Retail Property Insurance

A single retail shop or small strip of tenancies might cost $3,000 to $10,000 per year for building, liability and loss of rent cover. Larger retail complexes and shopping centres can range from $25,000 to well over $200,000 depending on building value, location and tenancy mix. Shielded sources competitive quotes across our full insurer panel.

Yes. Theft following forcible entry is a standard covered event. Cover extends to damage caused during the break-in as well as stolen contents and stock. Insurers may impose minimum security requirements such as deadlocks, alarm systems and security cameras. Theft without signs of forced entry is generally excluded unless specifically endorsed.

Glass cover is either included as a standard section or available as an add-on depending on the insurer. Given the cost of replacing large plate glass shopfronts, which can run to $3,000 to $8,000 per panel, this cover is essential for any retail premises with street-facing glazing.

Loss of rent cover (a form of business interruption) reimburses you for rental income lost if an insured event such as fire or storm damage makes the premises untenantable. The indemnity period should be long enough to cover the time needed to rebuild and re-let the premises, typically 12 to 24 months.

Potentially, yes. Retail property owners and operators owe a duty of care to everyone who enters the premises. If a customer slips on a wet floor, trips on a raised surface or is injured by a falling display, you may be held liable. Public liability insurance covers these claims, and maintaining documented cleaning and maintenance procedures strengthens your defence.

Flood cover is available from most insurers but may be subject to specific limits, higher excesses or exclusions depending on the property's flood risk rating. Properties in known flood zones should ensure flood is specifically included in the policy wording, as some policies cover storm water damage but exclude riverine flooding.

Yes. Shielded has experience placing insurance for shopping centres, retail strips and multi-property retail portfolios. We work with CGU, QBE, Zurich, Vero, Hollard, Allianz and AIG to structure comprehensive programs covering building, common areas, loss of rent, liability, management liability and machinery breakdown across your entire portfolio.

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.