Building vs Contents vs Combined vs Add-Ons - What Cover Do You Need?

SPEAK TO A COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SPECIALIST GET COMMERCIAL PROPERTY QUOTES

Understand exactly what type of commercial property insurance you need - building, contents, combined, or essential add-on protections.

We compare quotes from leading insurers

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

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
GET BUILDING COVER QUOTES

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
GET CONTENTS COVER QUOTES

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
GET COMBINED COVER QUOTES

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
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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.

Related Commercial Property Guides

These are the strongest next pages when comparing commercial property cover types and linking that comparison back to structure, cost and the right overall level of protection.

Core Commercial Property Pages

Core Product Links

Related Property Paths

More Commercial Property Insurance Topics

Comparing cover types is easier when buildings, contents, liability and ownership status are looked at side by side. These guides connect comparison decisions with the main commercial-property options across related cover and guidance pages.

Compare the Main Options

By Ownership Type

Planning and Terms