Insurance for your premises, stock, employees and clients
At UK Sure, we focus on offering insurance specifically designed for both single shops and larger retail chains.
Regardless of your products, having insurance ensures an layer of protection against unforeseen events.
Whether you're a family-owned grocery store, a franchise, or a larger retailer, our team of retail insurance experts is dedicated helping you secure the right shop insurance for your business. With years of experience in providing customized coverage to various businesses, you can trust that your insurance needs are well taken care of with UK Sure.
What is shop insurance?
Managing one or more stores involves specific risks. It's essential to safeguard your customers, premises, inventory, and expenses, and with the right insurance, we can assist you in achieving this protection.
Store insurance provides coverage that shields your business from various claims and risks. Since claims can arise unexpectedly, having insurance is crucial. Whether it's an employee injury during or a customer falling ill after using your products, shops encounter a range of potential issues.
Types of shops we cover
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Convenience stores
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Charity shops
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Boutique shops
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Clothing shops
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Hardware shops
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Hair and Beauty salons
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Furniture shops
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Textiles shops
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Antiques shops
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Food shops
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Fish & Chip shops
How to buy
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Submit a quote online
Pick what you need. Only pay for the benefits you require! If you have no employees, you don’t need to pay for employer's insurance. Similarly, if you rent your shop, you don’t need to pay for building insurance; that responsibility lies with your landlord.
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Check your details and payment options
Get ready to secure your peace of mind! Once you've reviewed your quote details and are excited to move forward, simply confirm your preferred payment method, and we'll activate your insurance starting from your chosen date. Let's get you covered!
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UK Sure does the hard work
We dive right in, comparing shop insurance quotes from top insurers just for you! We’ll consider all the benefits you need. Get ready for a bespoke quote tailored to your insurance needs, which we’ll email to you along with exciting payment options.
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Policy Sorted
As soon as we get your confirmation, we'll activate your policy and send you the documents right away! You can kick back and relax, knowing your shop is fully insured. Plus, if you ever need to make a claim, we're here to help you every of the way!
How do claims work?
Our claims process
Unlike price comparison websites, we take the hassle out of claims for you. We know how important it is to get your business back on track quickly – and with a minimum of fuss. That’s why you get access to a dedicated claims team who will strive to liaise with your insurer to get your claim settled quickly and hassle-free.
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Need to make a shop insurance claim? Call our team on 01323 416706
Tam de Franca - Claims
The main areas of shop insurance policy include
Buildings insurance
If you own the shop premises or are required by the lease, you’ll need building insurance. This can cover the cost of damage from an insured event, like a fire, flood, or vandalism.
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Legal expenses
An optional extra for shop insurance, legal expenses cover can cover the cost of defending your retail business in court. Legal expenses insurance covers some or all of your solicitor costs.
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Stock and goods in transit
Stock inside your shop is generally covered. Goods in transit protect items against replacement costs if they’re stolen, lost, or damaged on the way to or from your premises or warehouse.
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Business interruption
Events like a fire or flood can mean your shop has to close or is open for reduced hours. Business interruption covers insured costs incurred from lost income.
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Public Liability
If a customer or supplier is injured or their property is damaged in your shop due to negligence, they could claim. Public liability insurance can cover any legal fees and compensation.
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Employers’ Liability
It’s a legal obligation to have employers’ liability insurance when you employ anyone to work in your shop.
This is true whether you have casual, temporary staff or contractors.​​
Understanding the risks for your business can help you work out the amount of retail shop insurance required. The greater the risks to your shop, the more insurance you may need.
Do I need shop insurance ?
Do I need shop insurance?
Shop insurance can protect you from a range of claims that could prove expensive without adequate insurance cover. If a customer is injured and makes a legal claim, or your stock is damaged due to a flood, shop insurance could protect you from the associated costs. Running a retail business with at least one employee means you may legally need employers’ liability insurance.
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You should consider shop insurance if your business has the following:
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Stock for sale
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You repair items for customers
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Customers visit your shop
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You visit customers at their home or business
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You own the building or you are required to insure the building by lease contract
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You keep money on the premises.
How much shop insurance do I need?
Understanding the risks for your business can help you work out the amount of retail shop insurance required.
Think about the:
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Nature of your retail business.
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Value of your stock, based on its cost rather than retail price.
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Size and location of the building – is it more at risk of fire or flooding?
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Daily operations – do you have a high footfall or work with lots of couriers looking after your goods in transit?
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Why get shop insurance?
