Small businesses
Protection for your equipment and stock means you can avoid lengthy interruptions to your business operations.
Business contents insurance
Compare quotes for commercial contents insurance.
What is business contents insurance?
Business contents insurance, also called commercial contents insurance, protects physical items your business owns or is responsible for at its insured premises.
Depending on the policy, it can cover items such as stock, computers, tools, machinery, furniture and other business equipment against insured events, including fire, flooding and theft.
The exact cover depends on the policy you choose. Some items, such as fixtures, improvements you've made to rented premises, glass, or equipment you take away from the workplace, may need specific cover or an optional extension.
Business contents insurance is different from business buildings insurance, which covers the physical structure of your premises. If you rent your business premises, your landlord will usually arrange buildings insurance, but you may still need cover for your own contents.
Do I need commercial contents insurance?
You may benefit from commercial contents insurance if your business relies on equipment, stock, tools, machinery or furniture that would be expensive to repair or replace.
For example, consider how your business would cope financially if a fire destroyed your stock, a break-in resulted in stolen equipment or an escape of water damaged your computers.
Commercial contents insurance isn't generally a legal requirement, but it can help protect your business against the cost of replacing insured items following a covered event. Whether it's suitable depends on the value of your assets, the risks you face and the exclusions and limits in the policy.
Without cover, you'd need to pay for uninsured losses yourself.
What type of businesses need commercial contents insurance?
Commercial contents insurance can be especially helpful for:
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Offices
Office equipment isn’t cheap and is susceptible to damage and theft from employees, clients and outside parties.
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Home Businesses
Your home insurance policy may not include cover for work equipment if you are running your business from home.
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Hospitality
If you own a pub, café, or guest house, contents insurance can cover your furniture, fixtures, and fittings.
What does business contents insurance cover?
Business contents insurance typically covers eligible physical assets against loss or damage caused by events specified in the policy. The items covered, exclusions, limits and conditions vary between insurers.
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Often covered
Depending on the policy, business contents insurance can include:
Office equipment: computers, monitors, laptops, printers and office furniture.
Stock and raw materials: goods held for sale and materials used to make products.
Tools and machinery: equipment used to carry out your business activities.
Furniture and fittings: desks, chairs, shelving and other eligible furnishings.
Fixtures and tenants' improvements: certain fittings or alterations you've paid for, where the policy specifically includes them.
Customer property: items belonging to customers that are in your care, custody or control, if the policy provides this cover.
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Often not covered
Depending on the policy, exclusions may include:
Wear and tear, deterioration or gradual damage.
Damage caused by a lack of maintenance.
Damage caused deliberately by employees.
Damage caused by pests or animals.
The building's structure (you'd need business buildings insurance)
Vehicles used for business (you'll need business car insurance).
Loss of earnings or business interruption (unless you take out additional cover)
Accidental damage (sometimes available as an add-on)
Equipment away from the premises (sometimes available as an add-on)
Items in transit (sometimes available as an add-on)
Is business contents insurance worth it?
Business contents insurance can be worth considering if replacing your equipment after a fire, flood, theft or other insured event would be difficult for your business to afford.
It can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing items such as stock, tools, furniture and computers, depending on the policy.
Business contents cover is generally purchased as part of a wider business insurance package, rather than as a standalone policy. So alongside protection for your equipment you will generally get cover such as public liability insurance, which can protect you if someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your business.
Does business contents insurance cover items away from the premises or in transit?
Not necessarily. Standard business contents insurance often focuses on items kept at the insured premises. Equipment and stock taken elsewhere may need additional cover.
This is particularly important if you:
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Take laptops or other equipment to clients' premises
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Carry tools between jobs
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Transport stock to markets, exhibitions or customers
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Store equipment or stock at another location
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Operate from several business premises
What are insured events?
Insured events are the incidents or risks your policy covers. Business contents insurance may protect eligible items against events such as:
Fire and explosion
Flooding and certain types of water damage
Theft and burglary
Vandalism and malicious damage
Storm damage
Impact damage
Escape of water or oil
Certain types of electrical damage
This list is a guide, not a guarantee that every event is covered by every policy. For example, some policies restrict cover for particular types of water damage or exclude certain electrical faults.
