Shop insurance- newbie question

[Jackdog]

I’m in the process of starting up a small business and have at last found a suitable premises. The landlord is covering the building with his insurance and I’m covering the shop/stock. I’m going to be selling raw dog food and will have commercial chest freezers in the shop. As I’m new to this I’m looking for recommendations for insurance providers and what sort of cover should I be looking for. Thanks in advance. Paula

 

[Nico Albrecht]

Try to find a local insurance broker and tell him what kind of cover you need. Let them work it out for you and go through the policy tos. I found buying direct shop insurances from e.g Aviva, Zurich etc... more expensive than having a broker doing it for me. Also you wanna ask the the the simple questions what's excluded in the cover etc.... prepare a list of stock value , contents etc.... as well. Make sure your security such as door locks etc... are fitted to get cover ( 3 lever 5 lever locks ) if uncertain get it checked. If an insurance will find a reason to refuse payout they will. Sometimes shop insurances have in my world odd terms and you have to follow. Once i never could find out is covering cash on premises. During the day cash is better insured than at night in a fault.

 

[Jackdog]

Thanks for your detailed answer. It’s useful to know to go to a broker as I would normally look online like I would for car or pet insurance. I get the keys to the shop on Thursday so I take your point about the security lock. I think it might need updating. I think I will be spending my weekend sorting out how much the contents are worth. Thanks once again for your reply, Paula

 

[Nico Albrecht]

Car insurance or pet insurance seem cheaper online but I found shop insurances cheaper from a broker and you have better communication. Find a local long standing one and drop them an email telling him what you need to cover and the numbers before. Also don't rely on landlord having insurance. If he doesn't pay ior is in dispute with his insurance you could have problems.