Property Owners Insurance

Commercial Property Insurance is designed for buildings used in connection with business activities. This includes factories, warehouses, offices, retail premises, workshops and other commercial sites.

Cover typically includes:

• Buildings and permanent structures
• Business contents and equipment (if specified)

Optional cover extensions may include:

• Loss of Rent or Business Interruption following insured damage
• Property Owners’ Liability for third-party injury or property damage
• Alternative Accommodation or Loss of Rent following an insured event
• Accidental Damage to buildings or contents
• Terrorism cover (subject to availability and underwriting)
• Subsidence, ground heave and landslip (where acceptable to insurers)
• Engineering or plant cover for fixed equipment (where applicable)

The availability of extensions and policy terms will depend on the nature of the property, construction type, occupancy and insurer underwriting criteria.

Property used for residential letting — including individual houses, flats, HMOs, and portfolios — can be insured under policies tailored to reflect tenancy arrangements and occupancy risk.

Landlord Property Insurance may include:

• Buildings cover for structural damage or loss
• Specified contents cover where required
• Liability cover for landlords (if selected)
• Optional cover for malicious damage by tenants or loss of rent

The suitability of cover options depends on occupancy type (e.g., single let, multi-let), tenancy agreements and insurer terms.

Properties that are unoccupied present a different risk profile and are typically insured on a more limited basis. Unoccupied Property Insurance is designed to reflect this increased exposure and the underwriting controls required by insurers.

Most unoccupied property policies provide cover on a FLEA basis, meaning protection against loss or damage caused by:

• Fire

• Lightning

• Explosion

• Aircraft

This core level of cover applies while a property is unoccupied, subject to policy terms, conditions and warranties.

Depending on the circumstances, insurers may be willing to offer additional cover extensions, subject to underwriting criteria, which can include factors such as security measures, inspection frequency, building condition and length of vacancy.

Where acceptable to insurers, additional cover may be available for:

• Escape of water

• Storm and flood

• Theft or malicious damage

• Accidental damage

• Property Owners’ Liability during the unoccupied period

The availability and scope of these extensions vary between insurers and must be carefully reviewed to ensure conditions are met and cover operates as intended.

Accurate disclosure of occupancy status and adherence to policy conditions are particularly important for unoccupied properties to avoid issues in the event of a claim.

Whether you have a single building or a large multi-property portfolio, Property Insurance can be arranged on a basis that supports efficient administration and consistent risk management.

For multiple properties, insurers may offer portfolio or block arrangements that:

• Standardise policy terms and warranties
• Facilitate consolidated renewal and documentation
• Provide a clear structure for risk and premium allocation

Policies for portfolios will always be tailored to reflect the mix of property types, usage and occupancy conditions within the group.