. That preparation can speed up your offer and reduce the chance of delays down the line.”

2. Hidden Costs Can Catch Buyers Out

“While most buyers focus on saving for a deposit, the additional costs of moving often go under the radar, especially in peak season.

September is a popular time to move, and that demand often comes with a higher price tag. From removals and storage to solicitors and surveys, costs can stack up fast

We always encourage buyers to factor in a contingency fund, as iIt gives you a buffer for unexpected delays or last-minute costs, which are more common than people think, particularly in September.”

3. Expect Delays and Plan Around Them

“Even though the weather may be ideal, September can bring complications behind the scenes. Staff holidays across estate agencies, lenders, and legal firms can slow down processes, a detail many buyers overlook.

If you’re working to a specific timeline, like getting settled before school starts, it’s vital to communicate that clearly from the outset, but if you have flexibility, consider whether a November move might be smoother. There’s often more availability and less market congestion.”

While moving house is never without stress, a well-planned September move can be a rewarding step, especially for those who take a proactive approach.

“Moving is one of life’s biggest financial decisions, the more groundwork you do now, the more confident and in control you’ll feel when the time comes to pick up the keys.”

August 29th, 2025 | Andrew Hagger | News

From taking pictures of your belongings before you zip up your suitcase to keeping a holiday receipts folder, specialist travel insurance provider, Multitrip.com, outlines below a guide to claiming on travel insurance.

1. Start a holiday receipts folder – Include not only the transport and accommodation receipts, but also anything you buy during the year which you might travel with. Why? It is all about proving ownership. Having these well organised, with a clear paper trail, will really help if you need to make a claim.
2. Snap pics before you close the zip – It can be difficult to remember exactly what you packed (especially if you are packing for the whole family). Having photos of what’s inside your suitcase can help to prove what you had with you, as well as helping you remember what has been lost.
3. Know your insurance limits – Before you toss your designer sunglasses and new fancy headphones into your bag make sure your travel insurance policy covers high value items. The level of baggage cover you choose should be enough to cover replacing everything you are holidaying with.
4. Take your policy details with you – Keep your travel insurance policy information easily accessible while you’re travelling so if something goes wrong, you can easily refer to your policy. Make sure you know who your insurance is with, the policy number, name of policy holder, contact number and the dates the policy covers.
5. Get the full picture of any incident – If something happens, from a stolen bag to a sprained ankle, note down everything, the date, time, exact location, and detailed explanation of what happened. Describe any losses, damaged or injuries clearly, and the value of the claim.
6. Report to the police – To be able to claim you must report any loss or theft to the local police in the country where the incident occurred within 24 hours of discovery or as soon as possible after that and obtain a written report.
7. Save ALL your receipts and documents while away for extra costs caused by the incident e.g., tickets, receipts, cancellation notices, medical reports, even a police report if needed. Basically, if it’s related to an incident, hang onto it.
8. Don’t wait too long to make a claim – Multitrip.com customers have 31 days from the time of the incident to make a claim, but different organisations have different limits, so check your policy and don’t put it off.
9. Submit everything you have been asked for – When making a claim you will be told what information you need to submit. Check this carefully and don’t leave anything out – it will speed up the process and help to avoid delays.

Christian Bennett at Multitrip.com, said: “If something goes wrong on your trip, we want to resolve your claim as quickly and smoothly as possible. The more information and documentation you can provide, the faster we can help. Keeping receipts, noting key details, and hanging onto paperwork from before and during your trip can make all the difference when making a claim.”

He continues, “If you need help finding the closest suitable hospital, or the location of a police station to get a police report, all our policies include an Emergency Assistance Service.”