Common Exclusions in Office Insurance Policies

Understand what office insurance typically does not cover - and how to avoid costly gaps

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We place office insurance with leading UK insurers

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

Why Office Insurance Exclusions Matter

Office insurance provides essential protection, but it does not cover every possible loss. Exclusions are standard across all insurance policies and define situations where insurers will not pay a claim.

Understanding common exclusions helps office-based businesses avoid uninsured losses, structure cover correctly and ensure policy conditions are met before a claim arises.

Common Office Insurance Exclusions

Wear, Tear & Gradual Deterioration


  • General wear and tear
  • Age-related deterioration
  • Lack of maintenance
  • Gradual damage over time

Insurance covers sudden and unforeseen events, not gradual deterioration caused by use, ageing or poor maintenance.

Poor Workmanship & Defective Design


  • Faulty installation
  • Design defects
  • Inferior materials
  • Rectification of defective work

Unoccupied or Vacant Offices


  • Extended periods of vacancy
  • Reduced cover after set timeframes
  • Escape of water exclusions
  • Theft restrictions

Insurers impose strict conditions on vacant or unoccupied offices. Failure to comply can invalidate cover.

Cyber & Data Risks (If Not Insured)


  • Data breaches
  • Ransomware attacks
  • IT system failures
  • GDPR and ICO fines

Traditional office insurance rarely covers cyber risks unless a dedicated cyber policy is in place.

Contractual & Financial Penalties


  • Fines and penalties
  • Liquidated damages
  • Performance guarantees
  • Pure financial losses

Policy Condition Breaches


  • Failure to maintain security
  • Inadequate fire protection
  • Non-disclosure of material facts
  • Incorrect business description

How to Avoid Gaps in Office Insurance Cover


  • Review policy exclusions carefully
  • Declare all office activities accurately
  • Maintain security and safety standards
  • Arrange cyber insurance where needed
  • Review cover annually or after changes

Why Review Office Insurance Exclusions with Insure24?


  • Clear explanation of exclusions
  • Lease and contract-aware advice
  • Policy wording reviews
  • Gap identification and mitigation
  • Claims-focused cover placement

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+-Are exclusions the same across all insurers?

No. While many exclusions are standard, wording and scope vary between insurers.

+-Can exclusions be removed?

Some exclusions can be amended or clarified, but many are standard and unavoidable.

+-Does office insurance cover cyber attacks?

Usually not. Cyber risks require a dedicated cyber insurance policy.

+-Can a claim be rejected for breaching conditions?

Yes. Failure to meet security or policy conditions can invalidate a claim.

+-Should exclusions be reviewed every year?

Yes. Business changes can affect how exclusions apply.