Hospitality Property Insurance

A small cafe or takeaway might pay $2,500 to $6,000 per year for a comprehensive package. A mid-sized restaurant or bar typically pays $6,000 to $15,000. Large pubs, hotels and function centres can pay $20,000 to $80,000 or more depending on building value, revenue and risk profile. Shielded compares options across our insurer panel to secure the best available pricing.

Yes. Products liability cover protects against claims arising from food or beverages that cause illness or allergic reactions. This extends to claims from customers who consumed food on-site or via takeaway and delivery. Maintaining food safety records and HACCP compliance strengthens your position if a claim arises.

Yes. Commercial kitchen equipment including ovens, deep fryers, dishwashers, extraction systems, cool rooms and refrigeration units is covered under the contents section of your hospitality property policy. Machinery breakdown cover should also be added to protect against electrical and mechanical failure.

Liquor liability insurance covers claims arising from the service of alcohol at your venue. If a patron becomes intoxicated and injures themselves or a third party, your venue may be held legally liable. This cover is strongly recommended for any venue holding a liquor licence and is often required by licensing authorities.

Yes. Spoilage cover protects against loss of perishable stock due to refrigeration breakdown, power failure or temperature change. Limits typically range from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on the value of stock you hold. Ensure your limits reflect peak stock levels, particularly before busy periods.

Yes. Fire is a standard insured event under hospitality property policies. However, insurers expect commercial kitchens to have compliant fire suppression systems, regularly serviced extraction hoods and filters, and documented maintenance records. Non-compliance with fire safety standards could jeopardise a claim.

Yes. Shielded regularly places insurance for hotels, pubs and motels with accommodation. These venues require building cover, contents, business interruption, public and products liability, liquor liability and often management liability. Our panel of insurers including CGU, QBE, Zurich, Vero, Hollard, Allianz and AIG provides competitive options for accommodation venues of all sizes.

Commercial property insurance covers a wide range of property types including office buildings, retail shops, warehouses, factories, shopping centres, hotels, motels, restaurants, cafes, medical centres, child care centres, gyms, salons, laundromats, churches, petrol stations, mixed-use developments and more. Whether you own a single tenancy or a multi-storey complex, we tailor cover to match your property.

Premiums vary based on building value, location, construction type, tenant occupation and risk profile. A small retail shop may cost $1,500 to $4,000 per year, a standard office building $3,000 to $10,000, and a large warehouse or industrial property $5,000 to $25,000+. High-risk tenancies (restaurants, manufacturing) attract higher premiums. Request a free quote through Shielded for an accurate indication.

Commercial building insurance covers the physical structure including walls, roof, floors, fixed fixtures, common areas, car parks, fencing and services (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) against fire, storm, flood, impact damage, malicious damage, theft and accidental damage. It typically also covers demolition and removal costs, professional fees (architects, engineers) and compliance with current building codes when rebuilding.

If you own a commercial building and lease it to tenants, you need commercial landlord insurance. This covers the building structure, landlord's contents (common area furnishings, HVAC systems), public liability for common areas, loss of rental income if the building is uninhabitable after an insured event, and plate glass. Your tenants are responsible for insuring their own contents, stock and fit-out.

Loss of rental income (also called business interruption for landlords) provides replacement income if your commercial property becomes uninhabitable after an insured event such as fire, storm or flood. It covers the rental income you would have received during the repair or rebuild period, typically for up to 12 or 24 months. This is essential for property investors who rely on rental returns.

Plate glass cover is usually an optional add-on, not included in the base building policy. It covers the cost of replacing glass shop fronts, windows, doors, display cases and signage glass that is accidentally broken or vandalised. For retail properties with large glass frontages, this is an important cover to include.

Generally, the landlord insures the building structure, common areas and landlord's fixtures. Tenants are responsible for insuring their own contents, stock, fit-out, trade fixtures and their own public liability. Most commercial leases clearly define these responsibilities. As a landlord, ensure your lease requires tenants to hold adequate insurance and provide certificates of currency.

Contact us at Shielded Insurance on 1800 97 98 99 or reach out to your insurer directly. We recommend notifying us as soon as possible after damage occurs, documenting everything with photos, securing the premises to prevent further damage, and keeping records of all emergency repair costs.

We compare quotes from leading Australian commercial property insurers including CGU, QBE, Zurich, Vero, Hollard, Allianz, AIG and others. The best insurer depends on your property type, construction, tenant occupation and risk profile. As brokers, we do the comparison work to find competitive and suitable cover for your property.

Review your policy annually at renewal, or whenever there are significant changes such as new tenants, renovations, extensions, changes in building use, or updated valuations. Building replacement costs increase over time – if your sum insured does not keep pace with construction cost inflation, you risk being underinsured at claim time. We recommend a professional building valuation every 3 to 5 years.