Check the policy wording for the precise definition of each insured event, any exclusions and any limits that apply. You should also check whether accidental damages included or needs to be added separately.
Which policy conditions can affect a theft claim?
Having theft listed as an insured event doesn't mean every theft will be covered. Insurers may set conditions relating to security, how premises are left and the evidence needed to support a claim. Depending on the policy, these may include:
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Locks and alarms
You may need to use specified locks, activate an alarm or meet other security requirements.
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Unoccupied premises
Restrictions may apply if your business premises are left empty for a specified period.
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Signs of forced entry
The policy may distinguish between theft involving forced entry and other types of theft.
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Reporting the incident
You may need to report theft to the police and notify the insurer promptly.
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High-value items:
Certain equipment, stock or valuables may need to be declared or protected in a particular way.
How much contents cover do I need for my business?
Start by working out how much it would cost to replace the contents you need to insure. Make an inventory of your business assets, including equipment, furniture, tools, machinery, stock and raw materials.
For each item, record its description, quantity and replacement value. Use the valuation basis specified by the policy, as some policies cover replacement-as-new costs while others take account of age, wear and depreciation.
For example, an office might estimate its contents as follows:
Remember to check whether the policy has separate limits for individual items, categories of property or stock. A total sum insured that appears sufficient may not cover an individual item if a lower sub-limit applies.
💡 Top tip: Don't underestimate the value of your contents. If you insure for less than the amount required by your policy, an average clause may reduce the settlement proportionately, leaving you to fund some of the loss yourself.
For example, an office might estimate its contents as follows:
Business contents | Estimated value |
|---|---|
Computers, phones and printers | £10,000 |
Furniture and fittings | £5,000 |
Tools and machinery | £20,000 |
Stock and raw materials | £10,000 |
Décor and signage | £7,000 |
Total | £52,000 |
These figures are illustrative. Your own sum insured should reflect your business's assets and policy's terms.
How should I value seasonal stock and high-value items?
If your business holds stock, calculate how much you could have on your premises at its busiest time, not just the average amount you hold throughout the year.
For example, a retailer may carry significantly more stock before Christmas than in the quieter months. If the sum insured is based on a low-stock period, it may not be enough to cover the maximum value at risk.
When calculating your contents value:
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Allow for seasonal peaks:
Estimate the highest stock value you expect to hold and check whether the policy offers a seasonal increase in cover.
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Declare high-value items:
Check whether expensive equipment, machinery, jewellery, electronics or other specialist stock needs to be listed separately.
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Check single-item limits:
A policy may limit how much it pays for any one item, even if the overall sum insured is higher.
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Use the correct valuation basis
Establish whether you need to insure items for replacement-as-new cost or another amount specified by the policy.
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Review changes regularly:
Update your figures when you buy equipment, expand your business or increase stock levels.
What affects the cost of commercial contents insurance?
The price of business contents insurance depends on your business, the assets you want to insure and the cover you choose. Insurers may consider factors such as:
Type of business
The risks associated with your industry and activities.
Value of contents
The total amount of equipment, stock and other assets you want to insure.
Location
Local theft and flood risks, among other factors.
Security measures
The locks, alarms and other security arrangements at your premises.
Type of building
Its construction, condition and suitability for your business activities.
Claims history
Previous claims and the circumstances surrounding them.
Level of cover
Whether you include options such as accidental damage or portable equipment.
Excess
The amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher voluntary excess may reduce the premium, but it means you'll pay more towards a claim.
Occupancy and business hours
How often the premises are used and whether they are left unoccupied for extended periods.
How do I make a business contents insurance claim?
The process for making a business insurance claim will depend on the incident and your policy, but usually involves the following steps:
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Contact insurer
Do this as soon as possible. You'll need your policy number, information about the problem, and proof of the ownership and value of any losses.
Check the policy for notification requirements and any steps you need to take to protect people and prevent further damage.
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Insurer investigation
The insurer will look into your claim and decide whether to accept it in full, accept it in part, or reject the claim.
The average time to settle a portable equipment claim is 54 days[5]. Your may be quicker or slower depending on how complex the claim is.
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Claim accepted or rejected
The time taken to resolve a claim depends on factors such as the complexity of the damage, the evidence available and whether further investigations or repairs are needed. A claim isn't guaranteed to be accepted simply because the type of incident is listed in the policy.
