First Time Commercial Property Insurance Buyer

Key coverages for you would be: — “All Risks” Property Insurance. If possible make sure that the co-insurance is removed, or have a clause called “stated amount” is added to the policy. This will remove any co-insurance penalty i.e. in case your building value is currently underinsured. (I’d suggest getting a replacement cost appraisal, or speak with a builder in your area for the approximate cost per sq.ft. For example in my area the cost is around $250 per sq.ft. But this figure varies greatly depending on where you’re at. — Gross Rents coverage. This will cover your loss of rental income, should your building suffer a loss. Depending on the exposures in your area and ease of finding labor you can go as low as 12 months indemnity or as high as 36 months. — Liability. This will cover you as a business owner, and it will cover common areas of the building. Your tenants should have their own liability naming you as additional insured, which was mentioned earlier. Being named will protect you should your tenant be alleged to have caused negligence, and if you are named along side on that suit. — Equipment Breakdown. There is a standard exclusion in property policies which exclude equipment breakdown, pressure vessels etc. but you can purchase a standalone equipment breakdown policy. Should be cheap. — Tenants should have the following insured, and it should be make part of their lease: “all risks” property, covering their fittings, fixtures and equipment, including their stock. Gross Profits, and liability. The liability should include Tenants Legal Liability. And of course add landlord as additional insured.

/r/Insurance Thread