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Listen "Insurance Key Considerations for Small Business. With Karla Vosloo"
Episode Synopsis
In this essential episode of Bean There, Done That, host Phillip Di Bella sits down with Karla Vosloo, Account Manager at Stellar Insurance Brokers, to demystify the world of insurance for small business owners—especially those in hospitality. Karla shares invaluable insights on how insurance has changed since COVID, the hidden pitfalls of underinsurance, and why every café or restaurant owner needs to rethink their risk exposure in a world of rising premiums and unpredictable weather events. It's a must-listen for any operator who thinks insurance is just paperwork—until disaster strikes.
KEY TOPICS & THEMES
How COVID transformed consumer and business behaviour around insurance
Why insurance premiums are skyrocketing—and what you can do about it
Cyclone Alfred and real-world lessons on flood cover and business interruption
The risks of underinsurance, non-disclosure, and not reading the fine print
The importance of tailored insurance solutions for cafés and small businesses
Cybersecurity and why every business, no matter the size, needs protection
Employment liability in hospitality: growing risks and legal reforms
TIME-STAMPED KEY POINTS
00:00 – Intro to the show and the value of learning from those who've "bean there"
00:50 – Karla Vosloo from Stellar Insurance joins the show
02:20 – Insurance pre-COVID vs. post-COVID: a major industry shift
04:00 – Insurance premium increases vs. utility cost increases
05:10 – The Cyclone Alfred example: Why disasters impact everyone’s premiums
07:00 – What 'insurance pooling' really means for you
08:00 – The rise of self-insurance and its serious risks
09:00 – Business interruption: a surprisingly affordable yet critical policy
12:22 – The danger of non-disclosure and underreporting claims
14:50 – The types of cover every café should consider
17:30 – Management liability and employment disputes post-COVID
20:12 – When to review your insurance policy (hint: more than once a year)
26:12 – Common reasons claims are rejected—and how to avoid them
28:30 – Tips for ensuring a smooth claims process
29:30 – How tech and AI are shaping insurance risk assessment
30:20 – Cyber insurance: rising threats and how to protect yourself
33:30 – Final thoughts: proactive over reactive insurance thinking
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Karla Vosloo is an experienced insurance broker and trusted account manager at Stellar Insurance Brokers. With a passion for small business and a talent for simplifying complex insurance concepts, Karla helps clients navigate risk, tailor policies to their real needs, and avoid common industry pitfalls. Her background in both Australia and New Zealand gives her a broad and practical perspective—especially relevant in today’s climate-impacted economy.
Connect with Karla:
🔗 LinkedIn
🏢 stellarinsurance.com.au
TAKEAWAYS
Insurance has changed—you must reassess your policies annually.
Business interruption insurance is often overlooked but can be a lifesaver.
Full disclosure is essential—even minor claims or activities can impact future coverage.
Cyber attacks are rising, and insurance can now help offset these increasingly common threats.
Public liability, fit-out, contents, and management liability are non-negotiable for cafés and hospitality businesses.
Documentation is everything—keep inventories, receipts, and visual proof to avoid claim delays.
Brokers provide peace of mind, extended credit terms, and better policy clarity vs. online insurers.
LINKS & RESOURCES
Stellar Insurance Brokers
The Coffee Commune
Tim Die (HR Cartel) – previous episode on industrial relations
Australian Fair Work Act Updates – March 2025
Recommended: CCTV, cloud backups, and cyber audits for small businesses
Produced by The Podcast Boss
KEY TOPICS & THEMES
How COVID transformed consumer and business behaviour around insurance
Why insurance premiums are skyrocketing—and what you can do about it
Cyclone Alfred and real-world lessons on flood cover and business interruption
The risks of underinsurance, non-disclosure, and not reading the fine print
The importance of tailored insurance solutions for cafés and small businesses
Cybersecurity and why every business, no matter the size, needs protection
Employment liability in hospitality: growing risks and legal reforms
TIME-STAMPED KEY POINTS
00:00 – Intro to the show and the value of learning from those who've "bean there"
00:50 – Karla Vosloo from Stellar Insurance joins the show
02:20 – Insurance pre-COVID vs. post-COVID: a major industry shift
04:00 – Insurance premium increases vs. utility cost increases
05:10 – The Cyclone Alfred example: Why disasters impact everyone’s premiums
07:00 – What 'insurance pooling' really means for you
08:00 – The rise of self-insurance and its serious risks
09:00 – Business interruption: a surprisingly affordable yet critical policy
12:22 – The danger of non-disclosure and underreporting claims
14:50 – The types of cover every café should consider
17:30 – Management liability and employment disputes post-COVID
20:12 – When to review your insurance policy (hint: more than once a year)
26:12 – Common reasons claims are rejected—and how to avoid them
28:30 – Tips for ensuring a smooth claims process
29:30 – How tech and AI are shaping insurance risk assessment
30:20 – Cyber insurance: rising threats and how to protect yourself
33:30 – Final thoughts: proactive over reactive insurance thinking
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Karla Vosloo is an experienced insurance broker and trusted account manager at Stellar Insurance Brokers. With a passion for small business and a talent for simplifying complex insurance concepts, Karla helps clients navigate risk, tailor policies to their real needs, and avoid common industry pitfalls. Her background in both Australia and New Zealand gives her a broad and practical perspective—especially relevant in today’s climate-impacted economy.
Connect with Karla:
🏢 stellarinsurance.com.au
TAKEAWAYS
Insurance has changed—you must reassess your policies annually.
Business interruption insurance is often overlooked but can be a lifesaver.
Full disclosure is essential—even minor claims or activities can impact future coverage.
Cyber attacks are rising, and insurance can now help offset these increasingly common threats.
Public liability, fit-out, contents, and management liability are non-negotiable for cafés and hospitality businesses.
Documentation is everything—keep inventories, receipts, and visual proof to avoid claim delays.
Brokers provide peace of mind, extended credit terms, and better policy clarity vs. online insurers.
LINKS & RESOURCES
Stellar Insurance Brokers
The Coffee Commune
Tim Die (HR Cartel) – previous episode on industrial relations
Australian Fair Work Act Updates – March 2025
Recommended: CCTV, cloud backups, and cyber audits for small businesses
Produced by The Podcast Boss
In God we trust