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What Does Business Contents Insurance Actually Cover? A Guide for Offices, Shops & Salons

business owner

Whether you run a busy high street salon, a boutique retail space, or a growing office-based consultancy, your business premises are likely filled with valuable assets. From computers and furniture to treatment equipment and point-of-sale systems, these items are vital to your day-to-day operations. That’s where business contents insurance can offer vital protection.

In this article, we explore what business contents insurance typically covers, who might need it, and how it can support continuity in the face of unexpected damage, loss, or theft.

What Is Business Contents Insurance?

Business contents insurance is designed to protect the physical items inside your premises, rather than the building itself. This includes:

  • Fixtures and fittings 
  • Computers and electronic equipment 
  • Office furniture 
  • Retail displays 
  • Salon chairs, treatment beds or specialist tools 
  • Stock or inventory 

If these items are lost, damaged or stolen due to risks such as fire, flood, theft or accidental damage, business contents cover could help to cover the cost of repair or replacement, subject to policy terms.

What Does It Typically Cover?

Policies can vary by insurer, but business contents insurance often includes protection against:

  • Fire and smoke damage to internal assets
  • Theft or attempted theft, including forced entry
  • Flood or escape of water damaging fittings or equipment
  • Storm or weather damage affecting interior contents
  • Vandalism or malicious damage
  • Accidental damage, depending on the policy level selected 

For example, if a burst pipe damages your treatment room or an office break-in results in stolen laptops, a valid contents policy could support the costs involved in getting back to business.

What Is Not Usually Covered?

While contents insurance offers important protection, it does not typically cover:

  • The building itself (this is usually insured under a separate business buildings insurance policy) 
  • Wear and tear or gradual deterioration 
  • Equipment breakdown unless specifically added 
  • Stock in transit or held off-site, unless extensions are arranged 

Understanding what is and isn’t covered is essential for selecting the right level of protection for your operations.

Who Might Need Business Contents Insurance?

This type of insurance could benefit a wide range of businesses, especially those that rely on expensive internal assets. Examples include:

Offices

Professional service firms, consultancies and tech start-ups may require protection for desks, servers, IT infrastructure and furnishings.

Shops and Retailers

Retailers may need cover for stock, cash registers, shelving, and displays that are essential for trading.

Hair and Beauty Salons

Salons often rely on high-value items such as styling chairs, backwash units, treatment machines and branded product stock.

In each case, the loss of key contents could lead to operational delays, client cancellations or unplanned expenses.

Can Contents Cover Be Combined with Other Policies?

Yes. Business contents cover is often included within a broader commercial combined insurance package or as part of office, shop or salon insurance. These packages can be tailored to include:

Working with a broker can help ensure these covers are aligned correctly, particularly where landlords insure the building and tenants insure the contents.