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Which Commercial Property Cover Is Right for You?
Commercial landlords and business owners often need to choose between multiple types of property insurance. Understanding the difference between **building insurance**, **contents insurance**, **combined insurance** and a range of useful add-ons helps ensure you’re properly protected.
What Is Building Insurance?
Covers the physical structure and permanent fixtures of the property.
- Walls, floors, roof & structural elements
- Fixed installations & permanent fixtures
- Fire, flood, storm & escape of water damage
- Vandalism & malicious damage
- Impact damage (vehicles, falling objects)
- Rebuild costs following major damage
- Optional subsidence cover
What Is Contents Insurance?
Covers movable items, tools, machinery, stock and equipment inside your property.
- Office contents & IT equipment
- Retail stock, displays & shelving
- Machinery, tools & workshop items
- Fixtures, fittings & tenant improvements
- Accidental damage & malicious damage
- Theft (subject to security conditions)
- Optional cover for high-value equipment
What Is Combined Buildings & Contents Insurance?
A single policy that protects both the structure and the items inside.
- Buildings + contents covered under one policy
- Simplified claims & administration
- Often cheaper than separate policies
- Suitable for owner-occupied premises
- Ideal for shops, offices, workshops, studios
- Flexible add-on options available
Popular Add-Ons to Enhance Your Protection
Add-ons help tailor your policy to the risks your business faces.
- Property owners’ liability (£2m–£10m)
- Legal expenses & tenant dispute cover
- Loss of rent following insured damage
- Business interruption insurance
- Accidental damage enhancements
- Terrorism cover
- Environmental liability
- Cover for unoccupied periods
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Do I need buildings or contents cover, or both?
Landlords typically need buildings insurance, while tenants usually require contents cover.
Owner-occupiers may benefit most from a combined policy.
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What add-ons are essential for property owners?
Popular add-ons include property owners’ liability, legal expenses, loss of rent, business interruption and terrorism cover.
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Is combined cover cheaper than separate policies?
Often yes - combined buildings and contents insurance can be more cost-effective and easier to manage.
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Do landlords need contents insurance?
Yes, if you provide furniture, equipment, shelving, fixtures or tools - otherwise only buildings insurance is typically required.