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Insurance for Offices with Public-Facing Areas
Many modern offices include reception desks, client waiting areas, small showrooms or retail-style counters. While these businesses are primarily office-based, the presence of walk-in visitors introduces additional liability and property risks.
Office with Retail / Reception Area Insurance from Insure24 bridges the gap between standard office insurance and shop insurance - ensuring you’re properly covered without paying for unnecessary retail risks.
Essential Covers for Offices with Reception or Retail Areas
Public & Customer Liability Insurance
Customer-facing areas significantly increase the risk of injury claims. Public liability insurance protects your business if visitors are injured or their property is damaged while on your premises.
- Slip, trip and fall claims
- Injury in reception or waiting areas
- Damage to visitor property
- Typical limits £1m – £5m
Office Contents & Display Equipment Insurance
Covers office equipment and items in public-facing areas, including desks, computers, display units and point-of-sale systems.
- Computers, phones and reception desks
- Display furniture and signage
- Fire, flood and theft cover
- Optional accidental damage
Employers’ Liability Insurance
A legal requirement if you employ staff working in reception, customer service or office roles.
- Mandatory if you employ anyone
- Covers staff injury or illness
- Minimum £5m cover by law
Business Interruption Insurance
Helps protect your income if your office or reception area becomes unusable following an insured event.
- Loss of revenue following damage
- Ongoing rent and wage costs
- Temporary relocation expenses
Additional Risks for Customer-Facing Offices
- Higher footfall increasing injury risk
- Theft or damage in public areas
- Cash handling or payment terminals
- Damage to leased premises
- Reputational impact from incidents
Who Is This Type of Insurance For?
- Professional firms with reception areas
- Consultancies with client-facing offices
- Medical, dental or therapy practices
- Showroom-style offices
- Service businesses with walk-in visitors
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
+- Is office insurance different if I have a reception area?
Yes. Customer-facing areas increase liability risks, so insurance must reflect public access and footfall.
+- Do I need shop insurance if I don’t sell products?
No. Office with retail/reception insurance is usually more suitable and cost-effective than full shop insurance.
+- Is public liability essential for reception areas?
Yes. Any business that allows members of the public onto its premises should have public liability insurance.
+- Can this cover be tailored to my premises?
Yes. Policies can be tailored based on footfall, layout, activities and contract requirements.
+- Is this insurance expensive?
No. Premiums are usually modest and reflect the limited retail exposure rather than full shop risks.