FS Register FRN 1029698
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13+ years specialist broking experience
Laboratory & Life Sciences Insurance Cover for Labs, Biotech Start-ups & Contract Research Organisations
Property, equipment, liability, professional indemnity and clinical trials cover for UK laboratories, biotech and life sciences start-ups, testing labs and contract research organisations.
Laboratory insurance covers businesses that carry out scientific research, testing or development, including biotech and life sciences start-ups, analytical and testing labs, contract research organisations and university spin-outs. A typical programme includes property and specialist equipment cover, deterioration of stock for samples, cell lines and reagents held in freezers and fridges, business interruption, employers' and public liability, products liability and professional indemnity for test results and research services. Firms running human studies may need clinical trials insurance. Insurers look at the hazardous substances and organisms handled, containment levels, the value of equipment and samples, temperature monitoring, and whether results are relied on by clients, regulators or patients.
Key facts at a glance
- Samples can be irreplaceable. Cell lines, biobanks and research materials need deterioration of stock cover.
- Freezer failure is a common claim. Temperature alarms and back-up power are key to cover.
- Results create PI exposure. Clients and regulators rely on test and research outputs.
- Hazardous work must be declared. GMOs, pathogens and radioactive materials affect cover.
- Clinical trials need specific cover. Human studies require dedicated clinical trials insurance.
Who needs laboratory insurance?
We arrange cover for science businesses at every stage, from first lab bench to commercial production.
- Biotech and life sciences start-ups. See biotech start-up insurance.
- Contract research organisations. See contract research laboratory insurance.
- Testing and analytical labs. Food, environmental, materials and forensic testing.
- University spin-outs. Moving out of the university's insurance into their own.
- Diagnostics and medtech developers. Building and validating new products.
- Labs with high-value equipment. See laboratory equipment breakdown insurance.
What does laboratory insurance cover?
Lab cover combines standard business covers with protection for science-specific risks.
| Cover | What it protects | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Property and equipment | Buildings, fit-out, instruments and stock | Equipment on loan or leased |
| Deterioration of stock | Samples and materials lost when cold storage fails | Alarm and monitoring conditions |
| Equipment breakdown | Sudden failure of instruments and plant | Wear and tear exclusions |
| Business interruption | Lost income and extra costs after damage | Research delays may need special wording |
| Professional indemnity | Errors in results, research and advice | Results relied on by third parties |
| Public and products liability | Injury, damage and products supplied | Human use and pharma products |
| Clinical trials | Injury to participants in human studies | Must be arranged for each trial |
Most labs also need cyber insurance to protect data, IP and connected instruments.
Why are samples so hard to insure?
A freezer full of samples might look like a few thousand pounds of stock, but it may represent years of research. The value of a cell line or a patient sample set is hard to put a figure on.
Insurers will ask how samples are valued and what it would cost to recreate them, if that's possible at all. They'll also want to know how cold storage is monitored, whether alarms go to someone out of hours, and what back-up power and spare freezer capacity you have. Some materials simply can't be replaced, and it's worth agreeing in advance how a claim for those would be settled.
Deterioration of stock cover usually depends on working temperature alarms that are monitored. If an alarm is switched off or no one responds, a claim may be refused.
What hazardous work do insurers need to know about?
Insurers need a clear picture of what is handled in the lab and how it is contained.
- Genetically modified organisms under HSE contained use rules
- Pathogens and containment levels
- Human tissue and HTA licensing
- Radioactive materials and permits
- Flammable solvents and hazardous chemicals under COSHH
- Animal work and associated licences
- Waste handling and disposal arrangements
How can labs improve their terms?
- Monitor cold storage 24/7. With alarms going to a named person.
- Split critical samples. Keep back-ups in another freezer or site.
- Maintain equipment. Keep service contracts and records.
- Document quality systems. Accreditation such as ISO 17025 helps.
- Review contracts. Cap liability to clients where possible.
Frequently asked questions
Cover for science businesses, including property, equipment, samples, liability and professional indemnity.
Deterioration of stock cover can protect samples lost when cold storage fails.
Yes, if clients rely on your results, research or advice.
No. It is arranged separately for each trial.
Yes. We often arrange cover as spin-outs leave university insurance.
It must be declared, but it is insurable with proper containment.
It can be, but leasing agreements often require specific cover.
Labs hold valuable data and IP, so cyber cover is strongly recommended.
Yes. Accreditation and quality systems help with terms.
Business interruption can include extra costs, but research delays need careful wording.
They must be disclosed and may need specific cover.
Usually within a week or two.
Related guides from Miller & Partner
Miller & Partner Limited (FRN 1029698) is an Appointed Representative of Gauntlet Risk Management Ltd (FRN 308081), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Miller & Partner Limited is registered in England and Wales (company number 16206282) and trades from Vivian House, Roman Bridge Close, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 5BG. This page is general information, not a personal recommendation or an offer of cover. Cover is subject to insurer acceptance and the full terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued.
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MEET THE Director
Hey, I'm John!
I started Miller & Partner with the aim to bring back personable, approachable broking to UK businesses who were tired of large corporate brokers and feeling like they were just another number.
I have built this brokerage up with no pushy sales techniques or big business tactics, just honest, approachable and professional relationships with my clients.
Over 13 years experience in business insurance
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Office: Vivian House, Roman Bridge Close, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 5BG
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