If you’re a landlord, you’ll need to protect your investment against the unexpected. That’s especially important if you own a commercial property such as a shop or an office.

Thankfully, that’s where Swinton can help. We work with a panel of carefully selected insurers, which means we have the flexibility to cover a range of property types and values. Our aim is to try and find you a policy that meets your needs. 

What is Commercial Landlord Property Insurance?

Commercial Landlord Property Insurance is similar to normal house insurance that most people are familiar with. While it's not a legal requirement, this type of policy is designed to protect your building and any contents that you include as part of your tenancy agreement.

In addition to risks such as fire and flood, landlords of commercial properties are also liable for any injuries or damage that occur on their property. That’s why our commercial property policies include Landlord Liability Insurance (also known as Property Owners’ Liability Insurance). It covers you for compensation claims in the event one of your tenants or a visitor is injured due to an issue with your property.

What is defined as a commercial property?

A commercial property can be defined as one that generates some form of income for the owner. This could be an office, workshop, restaurant or even a residential property that’s rented out.

Types of commercial property include:

• Buy-to-let housing (single or portfolios)
• Shops
• Offices
• Cafes
• Takeaways

How much does Commercial Landlord Property Insurance cost?

There are several factors that determine the final price of your Commercial Landlord Property Insurance. Your quote will depend on:

• Location — Properties located in large cities like London will likely have a higher rebuild cost or building value than those in smaller towns. Insurance costs will likely be higher as a result.
  
• Construction materials — Landlords who own property built with non-combustible materials will usually get a lower premium because there’s less risk of fire damage. Be aware that the interior of a property can affect the premium (e.g. furniture without fire- resistant coating).
  
• Business use — How the building is used will also affect what you’re quoted. An office building will usually present a lower risk than a restaurant or factory, meaning your insurance costs would likely be lower.
  
• Occupancy — The perceived risk of a commercial property can be significantly impacted by even just one hazardous occupant. For example, offices sharing a block that also houses a restaurant can expect to pay more for their insurance.
  
• Additional security measures — A building with added fire protection and security alarms is more likely to secure lower-priced insurance.

Do landlords need Commercial Landlord Property Insurance?

While Commercial Landlord Property Insurance isn’t a legal requirement, like home insurance, it protects you from significant financial loss in the event that your property burnt down, there was extensive flood damage, or you faced a hefty compensation bill for injury or death of a tenant.

It’s also worth noting that some lenders will require property owners to have commercial buildings insurance as part of the mortgage agreement. If you own your commercial property and you don’t have insurance, you may be violating a clause of your agreement.

What does Commercial Landlord Property Insurance cover?

Commercial Landlord Property Insurance covers you for far more than just your premises. A policy through Swinton Insurance may include coverage for the following:

• The building itself (from fire, flood, and vandalism)
• Fixtures, fittings, and contents that you own and are included as part of the tenancy
• Fencing and landscaping on your property

Why consider Swinton Insurance?

We work with a panel of carefully selected insurers within the UK, this means we have the flexibility to cover a range of property types and values and will try to find a policy that meets your needs

Getting a quote with Swinton Insurance

Just give us a call on 0333 035 9986 and we’ll take you through our simple quote process:

Other insurance products for landlords

Landlord Legal Protection

Even the best landlords can find themselves in legal disputes from time to time. Landlord Legal Protection provides up to £75,000 towards legal costs in relation to certain legal issues related to you and your property. You can add Landlord Legal Protection and Rent Guarantee to your Landlord Property insurance.

Buy-to-Let Insurance

Renting out a property can be stressful if you don’t have a policy that covers your needs. Thankfully, Swinton’s Buy-to-let property insurance is designed to give you comprehensive cover against damage and financial loss.

Does Commercial Landlord Insurance cover unoccupied properties?

Unoccupied properties are more susceptible to break-ins and squatting, so some insurers exclude unoccupied properties from their policies. However, properties that are temporarily vacant (for renovations, for example) may still be covered. We compare Commercial Landlord Property Insurance quotes from a specially selected panel of insurers before offering you a price. 

What constitutes ‘accidental damage’ to a commercial property?

Accidental damage is the result of an unintentional action. It generally refers to one-off incidents that lead to permanent damage to floors, walls, and windows. Normal ‘wear and tear’ damage — such as scratches on walls and floors — may be excluded from coverage.

Can my policy cover domestic and commercial properties in one building?

Yes, it can. As we work with a panel of carefully selected insurers we can try to find a policy that meets your needs, including if your building contains both domestic and commercial properties.