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Payment
If your claim is accepted, your insurer will pay a settlement to you or a third party. This is usually quick, although you may have to wait a few days.
What records should I keep for a business contents insurance claim?
Keeping an up-to-date record of your business assets can make it easier to provide information if you need to claim. Useful records include:
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An inventory:
List your equipment, furniture, tools, machinery and stock, with estimated values.
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Receipts and invoices:
Keep evidence of purchases and replacement costs where possible.
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Photographs:
Take clear pictures of valuable equipment, stock and the condition of your premises.
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Serial numbers and identifying details:
Record these for computers, machinery and other high-value items.
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Stock records:
Retain purchase invoices and stock reports, particularly if your inventory changes throughout the year.
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Valuation records:
Keep professional valuations where relevant and update them when circumstances change.
How are business contents insurance claims settled?
The way a claim is settled depends on the policy's settlement basis, the nature of the loss and the insurer's assessment.
Two common approaches are:
Replacement-as-new cover: the policy may pay the cost of repairing or replacing an insured item with a new equivalent, subject to the policy terms and limits.
Indemnity cover: the settlement takes account of the item's age, condition and depreciation, reflecting its value immediately before the loss.
Some policies use different settlement methods for different types of property. The insurer may also arrange a repair or replacement rather than paying cash, depending on the wording and circumstances.
Before buying cover, check the settlement basis, the excess, any single-item or category limits, and whether the sum insured is adequate. These details can make a significant difference to the amount you receive following a claim.
What other types of insurance can I get for my business?
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Public liability
Protects you if your work harms members of the public.
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Employers' liability
Protects you if your staff become ill or injured at work.
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Professional indemnity
Protects you if you are accused of negligence.
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Product liability
Covers legal fees if your product causes injury to a customer.
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Tools insurance
Covers costs if your tools are stolen, damaged, or lost.
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Commercial van
Protects your work vehicle and its contents.
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Cyber cover
Protects against losses from scams and ransomware attacks.
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Income protection
Protects you if you become unable to work.
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Key person
Offers compensation if a key employee becomes unable to work.
Compare business insurance quotes from leading UK insurers
How do I compare commercial contents insurance quotes?
Comparing business insurance quotes with MoneySuperMarket and our preferred partner SimplyBusiness is an easy way to find an affordable deal. Here's how it works:
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Tell us about your business
Let us know about your business, who you employ, and how much cover you need, and we'll find deals tailored to your requirements
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Review policy
Ensure it meets your business needs and read policy documents.
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Purchase your policy
Once you're happy with your policy offer, simply click through to complete your purchase.
Our expert says…
A business contents insurance policy will safeguard your valuable business equipment, stock and furnishings, offering vital protection in unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances.
With ABI members paying out £109 million to businesses for weather-related damage and business interruption in just the first quarter of 2025, it’s an important and often understated type of coverage worth considering for most businesses.
With MoneySuperMarket you’ll be able to find the right business contents insurance policy for your company and premises - so you can rest assured your vital business assets are protected.
Lucas Mansilla Business & Protection Insurance Expert
Will business contents insurance cover stock and equipment in storage?
Typically, no – standard business contents insurance does not cover stock or equipment kept in storage facilities.
If you keep items stored off-site (e.g. in a third-party storage facility), check your policy wording to see if off-site storage is included. Make sure you notify your insurer if you move stock or equipment to storage, even temporarily.
You can normally add specific cover for items in off-site storage if not already included.
Do I need business contents insurance if I have home contents insurance?
Yes, you may still need business contents insurance even if you have home contents insurance, especially if you run a business from home.
Most standard home insurance policies exclude business-related items, or they offer only very limited cover for work equipment, stock, or tools. This means items like business laptops are unlikely to be fully protected under your home policy.
Be aware that if you’re running a business from home and don’t inform your home insurer, it could invalidate your entire policy. Insurers need to know if your home is being used for business purposes because it can change the level of risk.
Does business contents insurance cover stock away from home?
Yes, you can get cover for your stock away from home, but this is dependent on the policy you choose. Make sure you look at inclusions and exclusions listed on your policy to make sure what you need to be covered is included.
Is business contents insurance tax deductible?
