What insurance is legally required for a shop in the UK?

Employers’ Liability Insurance is legally required in the UK if a shop employs staff, including part-time or temporary workers.

Is shop insurance required if I work alone?

If you have no employees, Employers’ Liability Insurance may not be required, but other covers such as public liability and stock insurance are still advisable.

Can all shop insurance be combined into one policy?

Yes. Combined or package shop insurance policies bring together multiple covers such as property, liability and business interruption into one policy.

What Insurance Does a Shop Need?

Q: How do I know what insurance limits my shop needs?

Insurance limits depend on factors such as stock value, premises size, staff numbers and trading risks. A specialist broker can help assess the correct levels.

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A simple UK guide to retail insurance requirements and recommended cover

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A UK GUIDE TO SHOP & RETAIL INSURANCE

Understanding Insurance Requirements for Shops

Whether you run a small independent shop or a busy high-street retailer, having the right insurance in place is essential to protect your business, staff and customers.

Some types of insurance are legally required in the UK, while others are strongly recommended to protect against common retail risks such as theft, fire, customer injury and loss of income.

Insurance That Is Legally Required for Shops

Employers’ Liability Insurance – legally required if you employ staff, including part-time, temporary or family members.

Essential Insurance Cover Most Shops Need

Public Liability Insurance (customer injury claims)
Stock & Contents Insurance
Theft & Shoplifting Insurance
Retail Premises Risk (fire, flood, vandalism)
Business Interruption & loss of income
Product Liability (where goods are sold)

Do Shops Need Combined / Package Insurance?

Many retailers choose a combined shop insurance policy, which bundles property, liability, stock and business interruption cover into one cost-effective policy.

This approach simplifies administration and often reduces overall premium costs compared to arranging multiple standalone policies.

Why Use Insure24 for Shop Insurance?

Expert advice on legal and recommended cover
Access to specialist retail insurers
Tailored policies for all shop types
Competitive pricing and fast quotes
Support as your business grows or changes

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What insurance is legally required for a shop?

Employers’ Liability Insurance is legally required in the UK if you employ staff. Other covers are optional but strongly recommended.

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Do small shops need business insurance?

Yes. Even small shops face risks such as theft, fire and customer injury, making insurance essential.

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Is shop insurance mandatory if I work alone?

Employers’ Liability Insurance may not be required if you have no staff, but other covers are still strongly recommended.

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Can I combine all shop insurance into one policy?

Yes. Combined or package shop insurance policies provide multiple covers in one simple policy.

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How do I know what cover limits I need?

Cover limits depend on stock value, premises size, staff numbers and trading risks. Insure24 can help you assess the right levels.