Commercial Property Insurance
Focus Insurance arranges commercial property insurance and commercial landlord insurance for property owners across the UK. We work with a panel of specialist insurers to source suitable cover for retail, office, industrial, and mixed-use premises. Speak to our team on 01733 263311, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
What Is Commercial Property Insurance?
Commercial property insurance — sometimes referred to as commercial landlord insurance or property owners insurance — is a specialist policy designed to protect the owners of commercial premises. It is distinct from residential landlord insurance and is structured to reflect the different risks associated with commercial property ownership and letting.
Whether you own a single retail unit, a portfolio of commercial properties, or a mixed-use development, commercial property insurance provides the foundation of your property risk management.
Types of Commercial Property We Can Help With
What Does Commercial Property Insurance Cover?
Buildings Cover
Protection for the structure of the commercial premises against fire, flood, storm, escape of water, subsidence, and other insured perils.
Property Owners' Liability
Cover for your legal liability as the property owner for injury or property damage to tenants, visitors, and third parties.
Loss of Rent
Rental income protection if the property becomes unusable following an insured event, covering the period required for reinstatement.
Unoccupied Property
Specialist cover for commercial properties that are vacant between tenancies or during refurbishment. Standard policies may restrict cover during void periods.
Employers Liability
If you employ staff — including maintenance or management personnel — employers liability insurance is a legal requirement.
Engineering Inspection
Inspection and insurance for plant, machinery, lifts, and pressure vessels within commercial premises.
Unoccupied Commercial Property
Unoccupied commercial property presents a specific challenge for insurance. Standard commercial property policies typically include restrictions on cover after a period of vacancy — often 30 to 60 days. After this period, certain covers may be reduced or suspended, leaving the property owner exposed.
If your commercial property is vacant — between tenancies, during a refurbishment, or following a tenant insolvency — you should notify your broker promptly and discuss whether specialist unoccupied commercial property insurance is required.
Important: Always notify your broker if your commercial property becomes vacant. Failure to do so could affect the validity of your cover. See our unoccupied property insurance guide for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is commercial property insurance?
Commercial property insurance — sometimes called commercial landlord insurance or property owners insurance — is a specialist policy designed to protect the owners of commercial premises. It typically includes buildings cover, property owners' liability, and loss of rent. The exact cover available will depend on the type of property, its use, and the insurer. Cover is subject to underwriting and acceptance.
What types of commercial property can be insured?
Commercial property insurance can be arranged for a wide range of property types, including retail units and shops, offices, industrial and warehouse premises, mixed-use properties (commercial ground floor with residential above), and unoccupied commercial property. The insurer will assess the specific use and risk profile of the property when providing terms.
Does commercial property insurance cover unoccupied premises?
Standard commercial property insurance policies typically include restrictions on cover during periods of unoccupancy. After a set period (often 30 to 60 days), certain covers may be reduced or suspended. If your commercial property is vacant — for example, between tenancies or during a refurbishment — you should notify your broker promptly. Specialist unoccupied commercial property insurance may be more appropriate in some circumstances.
What is property owners' liability insurance?
Property owners' liability insurance covers your legal liability as the owner of a commercial property for injury or property damage to tenants, visitors, and third parties arising from the property. It is typically included as part of a commercial property insurance policy. The level of cover required will depend on the nature of the property and its use.
Can I insure a mixed-use property under a commercial property policy?
Yes. Mixed-use properties — for example, a retail unit on the ground floor with residential flats above — can often be insured under a single commercial property policy. The insurer will assess the full use of the property when providing terms. It is important to disclose all uses accurately to ensure the cover is appropriate.
How do I arrange commercial property insurance through Focus Insurance?
Call our team on 01733 263311, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or use the contact form on our website. We will discuss your property, its use, and cover requirements to seek suitable terms from our panel of specialist insurers. Cover is subject to underwriting and insurer acceptance.
Speak to Our Team About Commercial Property Cover
01733 263311 | [email protected] | Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Or use our contact form at focusinsurance.co.uk/contact
Landlord Insurance
Residential buy-to-let property insurance for landlords.
Property Owners Insurance
Our full range of property insurance products.
Unoccupied Property Guide
What happens to cover when a property is vacant.
Information provided for general guidance only. Cover is subject to underwriting, insurer terms and acceptance. Terms and conditions apply. Focus Insurance Services is a trading name of Captios Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA Registration No. 717691). Registered in England and Wales, Company No. 09620500.