Commercial Property Insurance Checklist

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A complete checklist for Owners, Landlords and Tenants - ensure your building and business are properly protected.

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We compare quotes from leading UK property insurers

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

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO COMMERCIAL PROPERTY INSURANCE

What Is This Checklist For?

Whether you’re a property owner, landlord or commercial tenant, the insurance you need can vary widely. This comprehensive checklist ensures you have the right cover in place for buildings, contents, machinery, liability, loss of rent, business interruption and legal risks.

Use this as a practical reference when reviewing your insurance or preparing for renewal.

Checklist for Property Owners


  • Buildings Insurance – Full reinstatement value
  • Loss of Rent cover (if rented out)
  • Property Owners’ Liability (£2m–£10m)
  • Subsidence & structural movement cover
  • Flood, storm & natural hazard protection
  • Terrorism insurance (if required by lenders)
  • Plant, machinery & equipment breakdown
  • Inspection & compliance (lifts/boilers)
  • Unoccupied property cover (if empty)
  • Glass, signage & shopfront insurance

Checklist for Landlords


  • Buildings Insurance (if landlord responsibility)
  • Loss of Rent (accidental damage & major risks)
  • Service Charge protection
  • Terrorism cover in urban zones
  • Legal expenses & eviction support
  • Portfolio insurance for multiple units
  • Liability cover for communal areas
  • Fixtures & fitting replacement
  • Engineering inspections for lifts/plant
  • Tenant damage cover (malicious/accidental)

Checklist for Commercial Tenants


  • Contents Insurance – Stock, equipment & furniture
  • Tenants’ Improvements Insurance
  • Business Interruption / Loss of Income
  • Public & Employers’ Liability
  • Accidental Damage to landlord’s buildings
  • Glass & shopfront cover
  • Machinery & equipment breakdown
  • Goods in storage or transit
  • Cyber cover (for digital operations)
  • Legal expenses protection

Common Risks to Consider


  • Underinsurance due to inaccurate rebuild costs
  • Damage to machinery, plant or fixtures
  • Flood, storm or fire exposure
  • Liability claims from tenants, visitors or contractors
  • Loss of income or rent after damage
  • Unoccupancy void periods breaking cover
  • Electrical or mechanical breakdowns
  • Improper tenant cover leading to disputes

Why Use This Checklist Before Buying Insurance?


  • Ensures complete building & contents protection
  • Helps identify missing or inadequate cover
  • Avoids tenants/landlords disputes over responsibilities
  • Reduces risk of claim rejection
  • Improves compliance with lease/lender requirements
  • Speeds up the quote process with insurers
  • Supports long-term risk management

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Who should use this commercial property insurance checklist?

This checklist is designed for owners, landlords, managing agents and commercial tenants to ensure correct coverage.

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Does this checklist include tenant responsibilities?

Yes - tenants often require their own cover for improvements, contents, liability and business interruption.

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Does this checklist replace professional insurance advice?

No - it is a supporting guide. Insure24 can provide tailored recommendations based on your building and tenancy.

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Will insurers require details about the building?

Yes - details like construction, occupancy, rebuild cost, risk management and previous claims are essential.

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Does this include engineering or machinery considerations?

Yes - the checklist includes plant, equipment, machinery and inspection-related insurance requirements.

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