Everything you need to launch with the right insurance
A practical, step-by-step checklist to make sure you’re covered before you open your doors, without missing critical steps or overbuying.
Insurance checklist
Use this to track your progress. Not everything applies to every founder; focus on what’s relevant to your business.
Phase 1: Understand what you need
Before you buy anything, get clear on what your business actually needs.
- Review what your lease, clients, or suppliers require you to hold
- Assess your risk tolerance — how much exposure are you comfortable carrying?
- Check what's legally required (for example, Workers' Compensation once you hire)
Not sure where you land? Book a call and the Pocket team will walk through your situation and tailor a program to it.
Phase 2: Get the essentials in place
Put the core cover in place so you can trade with confidence.
- Understand what Public Liability covers, and whether you need it
- Understand what Professional Indemnity covers if you give advice or deliver services
- Know how to request a Certificate of Currency when a client asks
- Confirm your business structure (sole trader, company, partnership, or trust)
Ticked these off? You’re ready to get a quote.
Phase 3: Set up your systems
Build simple habits now so a claim is never chaotic later.
- Set calendar reminders for renewals and reviews
- Brief your team on your cover and how the claims process works
- Store your broker and insurer emergency contacts somewhere easy to find
- Agree an incident-reporting process — what to do the moment something goes wrong
- Set up a claims folder for policies, receipts, and evidence
Phase 4: Stay compliant
Keep your cover valid and your obligations met as you trade.
- Keep your Certificate of Currency current and on hand
- Check the insurance clauses in your client and supplier contracts
- Update your policy whenever your business activities change
- Notify your broker of anything that could affect a claim
- Review your cover regularly so it keeps pace with the business
Something changed? Talk to the Pocket team before it becomes a problem.
Phase 5: Plan for growth
Your cover should grow with the business, not lag behind it.
- Know what changes when you hire — Workers' Compensation becomes mandatory
- Increase your coverage limits as revenue and contracts grow
- Budget for insurance in your financial forecasts, including annual premiums
- Build a relationship with your broker — regular check-ins, not just renewals
Due for a check-up? Book a policy review and we’ll look over your current structure.
What's inside the checklist
Here's a quick look at what the downloadable checklist covers, phase by phase, so you know exactly what you're getting.
- Phase 1 — Understand what you need: lease and client requirements, your risk tolerance, and what's legally required.
- Phase 2 — Get the essentials in place: Public Liability, Professional Indemnity, Certificates of Currency, and your business structure.
- Phase 3 — Set up your systems: renewal reminders, incident reporting, and a claims folder.
- Phase 4 — Stay compliant: keeping certificates current, contract clauses, and policy updates.
- Phase 5 — Plan for growth: Workers' Compensation, rising cover limits, and regular broker check-ins.
What our clients say
Rated 5.0 on GoogleInsurance broker Sam has been very professional and insightful to work with. She went above and beyond with ongoing communication throughout the whole process. Highly recommend.
Dealing with Sam Raco is always a seamless experience. Prompt responses and excellent options to suit our personal and financial needs. Will continue interacting with this provider and agent.
I have used Sam at With Pocket for our business insurance needs — cyber, professional indemnity and business — for several years now. Sam is exceptionally easy to deal with; responsive, knowledgeable and genuinely invested in getting the right outcome. Nothing is ever too much trouble and she goes above and beyond to ensure we have the right product. What also stands out is the process she has around quoting, accepting cover and funding — it is seamless and efficient in a way I have not experienced with any other broker. I could not recommend her highly enough.
What happens after launch
Once you start trading, your needs will evolve. As revenue grows, you’ll increase coverage limits. When you hire, you’ll add Workers’ Compensation. When you invest in equipment or stock, you’ll add Business Property cover.
This is just the foundation. The goal right now is to launch legally and safely, without overbuying or leaving gaps.