Petrol Station Insurance

Yes. Environmental liability cover protects against clean-up costs and third-party claims arising from fuel leaks and soil or groundwater contamination. Both sudden spills and gradual leaks from tank deterioration can be covered. Insurers will typically require evidence of current tank integrity testing and compliance with state EPA requirements.

Business interruption insurance covers the loss of gross profit from fuel sales, convenience store revenue and other income streams while the station is closed for repairs. It also covers additional costs such as temporary arrangements and expedited rebuilding. Given the regulatory approvals involved in petrol station construction, an indemnity period of 12 to 18 months is recommended.

Yes. Car wash bays, equipment and associated infrastructure can be included in your petrol station insurance package. Machinery breakdown cover will also protect against mechanical and electrical failure of car wash systems.

Public liability insurance covers claims from customers whose vehicles are damaged due to the station's negligence, such as a falling canopy panel or malfunctioning bowser. Damage caused by other customers or the customer's own actions would not typically be covered under your policy.

Environmental liability can sometimes be included within a comprehensive petrol station insurance package, but many operators take out a standalone environmental policy for higher limits and broader coverage. The appropriate structure depends on your tank age, site history and risk tolerance. Shielded can advise on the best approach for your station.

Petrol stations are a specialist risk class, and not all insurers will quote on them. CGU, QBE, Zurich, Vero, Allianz and AIG all have capacity for service station risks, though appetite varies based on tank age, site compliance and location. Shielded accesses this panel to find the best available cover and pricing.

Yes. Theft and robbery cover is included in most petrol station insurance packages, protecting cash holdings, stock and equipment. Money cover typically includes cash in the register, in transit and in a safe. Drive-off fuel theft is generally excluded or subject to specific conditions, as it is considered a trading loss rather than a criminal theft event.

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.