As 2025 comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the past year, share our Christmas opening hours, and offer a glimpse of what lies ahead in 2026.
Christmas Opening Hours
Our HB Quote and Buy Platform remains available around the clock, 24/7, allowing you to self-serve whenever you need. However, should you require any assistance, our team will be happy to help. Please contact us by email at enquiries@hbunderwriting.co.uk or by phone on 01653 609090 during the following hours:
| Monday 22nd December | 8.30am – 5pm |
| Tuesday 23rd December | 8.30am – 5pm |
| Wednesday 24th December | Closed |
| Thursday 25th December | Closed |
| Friday 26th December | Closed |
| Monday 29th December | 8.30am – 5pm |
| Tuesday 30th December | 8.30am – 5pm |
| Wednesday 31st December | Closed |
| Thursday 1st January | Closed |
| Friday 2nd January | 8.30am – 5pm |
For details about rradar’s contact information, opening times, and how to access their digital services or crisis line, please visit rradar.com.
A Round Up of 2025 from HB Underwriting
A New Website and Resource Hub
After months of development and collaboration, HB Underwriting was proud to unveil our newly redesigned website in August. The new site reflects our ongoing commitment to providing brokers and partners with a modern, accessible, and informative online experience, one that better supports the way you do business.
From clearer navigation to improved access to resources, every element of the site has been designed with brokers and partners in mind. Whether you’re looking for underwriting insights, product details, or access to the HB Quote and Buy Platform, everything has been organised to make your journey faster and more efficient.
Alongside the website launch, we’re pleased to confirm that an enhanced Rural Protect Resource Hub arrived in November. Built in response to broker feedback, this updated hub will serve as a comprehensive eLearning and resource centre designed to support your understanding of our Rural Protect product and assist in promoting it to clients.
Our goal is to ensure that every broker has the tools, knowledge, and confidence to communicate the value of our products effectively.
This project has been the result of careful planning, testing, and teamwork across the business. Special thanks go to our Digital Marketing Executive, Adam, who led the project and coordinated the transition from design to delivery. His efforts, along with those of our wider team, have been instrumental in bringing the new website to life.
Rating Changes – Effective 1st January 2026
During late 2025, we observed a rise in Rural Protect claims—particularly within Employment Practices Liability—driven by evolving HR regulations and wider economic pressures. To maintain product resilience, all base rates will increase by 10% from 1st January 2026.
We will retain the lower turnover bands introduced in 2024 and the entry-level indemnity limit of £250,000. No specific business type or size is disproportionately influencing claims trends; rather, this adjustment reflects wider conditions in the Management Liability market.
These changes will help ensure that Rural Protect continues to deliver robust protection for rural businesses in the years ahead.
Understand more about the rate changes here: Rural Protect Rate Changes – January 2026
Celebrating Rural Protect’s 10th Anniversary
In 2025, Rural Protect proudly marked its 10th anniversary—a decade of supporting rural businesses and communities across the UK. To celebrate this milestone, we launched a dedicated initiative recognising the invaluable contribution of our broker partners, whose commitment has been central to the success of Rural Protect.
You can read more about our anniversary celebrations here: Rural Protect’s 10th Anniversary.
And learn more about our broker appreciation initiative, which highlighted and celebrated the outstanding work of our partners here: Planting The Seeds Of Appreciation.
Supporting the Farming Community
Our connection with the rural sector goes beyond insurance—we are committed to supporting the wellbeing of those who make up the backbone of the countryside. This year, we strengthened that commitment by pledging our ongoing support for the farming community through our partnerships with RABI (The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) and RSABI (Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution).
Through our collaboration with these exceptional charities, we’ve aimed to help signpost vital wellbeing and financial support services to those who need them most. Learn more about our work with RABI and RSABI here:
Rural Protect Strengthens Commitment To Farming Individuals By Signposting RABI And RSABI Services
Rural Protect Proud To Support RSABI’s Great Scone Palace Challenge With £1,000 Donation
Sharing Rural Protect Success Stories
Case studies remain one of the most powerful ways to illustrate the tangible benefits that Rural Protect brings to rural businesses. Throughout 2025, we added numerous new case studies to both our website and our Rural Protect Claims Case Studies booklet, showcasing real-life examples of how the product has provided essential protection and peace of mind to clients across the UK.
You can explore these stories on our blog here: News, and access the full booklet here: Rural Protect Claims Case Studies
Engaging with the Rural Community
We were also delighted to join forces with several of our broker partners at events across the UK, helping them to engage with and support their local rural communities. These occasions offered valuable opportunities to connect directly with clients, discuss key sector challenges, and promote awareness of specialist insurance solutions.
Take a look at some of the highlights from the year:
Supporting TL Dallas & Co Ltd
Supporting McClarrons’ Cultivating Tomorrow Seminar
We look forward to continuing these collaborative efforts in 2026 and beyond.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we move into the new year, we’re excited to share that development is already underway for a new specialist product designed specifically for the rural sector—built on the same principles of tailored cover and service excellence that define Rural Protect.
Enhancements to the existing Rural Protect product are also planned, alongside expansion into additional distribution channels through partnerships with like-minded MGAs. Furthermore, we’ll be rolling out updates to our Quote & Buy Portal later in the year, improving usability and streamlining the broker experience based on your valued feedback.
Season’s Greetings from the HB Underwriting Team
🎄 Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at HB Underwriting! 🎄
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our brokers and partners for their continued support, trust, and collaboration throughout 2025. Your partnership is at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to another successful year working together.
May your Christmas be filled with joy, and your New Year bring good health, happiness, and prosperity.
P.S. Take a look back at our year in blogs – you can explore them all here: News.