Your clients will expect you to have Public Liability Insurance as a minimum, and frequently this will be a contractual obligation. But, legally you don’t need it. The only element that is mandatory is Employers Liability and if you’re a one-man band then you don’t need that. However, If like most people, you don’t have surplus cash to cover a worst case scenario, nor the time or expertise to sort a claim then Tradesmen insurance will ensure your bottom line won’t be hit if you have a claim – and you won’t have the lost time or stress of sorting a claim.
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How much cover do I need for employers’ liability?
The amount of employers’ liability insurance coverage you need depends on the size of your business, the industry you operate in, and the specific risks your employees face on the job.
The law requires a minimum of £5 million in employers’ liability insurance coverage for all of your employees, including part-time workers, contractors, and temporary staff.
Many businesses opt for higher coverage limits to ensure they are adequately protected in case of a claim.
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Is it mandatory to have employers’ liability insurance?
It is a legal necessity for most businesses to have employers’ liability insurance.
The only exceptions to this requirement are companies that have no employees or businesses that employ only close family members.
If a business operates without the legally required level of employers’ liability insurance, it can result in hefty fines and legal penalties.
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Businesses in the UK that employ staff are legally obliged to have employer’s liability insurance which will provide your business with cover against claims from an employee. You should be insured for at least £5million and are required by law to post your certificate for all staff to see.
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​Protection up to £10 million
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Cover for your temporary staff
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Working partners are included in the policy.
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What is the Employers’ Liability Act?
The Employers’ Liability Act 1969 (ELA) is a law that requires employers to have insurance to protect their employees in case of work-related injuries or illnesses.
Under the law, employers are legally responsible for the health and safety of their staff while they are at work. If an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result of their work, the employer may be held liable for damages.
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Running a retail business with at least one employee means you may legally need employers’ liability insurance.
Shop Insurance FAQs
Whether you’re new to buying insurance for retail shops or you’ve been trading for a while, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions
To open a Shop
What kind of insurance do i need to open a shop?
Public and product liability insurance is a fantastic safeguard for shops! It’s here to protect you in case someone gets injured, falls ill, or has property damaged due to your retail business.
Are you bringing on staff? You’ll need employer’s liability insurance, which is a legal requirement even for temporary or seasonal team members. Don’t risk fines of up to £2,500 a day for any gaps coverage!
Plus, you can customize your insurance to include specific protection for your shop’s stock, equipment, fixtures, and the buildings you use. Our shop insurance quotes are super flexible – bundle everything into one policy or select just the covers you need. The choice is yours!
Online Shop
Do I need shop insurance for an anline shop?
Even if your shop operates online, you will encounter many of the same risks and potential claims, so it's important to consider the necessary coverage. As an online retailer, your inventory is still vulnerable to damage and theft, and you are legally required to have employer’s liability insurance if you employ staff. Additionally, if your business faces a temporary closure, business interruption insurance can be invaluable.
It's essential to treat your online business like a traditional one by acknowledging all potential risks and securing the appropriate coverage.
Stock
Is stock covered outside of my shop premises?
Most shop insurance policies cover stock inside the shop itself. But there may be other times that you need to protect your stock, for example, if delivering, or collecting. Most insurers offer goods in transit cover for shop stock. If you visit trade shows or other off-premises events with stock, check that your policy still applies.
Theft
Am I covered for theft from my shop?
If you have stock cover in place, you could recover the cost of any stock stolen. If you run a shop, likely, you may also handle large amounts of cash on the premises. Having insurance to cover theft of takings can be a good idea in these cases.
Cheap Shop Insurance
How can i get cheap shop insurance in the UK?
The cost of coverage will vary based on factors such as your shop's size, the type and value of your merchandise, and the nature of your premises. Typically, minimizing the risks associated with your shop can help reduce premium costs.
Implementing effective security measures, such as CCTV, store security, or alarms, can help mitigate theft risks.
Maintain your shop premises in good condition and address minor damages promptly, as insurance policies typically do not cover general wear and tear.
Ensure you have the coverage for your industry and avoid paying for unnecessary insurance. For instance, a clothing boutique likely doesn't need coverage for frozen food losses due to a freezer malfunction.
Make sure all staff members receive relevant and current health and safety training to minimize the risk of illness or injury.
Understand the value of your stock to avoid overpaying for coverage that exceeds your needs.
By comparing quotes from various shop insurance providers, you can customize your coverage to suit your business requirements.
UK Sure Customes Services
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