🛍️ Shop Insurance

Shop Insurance — Cover Built for Your Trade

Get quotes for public liability, professional indemnity, tools and employers' liability insurance for UK shops — quotes are provided directly by FCA-authorised insurers, not by us.

  • Public liability from £1m to £10m
  • Tools and equipment cover included
  • Employers' liability if you have staff
  • Same-day cover available
  • Tailored to shop risks
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Risks Specific to Shops

Every trade faces unique risks. Here's what could go wrong and why the right cover matters.

💡 Most shops need at minimum: Public liability insurance (expected by most landlords and suppliers), plus stock and contents cover for theft and damage. If you employ anyone, employers' liability is a legal requirement.

Theft, Glass & Security Risks Shops Should Plan Cover Around

Retail theft and security claims are some of the most common — and most disputed — claims shops make. Insurers look closely at how your premises are secured and what you declare when pricing your policy.

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Forcible & Violent Entry

Most theft policies only respond where there's clear evidence of forced entry or exit — broken locks, damaged doors or windows. Shoplifting and theft through an unlocked or open door typically falls outside standard theft cover.

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Glass & Shop Fronts

Many shop policies include only a modest sub-limit for plate glass and shopfronts. If you have a large glazed frontage or bespoke signage, check the limit carefully — it can be increased, but rarely as standard.

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Cash on the Premises

Money cover usually applies a lower limit outside trading hours unless cash is kept in a rated safe overnight. Declare your typical takings accurately so the limit matches what's actually on site.

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Intruder Alarm Standards

Insurers commonly require alarms installed and maintained by an NSI- or SSAIB-approved company, to the correct grade for your risk. An alarm that doesn't meet the policy's stated standard can affect a claim.

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Online & Overseas Sales

If you trade online, including to the USA or Canada, you need to declare this — standard goods in transit cover is usually UK and Ireland only, and US/Canadian liability exposure often needs a specific extension.

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Accurate Declarations

Stock values, security measures, online trading and cash handling all need to be declared accurately at application. Understating any of these can reduce or invalidate a claim later.

⚠️ Why this matters for your premium: Insurers typically ask what alarm system you have, whether your shop front and glass are adequately covered, how much cash you hold overnight and whether you sell online or overseas. Being upfront about all of this when you apply — rather than discovering a gap when you claim — is the single biggest factor in whether a theft or security claim is paid in full. This page is general guidance only and does not replace a formal risk assessment or professional advice.

What Does Shop Insurance Cover?

A strong policy covers the specific risks of your trade — from site accidents to equipment theft and client disputes.

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Public Liability

Covers claims from customers injured on your premises or as a result of your products or services. Essential for any business open to the public.

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Stock & Contents

Covers your stock, equipment and shop fittings against fire, theft and accidental damage. Make sure the sum insured reflects replacement cost, not purchase price.

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Business Interruption

Replaces lost income if you're forced to close due to an insured event — fire, flood or equipment failure. Covers ongoing costs while you're unable to trade.

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Product Liability

Covers claims arising from products you sell or food you prepare causing injury or illness. Essential for food businesses and retailers selling physical goods.

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Employers' Liability

Required by law if you have any employees. Covers claims from staff injured or made ill as a result of working for you.

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Buildings

Covers the structure of your premises against fire, flood and damage — if you own the building. If you're a tenant, check what your landlord's policy covers.

What to Look for When Comparing Shop Insurance

A few things worth checking before you buy, whichever UK insurer or broker you compare.

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Indemnity limit

Check the limit matches what your contracts, landlord or clients require — common tiers are £1m, £2m, £5m and £10m depending on trade and risk.

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Claims basis

Professional and liability covers are often "claims-made" — cover depends on holding a live policy when a claim is made, not just when the work happened.

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Exclusions

Read what's excluded, not just what's covered. Sub-contractor work, specific activities, or work carried out overseas are common gaps.

FCA authorisation

Before buying, confirm any insurer or broker is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority — check the register at register.fca.org.uk.

🤝 We're finalising partnerships with FCA-authorised UK insurers so you can compare real quotes here soon. Check back shortly, or get in touch if you'd like to be notified when comparisons go live.

Frequently Asked Questions

While not all business insurance is legally required, public liability insurance is expected by most clients, venues and contractors before work begins. If you employ anyone, employers' liability is a legal requirement. Operating without appropriate cover leaves you personally liable for any claims against your business.
Premiums vary based on your turnover, number of employees, claims history and the level of cover you choose. Most sole trader shops pay between £100 and £600 per year for basic public liability cover. Combined policies with professional indemnity and tools cover cost more but provide broader protection.
Yes — most insurers offer monthly payment options. You'll typically pay slightly more than the annual premium in total, but it helps with cash flow. Some digital insurers offer fully flexible monthly policies with no minimum term.
Public liability covers physical injury or property damage to third parties caused by your business. Professional indemnity covers financial loss suffered by a client due to your advice, designs or services. Many businesses need both — check which applies to your work.
You need employers' liability insurance if you employ anyone — including part-time workers, temporary staff, apprentices and in some cases, subcontractors you supervise on site. As a sole trader with no employees, it's not required. The legal minimum is £5 million cover.
Usually not under the standard theft section. Most policies define theft cover as requiring forcible and violent entry to, or exit from, the premises — so goods taken by a customer during normal opening hours typically fall outside that cover. Stock loss from shoplifting is generally treated as a trading risk rather than an insured one, though some specialist policies offer limited additional cover for this.
Glass and shopfront cover is usually included, but often at a fairly low sub-limit unless you increase it. If your shop has a large glazed frontage, bespoke signage or etched glass, it's worth checking the limit and asking your insurer to confirm it reflects full replacement cost.
You need to declare this to your insurer. Standard goods in transit cover is typically limited to the UK and Ireland, and liability claims in the US and Canada can be far more costly to defend than in the UK. If you trade internationally, ask about extending goods in transit and liability cover specifically for those territories.

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