Shop Insurance | Business Insurance for Shops & Retail Stores

Shop Insurance and Retail Insurance for High Street Shops

We can arrange a shop and retail business insurance policy for you and your business. We provide cover for a wide range of retailers from butchers, bakers, off-licences, pet shops, clothes shops, florists and many more!

Key features and benefits

Quotes from a panel of A-rated insurers.
Single, flexible policy — tailor-made to suit your requirements.
Dedicated adviser throughout your policy.
No mid-term amendment fees should you need to make a change.
Policies include up to £5 million for public and product liability.
Access to a 24-hour legal helpline.
Flexible payment options including direct debit.
Access to documents anytime, anywhere via our secure portal.

What Type of Shop Insurance do You Need?

There are a number of key retail insurance covers a shop owner typically needs.

You must have employers liability insurance if you employ any staff in your shop, whether on a casual, temporary, or permanent basis. In most cases, this is a legal requirement. This provides cover should your employee be injured or fall ill as a consequence of working for you. It could cover the cost of any claim, along with associated legal fees.

While not a legal requirement, public liability insurance is another important insurance for retail shops. This provides cover if a customer, supplier, or member of the public is injured or their belongings damaged as a result of your negligence. Product liability insurance can also provide cover if one of your products causes damage, injury or illness to one of your customers.

Your premises, along with any fixtures, fittings, business equipment, and stock are some of your most important business assets. So you may need buildings cover along with protection for your fixtures and stock insurance. You may also want to consider glass cover, as this is very important for high street retailers with open glass windows and large glass cabinet displays.

You may also want to consider personal accident insurance to provide cover if you’re injured and unable to work. Personal accident cover can provide a lump sum or financial support in the event of accidental death, permanent and total disablement, loss of limb or loss of sight. This can be extended to cover family or employees too.

What Does a Shop Insurance Policy or Retail Insurance Policy Typically Cover?

Accidental damage.
Book debts/account receivable.
Business interruption.
Contents and stock insurance.
Employers liability.
Glass.
Money in safe.
Money on premises.
Public liability.

Buildings cover.
Embedded breakdown.
Goods in transit.
Legal expenses and compensation costs.
Loss of licence.
Loss of rent receivable.
Products liability.
Subsidence.
Tenants improvements.
Terrorism.

Premiums from as little as

£438

In the last 12 months our customers have paid as little as £438 per annum for shop and retail insurance. That’s just £8 per week!

50% of our shop and retail customers paid less than £1,195 per annum.**

* Please click here to view our pricing disclaimer.

** Standard and optional cover may differ dependent upon insurer.

*** Data compared from 1,946 policies sold in 2023. 506 customers paid £438 or less, which represents 26%. £8 per week is based on the annual premium divided by 52 weeks. However, paying monthly is usually more expensive as you'll pay interest. Amounts are rounded up or down to the nearest £1.

You Could Save Over 30%*

Contact our team to receive a no obligation, instant quote today.

Get in Touch

03301 620 311

Shop and Retail FAQs

Shop owners need insurance for several reasons but the main benefit is to help shop owners mitigate financial risks and protect themselves, their employees and their customers. It helps provide peace of mind and financial security in the event of unexpected events or accidents.

The type of insurance you need depends on your individual requirements, which a broker will talk you through before arranging a quotation. Some of the types of insurance to consider are:

Property protection: Insurance provides coverage for the physical structure of the shop, as well as the contents inside, such as equipment, fixtures and fittings. This cover protects against the financial impact of damage or loss due to insured events like fire, theft, vandalism, or some natural disasters.
Public liability cover: As a shop owner, you can be held liable for accidents or injuries that occur on your premises. Public liability insurance provides cover for legal expenses, medical costs, and compensation claims if a customer or third party is injured or their property is damaged while on your shop premises.
Product liability: If your shop or retail business sells products – either from a bricks and mortar store or via an online retail business, there is a risk those products may cause harm or injury to customers. Product liability insurance provides cover for legal expenses and compensation claims if a customer is harmed by a product you sell or manufacture.
Employee protection: If you employ staff at your shop, in most cases you are required by law to have employers liability insurance. This cover offers protection for employees who are injured or become ill while performing their job. It can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
Cyber liability: All businesses no matter their size may find themselves exposed to a cyber threat. Particularly those operating an online retail business may be vulnerable to data breaches or hacking. Cyber insurance can cover claims for expenses incurred due to data breaches.

Yes, as a self-employed shop owner, it’s still important to have insurance protection in place. While the specific insurance needs may vary depending on the nature of your business, there are several types of insurance that are commonly recommended for self-employed shop owners. To discuss the options, talk to one of our advisers today.

The cost of shop insurance depends on a number of factors such as: the size of your business, the type of shop you run and how much stock you hold. To discuss your options or to compare the cover you have via another provider with what we could offer you, take advantage of our free business insurance check today.