Tobacconist Insurance

The sharp increase in tobacco excise has made cigarette stock extremely valuable, driving a surge in robberies, ram raids and arson attacks targeting tobacconists. Many mainstream insurers have exited the market due to unsustainable claims ratios. Specialist brokers like Shielded can still access markets that write this class, but strict security requirements apply.

Most insurers require a back-to-base monitored alarm, high-definition CCTV with 30 days of stored footage, solid roller shutters on all glass, a reinforced stock room or safe for overnight tobacco storage, and physical bollards to prevent ram raids. Some insurers may impose additional requirements depending on the location and risk profile.

Yes. A comprehensive tobacconist policy covers damage to the building, shopfront, display fixtures and stock resulting from a ram raid, as well as the stolen stock itself. However, insurers may impose a higher excess on theft claims, and cover may be conditional on having bollards or other vehicle barriers in place.

Yes. Most tobacconist policies cover all retail stock held on the premises, including vaping products and accessories. However, you should ensure the declared stock value accurately reflects all product categories. If you sell a significant volume of vaping products, confirm that these are included in the stock sum insured.

If the arson is not connected to any action by the insured, the claim would be covered under the fire section of your policy. Business interruption cover would replace lost income during the rebuilding and restocking period. However, if there is any suspicion of involvement by the policyholder, the insurer will investigate thoroughly and may decline the claim.

The most effective ways to reduce your premium are investing in security upgrades (particularly bollards and a reinforced stock room), maintaining a clean claims record, reducing overnight stock levels by using off-site storage, and having your broker market the policy to multiple insurers each year. Shielded negotiates with all available markets to secure the best terms.

Employee dishonesty cover can be added to most tobacconist policies as an optional endorsement. Given the high value of tobacco stock, internal theft is a real risk. This cover protects against financial loss from employee theft of stock or cash, subject to the terms of the endorsement.

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.