Business insurance for co-working spaces explained
Discover everything you need to know about how to insure co-working spaces as a business in this useful guide.
Key points
Business insurance for co-working spaces covers property damage, liability, and theft
You can get tailored business insurance by undergoing a detailed risk assessment with specialised insurers
Essential insurance types for co-working spaces include public liability, property, and professional liability insurance

What is business insurance for co-working spaces?
Business insurance for co-working spaces is tailored to protect against specific risks of operating shared workspaces. This typically includes cover against property damage, public liability, and theft.
With a mix of businesses and individuals in one place, having the right business insurance ensures a safe and secure working environment for everyone.
Can I get business insurance for co-working spaces?
Yes, you can get business insurance for co-working spaces. The first step is understanding what type of insurance you might need and if you meet the insurance provider's criteria.
Insurers typically assess the nature of the space, the types of businesses it hosts, and the associated risks. It's important to show insurers that effective risk management practices are in place.
Is business insurance a legal requirement when working in a co-working space?
No, business insurance is generally not a legal requirement when working in a co-working space unless you employ staff, in which case you would need employers' liability insurance by law.
However, depending on your industry and the specific services you offer, clients might expect you to have public liability insurance, even when working in a shared space.
It's always best to check with the co-working space about their coverage and what additional insurance you might need.
How to get insurance for co-working spaces
To apply for insurance for a shared working space, begin by collecting detailed information about your co-working location. This should include the size of the property, the number of tenants, and the activities conducted there.
Then, contact an insurance broker or insurance provider who specialise in commercial policies. They will guide you through the application process, which generally includes a detailed risk assessment.
Once your insurer has all the information they need and confirm they can offer insurance, they'll provide you with a quote. If you're satisfied with this, you can take out cover from an agreed date and you're then protected until your policy expires.
Do co-working spaces provide business insurance?
Some co-working spaces offer basic liability insurance included in their contract, but you should always check with the owner. If you require any additional insurance, you'll need to take care of this yourself to make sure you're fully covered.
What business insurance should I consider?
Here are some essential types of business insurance to consider when operating in a co-working space:
Public liability insurance covers claims of bodily injury or property damage. For example, if a visitor trips over a rug in your space, this insurance would handle the medical costs and legal fees.
Commercial buildings insurance is important for safeguarding the physical assets of your co-working space, such as furniture, computers, and other equipment. It assists in repairing or replacing items damaged by fire, theft, or other disasters.
Professional indemnity insurance covers claims of negligence or failure in performing professional duties. For instance, if you're a solicitor and you've given incorrect legal advice, this insurance would cover the compensation costs.
Covers the costs of cyber-crime and threats, such as online hacking, property damage, theft or access to your bank account.
Employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement if you hire one or more members of staff. It protects you against compensation claims an employer could make e.g. if they get sick or injured from any work they do for you.
Types of business insurance for co-working spaces
Public liability insurance
Commercial buildings insurance
Professional indemnity insurance
Cyber insurance
Employers' liability insurance
What are the benefits of co-working spaces?
There are several benefits to sharing a working space, including:
Networking opportunities with fellow business owners and entrepreneurs
Flexibility to scale up or down without the hassle of long-term leases
A shared space is cheaper and more cost-effective, allowing you to share resources such as meeting rooms, kitchen space, and printing facilities
What are the risks of working in a co-working space?
While working in a shared office space has benefits, there are also some risks to be aware of:
Working in a public space can make it difficult to handle sensitive information
Shared networks can lead to data leaks and slow speeds
Shared offices can raise security concerns, including unauthorised access to data
Risks of co-working spaces
Lack of privacy
Network risks
Security concerns
How can you increase your security in a shared working space?
Before you commit to signing a co-working space contract, check if the co-working space has proper access controls like keycards, surveillance cameras, and a visitor management system.
To increase your security in a co-working space, you can:
Use strong passwords on all devices
Enable two-factor authentication
Encrypt your data
Keep your screen private with privacy filters
Lock your workspace whenever you leave your desk
Avoid using public Wi-Fi unless secured with a VPN
Store sensitive documents in a secure location
Compare business insurance with MoneySuperMarket
If you need insurance for your business, we can help you find a great deal at competitive prices any type of cover you may need.
When you shop for business insurance with us, you can bundle a number of business protection products into one policy, which can include goods in transit insurance. This can make it so much easier to manage your insurance products and find a great deal on your cover.
It takes minutes to start shopping and you can compare quotes from a number of UK providers to help you find a policy for a great price that meets the unique needs of your business.