SHISHA INSURANCE CASE STUDY

Shisha Cafe Business Pack Placed After Ten Insurers Declined the Occupation

Eleven markets were approached for a shisha cafe. Ten declined, most of them citing the occupation. One quoted, and cover was bound with workers compensation arranged alongside and the premium funded.

01

THE SITUATION

A shisha cafe came to Tank Insurance needing a business pack with public liability, together with workers compensation for its staff.

02

OUR APPROACH

Shisha venues sit outside many business pack insurers' occupation guidelines, so the submission went wide from the start rather than to two or three markets at a time.

  • Eleven markets were approached, including mainstream business pack insurers and specialist underwriting agencies.
  • Two referred the risk for review and then declined. Eight declined on occupation outright.
  • One insurer quoted, and the business pack was placed there.
  • Workers compensation was arranged alongside, and both policies were added to a premium funding agreement so the client could pay monthly.
03

THE CHALLENGES

Ten declines on one risk would be unusual for a cafe; for a shisha venue it reflects how few insurers write the occupation. The declines were about the category, not this business: the decline comes at the occupation question, before the detail of the venue is considered. The only way through is to approach every market that might write it and let the one that does set the terms.

The commencement date moved once before binding, and the premium was re-confirmed for the new date.

04

THE OUTCOME

The business pack was placed with CGU at a premium of approximately $2,500 a year, with workers compensation placed separately and both policies premium-funded.

Final Solution: A business pack for a shisha cafe at around $2,500 a year after ten declines, with workers compensation arranged alongside and monthly payments through premium funding.

This case records one historical outcome; current insurer appetite, premium, timing and terms depend on the complete risk at the time of application.

For the wider buying context, see our shisha insurance guide and the premium funding page.

SHISHA VENUE QUESTIONS

What this placement answers for other shisha venues

Why is shisha insurance so hard to get?
In this placement ten of eleven markets declined, most citing the occupation. Shisha venues sit outside many business pack insurers' occupation guidelines. The risk is placeable, but only through the small number of insurers whose guidelines allow the occupation.
How much does shisha cafe insurance cost?
It is individually underwritten and there are few reference points because so few insurers quote. This venue paid approximately $2,500 a year for a business pack with public liability. Venue size, trading hours, whether food is served and the property sums insured all move the price.
Can I pay shisha insurance monthly?
Yes, through premium funding, which is a loan arrangement with its own interest and fees. In this placement the business pack and the workers compensation policy were both added to one funding agreement so the client paid a single monthly instalment rather than two annual premiums up front.

SHISHA INSURANCE

Put this placement in context

Case-study results are historical and are not a promise of current pricing, capacity or policy terms. This page is general information only and does not take account of your objectives, financial situation or needs.

Running a Shisha Lounge or Cafe?

Tell us the venue, the trading hours and whether you serve food. We approach every market that might write the occupation, not just the two or three most people try first.

Last updated: 06/09/2026

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