Shop Insurance

Why Choose Us

Here to help when you need it most

Shops are an extremely busy environment, with customers and suppliers frequently coming and going. In addition, their very nature makes them an attractive target for thieves. Combined, this makes for an increased level of risk, which needs a bespoke insurance solution designed to protect your business from financial harm. That’s where QMT Commercial step in – we’re here to help you find your next retail insurance policy. Our specialist insurance advisors are on hand to provide practical advice – for example by valuing your stock based on the cost price (not the retail price), you’ll reduce the risk of being overinsured or paying more than you need to.

An established broker you can trust

QMT Commercial has a proven track record in the insurance industry. Head on over to Trustpilot to see for yourself why so many customers choose us for their business insurance, year after year.

Many years of staff expertise

Our knowledgeable team collectively hold hundreds of years’ experience in the insurance industry, so they can make effective recommendations about the cover you may need.

Flexible payment options

Particularly handy if you are taking out multiple policies at once, we can arrange to split the cost into two monthly instalments or apply for monthly direct debits spread across the policy year.

Simple advice in plain English

No one likes industry jargon. Our recommendations are made in a clear, concise manner and our team will take time to answer any additional questions you may have about the level of cover.

Start your policy straight away

Once you’re happy with the price and level of cover we have quoted, we can set up your policy to start immediately, or if you prefer, we can arrange it to coincide with an upcoming renewal date.

Customers are our top priority

Our UK-based advisors and support team strive for the highest levels of customer service and will always be happy to help you with any queries throughout the life of your policy and beyond.

What are the main features of a Shop Insurance Policy?

Like many business policies, retail insurance starts with a strong foundation of public liability, employers’ liability, contents and stock cover. From there, we can start looking at a number of flexible cover options based on your individual needs and budget to tailor your policy to your shop type and activities, which are outlined below.

Main Features

Public liability insurance to cover legal court fees and settlements for claims made against your shop by members of the public. These may include common risks such as a customer becoming ill (particularly if your shop prepares or sells foodstuffs where there is a risk of food poisoning or allergic reactions), where the customer is injured (for example, slipping on a wet floor) or where customer property is damaged.
Employers’ liability is critical as you are legally responsible for the welfare of your staff if they obtain an injury or fall ill as a result of their work. If you do not have a valid policy, you run the risk of leaving your shop exposed to fines and/or uninsured claims being made against you which could have a devastating impact on your business.
Contents cover can help with damage, loss or theft of shop fittings, furnishings, IT equipment and tills. This can include all areas of your business such as shop window displays, signage, storerooms and the shopfloor itself.
Stock cover is essential for retail organisations, in the event of loss, damage or theft. This often includes a seasonal uplift (for example at Christmas where you may be holding increased volumes of stock). Depending on the nature of your retail business, you may need to also consider deterioration of stock for perishable items such as foods, high risk cover for items such as alcohol, and high value item cover for any valuables you might sell such as electrical equipment, antiques, etc.
Goods in transit may be required if you carry goods from one place to another (for example from the cash and carry, wholesaler, while undertaking a customer delivery or taking stock from one premises to another if you have multiple sites). This cover will help repair or replace any goods that are lost, stolen or damaged while on the move.
Products liability is important if you sell or distribute third party products, as you can be held as accountable as the manufacturer if anything goes wrong. Some examples include foodstuffs sold in a cornershop, shampoo used and sold in a salon, etc.
Building insurance is required if you own your premises and covers the repair or rebuild of the property in the event of a malicious act such as arson or vandalism or natural events like flood and storm damage.
Cyber cover is designed to help you restore your systems and data in the event of a digital attack and can also help with legal defence fees and payouts for a client data breach. Online retailers are even more at risk from cyber-crime via their e-commerce website, database and payment gateway use.
Loss of licence cover should be considered if you sell alcohol, as it will protect you from loss of trade if your licence is lost due to circumstances beyond your control.
Business interruption insurance can be a lifeline, providing loss of income if you are forced to close and temporarily unable to trade.
Employee belongings cover for loss, damage or theft.
Personal accident can help cover you for loss of earnings in the event of an injury.
Equipment breakdown cover will help repair or replace valuable items such as point of sale systems, sound systems, fridges and freezers in the event of an electrical of mechanical fault.
Portable equipment cover for items such as card readers that you may take to fairs and markets.
Professional indemnity insurance is useful if your shop provides a service or advice (e.g. a kitchen showroom with design or planning consultants) where incorrect information or wrongful advice could bring about a negligence claim from the customer.