If you run a business from an office, you may want to consider taking out an office insurance policy. This type of policy aims to cover everything that you could need to protect your contents and employees, but the type of cover provided varies depending on the provider.

Why you may need office insurance

Office insurance policies provide cover for the various risks that may be present in office environments. Business owners operating from offices may want to take out insurance mainly to provide protection for the contents within the office, but there are many other types of cover that can be included in a policy.

The main aim of this type of cover is to provide you with everything you need to ensure you are covered for any eventuality. That way you can focus on the smooth running of the office without having to worry about unexpected and expensive problems arising.

What does it cover?

A typical office insurance policy may include all or some of the following, but it is important to remember that every policy is different:

• if you own the office building, you may find that building insurance is available as an option, covering hazards such as flooding, fire and storm damage. However, if you are renting the office from a landlord, it will be the landlord who is responsible for building cover;
• one thing you will probably own is the contents within the office. This could include anything from desks and furniture to expensive computers, so it is important to state how much cover you require based on your needs when you buy a policy;
• you may also be able to get cover for fixtures and fittings, including shelves, carpets, etc;
• if your office is located next to the street, you may be able to get shop front cover included, which may cover the windows and signage against damage;
• stock cover may be included, or you may need to get it covered separately;
• both employers’ and public liability may be included, which cover claims arising from your employees or from members of the public;
• business interruption cover may be included, which may provide financial assistance should your office become damaged in a storm and you are unable to use the premises to run your business;
• product liability is sometimes included, and you may require this if you produce products as part of your business.

Things to look out for

Discounts may be available for office insurance policies, such as if you have an alarm or CCTV installed in the office from an accredited installer. If you have a good claims history you may also find that you can get a discount.

Because all policies are different, it’s important to compare them before you choose so that you know you are choosing the most suitable policy for your needs.

Some things may be optional in a policy. For example, you may already have employers’ liability in place and not need to get it included.

Protect your office

Office insurance is something that you may want to consider if you run a business from an office. If you want to, use the services of a broker to provide you with a more tailored solution for your needs, and then make sure you find a policy that provides you with the cover your require so you can focus 100 percent on running your business.