Shop Insurance FAQ

Shop insurance is a tailored business insurance package designed specifically for retail businesses operating from physical premises. It protects against a range of risks, including theft, property damage, liability claims, employee injuries, and loss of income.

Anyone running a business from a retail premises should consider shop insurance, including:

• Clothing boutiques & shoe shops
• Convenience stores, newsagents & off-licences
• Vape shops & CBD retailers
• Florists & gift stores
• Tech, gadget & phone repair shops
• Furniture, art & home décor stores
• Bookshops & stationers
• Barbers, beauty salons & nail bars
• Bakeries & cafés

Whether you’re a sole trader or managing a multi-site chain, insurance is essential for protecting your business, staff, and customers.

Your policy can include a mix of the following:

• Public Liability Insurance – Covers claims from customers injured or affected while visiting your shop
• Employers’ Liability Insurance – Legally required if you employ anyone
• Stock & Contents Cover – Protects items for sale, shop furniture, displays, tech, tills, etc.
• Business Interruption Insurance – Covers loss of income if your shop is forced to close after an insured event (e.g., flood or fire)
• Money Cover – Covers cash on premises or in transit
• Glass Cover – For shopfront windows and signage
• Goods in Transit – Covers items being moved between locations
• Legal Expenses Cover – For employee disputes, landlord issues, or tax investigations

The only part that’s legally required is Employers’ Liability Insurance (if you have employees). However, most landlords, councils, and suppliers will expect you to have Public Liability Insurance at a minimum — and without proper cover, one claim could be devastating for a small business.

Premiums vary depending on:

• Your shop’s location and size
• The value of your stock
• Your claims history
• Whether you work with hazardous or high-value goods
• Your turnover and number of employees

Basic packages for small shops can start from as little as £200–£300 per year, with more comprehensive cover (including stock, BI, etc.) ranging from £500+ depending on complexity.

Yes. We offer multi-location retail policies where all your shops are insured under one policy with a single renewal date and one point of contact. This is ideal for chain stores or franchise operators.

Absolutely. We can combine shop insurance with e-commerce and cyber cover to protect stock, fulfilment risks, and customer data if you’re also trading online.

Yes — we offer flexible monthly payment options, subject to credit and underwriting approval. This helps spread the cost without compromising cover.