Yes, business contents insurance is tax deductible as a legitimate business expense.
This applies whether the insurance covers office equipment, stock, tools, or other business-related contents.
Make sure you keep accurate records of how much you spend on business contents insurance, and other types of insurance, for when you compile and file your accounts.
Will business insurance replace new for old contents?
Whether business contents insurance replaces new for old contents depends on the policy you buy.
Why does my business location affect my insurance premium?
Your business location affects your insurance premium because it influences the level of risk your insurer takes on. Certain areas are statistically more likely to experience events like theft, fire, or flooding, which increases the likelihood of a claim and, therefore, the cost of your premium.
Can I reduce my insurance cost by improving security?
Yes, you can often reduce your business insurance costs by improving security. This is because insurers offer lower premiums to businesses that take steps to lower their risk of theft, vandalism, and damage.
Should I include stock or raw materials in my contents insurance value?
Yes, you should include stock and raw materials in your business contents insurance value. These items are essential parts of your business assets and, if damaged, lost, or stolen, could lead to significant financial loss.
How often should I review my contents insurance cover?
You should review your business contents insurance cover at least once a year to ensure it still matches the value of your contents and needs of your business. Regular reviews help you adjust for changes like purchasing new equipment or furniture, increasing or decreasing stock levels, and expanding to new premises or additional locations.
Should I use a broker or professional valuation service?
A broker or professional valuer may be useful if your business has specialist machinery, expensive equipment, a large inventory or stock levels that fluctuate significantly.
They can help you identify assets you may have overlooked and estimate their value using an appropriate basis. A broker can also explain differences between policies, including limits, exclusions, excesses and optional extensions.
However, a valuation doesn't guarantee that a claim will be accepted or that you'll recover the full cost of a loss. The settlement will still depend on the insured event, policy wording, evidence, excesses and applicable limits.
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We get paid by the companies we work with, but the payment we get doesn’t have any bearing on the information we provide. We get paid in different ways, depending on the type of product or service you buy through us. Our goal is to search deals from as wide a range of companies as possible, but we only show results from our partner providers.
Our comparison service is, and will always be, free to use.
Why should I use a price comparison website?
One of the best ways to get the lowest prices and best deals is to compare quotes from different companies. We do the work for you, comparing quotes side-by-side and giving you all the information you need so you can choose the right deal for your needs and your wallet.
We don’t give recommendations or financial advice, but we give you clear information so you can choose financial products that suit your circumstances.
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No, not every company can be included in our service. This is because some companies don’t want their products included on comparison sites, and some decide that they would rather not pay a fee. There are also a few smaller providers who can struggle to cope with the volume of customers that can find their products if they appear on MoneySuperMarket.
Our goal is to search deals from as wide a range of companies as possible so that you can choose the deal that suits you.
Is business insurance eligible for SuperSaveClub and rewards?
No, at this time business insurance is not an eligible product for unlocking our SuperSaveClub rewards. It is also not included in our Price Promise.
Who are Simply Business?
Simply Business is one of the largest insurance brokers in the UK. They work with leading and specialist insurers to provide cover for small business owners, landlords and self-employed workers.
MoneySuperMarket has a commercial partnership with Simply Business. They offer various business and landlord insurance policies from different insurers through our platform, allowing our customers to find affordable quotes and policies that suit your specific needs.
Reviewed on 2 Nov 2026 by
Sources and supporting information
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[1]
Simply Business is one of the UK's leading providers of business insurance, serving 1 million customers across 1,500 trades.
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[2]
YouGov Survey 1st July 2025 to 30th June 2026. Net Recommend score derived from "Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?" Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=17,883, Compare the Market n=16,193, Go.Compare n=8,523, Confused.com n=7,918, Uswitch n=514)
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[3]
Average claim payout for Simply Business customers who claimed on their business insurance for portable equipment between 1 September 2025 and 31 August 2026.
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[4]
According to Simply Business data, 10% of customers paid £5.05 or less monthly for a public liability insurance policy. Figure based on annual quotes purchased between 1st July - 30th September 2026. The price is for up to £2 million of public liability insurance and excludes the extra costs for paying monthly
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[5]
Figure based on claims Simply Business customers made on their business insurance for portable equipment between 1st September 2025 - 31st August 2026.
