Commercial Combined vs Separate Policies - Pros & Cons

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Should you insure everything under one Commercial Combined policy, or keep separate covers for each risk? Compare the advantages and disadvantages so you can choose the right approach.

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We compare quotes from leading insurers

  • Allianz
  • Aviva
  • QBE
  • RSA
  • Zurich
  • NIG

ONE COMMERCIAL COMBINED POLICY OR SEPARATE COVERS?

  • Combined policy

    COMBINED POLICY

  • Separate policies

    SEPARATE POLICIES

  • Cost & cover

    COST & COVER

  • Admin and claims

    ADMIN & CLAIMS

Understanding Your Options

Many businesses can insure their key risks under a single Commercial Combined policy – for example public liability, employers’ liability, property, business interruption and more. Others prefer to keep separate policies for each risk or location. The right approach depends on your size, complexity and risk profile.

Pros of a Commercial Combined Policy

A Commercial Combined policy brings together multiple covers under one insurer, one renewal date and one set of documents.

  • Simplified administration – single policy, single renewal and fewer documents to manage
  • Often more cost-effective than buying each cover separately
  • Consistent terms and conditions across different sections of cover
  • Easier claims handling with one main insurer and broker contact
  • Flexibility to add or remove sections as your business changes
  • Helps reduce the risk of gaps or overlaps between different policies
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When Separate Policies Might Be Better

Potential Drawbacks of a Combined Policy

  • Less flexibility if one particular risk needs highly specialist wording
  • Large or complex operations may exceed standard combined policy limits
  • Changing one section (e.g. fleet or property) can affect the overall programme
  • You may be tied to one main insurer’s appetite and pricing structure

Advantages of Separate Policies

  • Ability to select different specialist insurers for different risks (e.g. fleet, marine, cyber)
  • More scope to tailor cover or wording for unique exposures
  • Option to run different policy periods or renewal dates if required
  • Useful for groups where each company or location insures separately
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Commercial Combined vs Separate Policies – Which Suits You?

Combined Policy – Often Best For:

  • Small and medium-sized businesses with typical risk profiles
  • Single-site or low-complexity multi-site operations
  • Businesses wanting one straightforward package and renewal date
  • Companies looking to streamline administration and reduce cost

Separate Policies – Often Best For:

  • Larger or more complex organisations with specialist risks
  • Businesses needing niche cover (e.g. marine, tech, global exposures)
  • Groups with multiple trading entities or joint ventures
  • Situations where a lender, landlord or contract demands separate evidence of cover
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Insure24 reviewed all of our separate policies and recommended a Commercial Combined solution. We reduced our admin, closed gaps in cover and ended up saving money overall.

Sarah K., Managing Director – Engineering Services

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What is a Commercial Combined policy?

A Commercial Combined policy packages multiple covers – such as property, liability, business interruption and more – into one policy with a single insurer and renewal date.

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Are combined policies always cheaper than separate covers?

Not always, but they often offer good value because the insurer is writing several sections together. The best approach is to compare both options based on your specific risk profile.

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Can I mix a Commercial Combined policy with separate specialist policies?

Yes. Many businesses use a combined policy for core risks and separate specialist policies for areas like cyber, marine or large motor fleets. A broker can help ensure they fit together properly.

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How do I know which option is right for my business?

The best option depends on your size, activities, claims history and any specialist requirements. Insure24 can review your current arrangements, highlight gaps or duplication and recommend whether a combined, separate or hybrid approach is most suitable.

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