Why might an insurer be interested in a business's VAT registration?

An insurer may be particularly interested in a business's VAT registration because VAT-registered businesses are entitled to recover VAT on their repair costs. This means that in the event of an insured incident where repairs are needed, the actual costs incurred by the business may be lower than the initial estimates, given that they can claim back the VAT from HMRC. This aspect directly impacts the insurer's financial exposure, as they may be liable for only the net repair costs rather than the gross amount that includes VAT.

Understanding whether a business is VAT registered helps insurers to better anticipate potential claims and adjust their pricing, coverage, and risk assessment strategies accordingly. This knowledge allows them to get a clearer picture of the business's operations and the financial implications of potential claims.