Businesses often require protection across multiple risks, but managing individual policies for each one can lead to complexity, duplication, or gaps in cover. Commercial combined insurance offers an efficient way to group essential protections into one package that suits the specific needs of the business.
In this guide, we explain how commercial combined policies can be tailored to a range of sectors, what cover types are commonly included, and how businesses might approach building the right insurance package.
What Is Commercial Combined Insurance?
Commercial combined insurance is a flexible policy format that allows businesses to bundle together several covers under one insurance contract. It is typically used by small and medium-sized enterprises that face varied operational risks and prefer a consolidated policy structure.
Rather than arranging separate policies for property, liability, stock or business interruption, commercial combined insurance may offer a cost-effective, centralised solution with consistent terms across all sections.
Who Might Benefit from a Combined Policy?
Commercial combined policies are commonly used by:
- Retailers, including shops and e-commerce sellers
- Manufacturers and wholesalers
- Warehousing and distribution companies
- Engineering firms, garages and industrial services
- Office-based businesses with contents, IT and liability risks
These policies are often built around core operational exposures, with the ability to scale or adjust cover types based on size, industry and risk profile.
Common Types of Cover in a Combined Policy
The flexibility of commercial combined insurance means the package can vary significantly. However, popular inclusions often feature:
1. Public and Product Liability Insurance
Protection against claims made by third parties for injury or property damage resulting from business activities or supplied products.
2. Employers’ Liability Insurance
If staff are employed, this cover may be legally required. It supports businesses in the event of employee injury or illness claims related to work.
3. Property and Contents Cover
Includes buildings, equipment, office furniture, machinery and stock. Cover may extend to damage caused by fire, theft, flooding or accidental incidents.
4. Business Interruption Insurance
Helps cover lost income if the business cannot trade due to an insured event. It may also assist with temporary relocation or increased operating costs.
5. Goods in Transit Cover
Protection for stock or materials in transport, either by the business or third-party couriers.
6. Legal Expenses Insurance
Supports legal defence costs related to contract disputes, employment issues or regulatory investigations.
7. Cyber Liability Insurance
For businesses that handle data, online transactions or operate digitally, this section may protect against data breaches, hacking, or cyber extortion.
Tailoring a Policy to Your Business
No two businesses are identical, and commercial combined policies can often be customised to include the most relevant sections for the business. This may involve:
- Selecting appropriate sums insured for buildings, contents or stock
- Choosing liability limits that reflect the size of contracts or client exposure
- Adding sector-specific extensions, such as tools cover for trades or refrigeration breakdown for food retailers
- Adjusting excess levels or policy conditions for budget or risk tolerance
Some businesses may benefit from broker support when arranging commercial combined insurance, particularly when navigating complex needs or specialist sectors.
Why a Combined Approach Could Make Sense
There are several advantages to combining multiple insurances under one policy, including:
- Simplified renewals and documentation
- Potential cost savings through package discounts
- Consistent terms and reduced risk of duplicated or missing cover
- Easier claims process, with a single point of contact and coordinated response
For growing or evolving businesses, a combined approach may also offer the flexibility to add or remove sections as requirements change.