• Stock
• Raw materials for manufacturing
• Machinery
• Office equipment
• Furniture

Likewise, there are a large number of risks that most content insurance policies typically cover. Fire, flood, storm, and theft are included as standard by most providers. Damage caused by riot and civil unrest may also be included. Accidental damage is often an optional extra, which insurers may be prepared to add on at an extra cost if appropriate.

You may find that you already have some business content insurance wrapped up in a package of general commercial cover. However it can be worth shopping around to check that this is the most cost effective way to purchase it. Why pay for extra cover that you don’t need?

You may also find that specialist insurance providers will have a strong understanding of your industry sector, and be able to accommodate some of your specific requirements. For example, if you retail goods on the high street, some insurers automatically raise the value of stock insured at Christmas time, to account for the higher levels of stock you will carry during the winter season.

What level of payout would I get if I make a claim?

When you are purchasing this cover, it’s important to clarify what level of payout you expect. For example, if your warehouse full of stock burnt down, would you be able to recover the retail or wholesale value of the goods? Does the cover pay out the cost of replacing old items with new ones?

Are there any conditions attached to the policy?

You may have to observe certain security requirements like having fire alarms, security alarms and effective locks as a condition of the policy. However, such requirements are usually just common sense practices that most businesses implement in any event.

How do I decide between providers?

It could make sense to shop around for the most competitive prices. However, you need to check what each provider offers before you make a decision. For example, does the insurer have a long list of exclusions? Is there a large excess, below which you will have to replace any contents damaged yourself? Finally, consider the service level you expect. Making a claim on your business content insurance policy might be stressful enough, but with trained staff to help who are available as and when you need to contact them, the stress involved can often be reduced.