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WHAT SHOP INSURANCE MAY NOT COVER
Shop insurance provides essential protection, but no policy covers every scenario. Understanding common exclusions helps retailers avoid unexpected gaps and arrange additional cover where needed.
Property & Stock Insurance Exclusions
Common limitations affecting buildings, contents and stock.
- Wear and tear, gradual deterioration or corrosion
- Unoccupied premises beyond stated limits
- Underinsurance due to incorrect values
- Theft without visible forced entry (policy dependent)
- Unspecified high-value items or cash limits
- Flood risk exclusions in high-risk locations
Public & Product Liability Exclusions
Situations commonly excluded from liability policies.
- Known defects or deliberate acts
- Failure to comply with safety or hygiene regulations
- Contractual liabilities beyond common law
- Recalls unless specifically insured
- Professional advice or design errors
Business Interruption Exclusions
Important limitations affecting loss of income claims.
- Losses not following insured property damage
- Insufficient indemnity periods
- Pandemics and non-damage extensions (unless added)
- Utility failure away from premises (policy dependent)
- Seasonal income not declared accurately
How Retailers Can Avoid Insurance Gaps
- Declare accurate stock and contents values
- Review unoccupied premises clauses
- Add specialist covers (perishables, recall, cyber)
- Check security and alarm conditions
- Review exclusions at renewal, not after a claim
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Are all risks covered under shop insurance?
No. Shop insurance includes exclusions and conditions. Reviewing these helps ensure you arrange suitable additional cover where needed.
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Is theft always covered?
Theft is often covered, but may be excluded without signs of forced entry or if security conditions are not met.
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Does business interruption cover pandemics?
Most standard policies exclude pandemics unless specific non-damage extensions are added.
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What happens if my shop is underinsured?
Claims may be reduced proportionally, meaning you may not receive the full amount needed to recover.
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Can exclusions be reduced?
Some exclusions can be addressed through endorsements, higher premiums or specialist extensions.