Commercial Property Insurance (2024)

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Commercial Property Insurance (1)

What Is Commercial Property Insurance?

Commercial property insurance helps protect your owned or rented building, plus the tools and equipment you use to operate your business. It covers losses from many sources, such as:

  • Fire
  • Burglary
  • Theft
  • Wind
  • Lightning

For home-based business owners, this type ofcommercial insurance provides more coverage than homeowners insurance. You may have heard other names for this type of insurance, like:

  • Commercial building insurance
  • Business personal property insurance
  • Commercial real estate insurance
  • Non-residential building insurance

What Does Business Property Insurance Cover and Why Is It Important?

Commercial building insurance helps protect your business’ physical assets, such as your:

  • Building
  • Equipment
  • Tools
  • Inventory
  • Furniture
  • Personal property

Commercial property insurance is important because without it, your business would have to pay out of pocket to repair or replace your business property if it’s damaged by a covered loss. This coverage also includes business interruption insurance, which will help replace your lost income in case you can’t operate your business because of covered property damage.

What Can Commercial Property Insurance Protect Against?

Commercial property insurance can help your business if:

  • A fire damages or destroys your computers
  • Lightning strikes a building that has business renters’ insurance coverage
  • Someone breaks into your building and steals your inventory

Who Needs Commercial Property Insurance

Any business that operates out of a building faces risks to their business’ property. If you own or rent any building or property for your business, you’ll need protection against unexpected events, like lightning or windstorms, fire, theft and vandalism. Although many types of businesses will benefit from having commercial property insurance, it’s common for these industries to have this coverage:

  • Beauty Salons
  • Consultants
  • Photographers
  • Retail Stores
  • Restaurants
  • Technology Firms

How Much Is Commercial Property Insurance and How Is the Cost Calculated?

Customers of The Hartford pay about $1,605 a year on average for commercial property insurance.2 However, yourcommercial insurance cost may be higher or lower than that amount depending on factors like:

  • Location: If your business is located in a populated area that has higher risk for crime or vandalism, you may pay a higher rate.
  • Construction: Materials used in the construction of your business can impact your commercial property insurance cost. For example, buildings made from fire-resistant materials will typically cost less to insure.
  • Occupancy: Businesses with larger amounts of people consistently on the premises, like restaurants, will likely pay higher insurance costs.
  • Fire and threat protection: Installing safety features like smoke detectors and burglar alarms at your business may help lower your rate.

How Do You Value Commercial Property for Insurance?

Insurance companies value commercial property in three ways:

  1. Actual cash value: How much it’d cost to replace an item, minus its depreciation (meaning how old it is or its condition).
  2. Replacement cost value: How much it’d cost to replace an item with something similar or the same.
  3. Fair market value: The cost of an item if it were to go on the market today.

Derby Industries – Commercial Property Insurance Testimonial

When Derby Industries experienced a catastrophic property loss, The Hartford did what we do best: restore lives and businesses. Watch the video and see how we helped get them back up and running.

What Doesn’t Property Insurance for Commercial Buildings Cover?

Be aware that your commercial property insurance policy doesn’t cover every type of property damage. This coverage can’t help your business if:

  • Your customer drops their laptop when they trip over a box in your office
  • One of your employees puts a hole in your client’s wall
  • You get into an accident while making a delivery to a customer and damage your vehicle
  • A nearby brook overflows after a heavy rainfall causes flooding near your building and damages your inventory
  • You or your employees intentionally damage property

You can get other types of commercial insurance to give your business more protection against these kinds of claims.Get an insurance quote today and see how you can protect your business best.

Bundle Commercial Property Insurance With Essential Coverage Through a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

You can get commercial property insurance as a standalone policy. But many small businesses choose to get a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP), which combines three types of essential coverage, including:

Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance helps protect your business’ building and tools that you use to operate.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance helps cover claims that your business caused:

  • Bodily injury
  • Property damage
  • Reputational harm, like libel or slander
Business Income Insurance

Business income insurance, or business interruption insurance, helps replace lost income if you can’t operate because of covered property damage.

Commercial Property Insurance (3)

Making a Commercial Property Insurance Claim

We make it easy for you to file a commercial property insurance claimonline or by calling 800-327-3638.

Commercial Property Insurance (4)

Commercial Property Insurance for Your Business

We offer a wide range of insurance to help protect your company. You can combine your commercial property insurance with different types of coverage.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Property Insurance

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about commercial property insurance.

Do I Need Commercial Property Insurance?

If you own, rent or lease commercial property of any kind, then you should have commercial property insurance. Without it, you’d be responsible for paying the costs to fix or replace your damaged business property. Your policy can provide the replacement cost value, actual cash value or market value for your business property.

What Is Evidence of Commercial Property Insurance?

Evidence of commercial property insurance is also known as proof of insurance or a certificate of insurance (COI). Your company may need a COI to prove you have commercial property coverage. We know your time is valuable, so we make it quick and easy toget a certificate of insurance online.

What Are the Different Types of Commercial Insurance?

There are many different types of commercial insurance that can help protect your company from various claims. They include:

  • Commercial auto insurance
  • Commercial flood insurance
  • Commercial umbrella insurance
  • Errors and omissions insurance
  • Workers’ compensation insurance
What Is the Standard Deductible in a Commercial Property Insurance Policy?

Deductible amounts can vary and can range from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars. You’ll choose a deductible amount when you get your commercial property insurance policy. Generally, if you pick a higher deductible, it’ll lower your commercial property insurance cost.

Check your policy if you’re unsure how much your current commercial property insurance deductible is.

How Can I Reduce My Risk Exposure?

There are ways you can reduce your company’s risk exposure. For example, you can create a plan to regularly examine and test your company’s alarm and sprinkler systems in your building or home office. Regular checks give you an opportunity to fix any issues and make sure you’re prepared if a disaster strikes.

What if I Don't Own My Business Property?

Commercial property insurance doesn’t just help protect owned property, but also leased or rented property too. Be sure to review your lease terms and obligations to find out what you’ll need for insurance coverage.

Is Commercial Property Insurance Required?

Commercial property insurance isn’t required by law, but it is considered essential to most small businesses. Some rental or lease agreements may require you to carry commercial property insurance coverage.

Customer Reviews

Commercial Property Insurance (5)

“Quick, efficient, patient, [empathized] with my situation, explained the process thoroughly, resolved the issue quickly.”

Syeda

Commercial Property Insurance (6)

Commercial Property Insurance (7)

“The rep was amazing, very helpful with all phases of my claim.”

Lea

Commercial Property Insurance (8)

Commercial Property Insurance (9)

“The Hartford quickly responded and paid for the equipment replacement as well as for the lost income our business suffer[ed].”

Patrick

Commercial Property Insurance (10)

Commercial Property Insurance (11)

“The Hartford is so efficient with handling the claim process.”

Larry

Commercial Property Insurance (12)

Commercial Property Insurance (13)

“The entire process was very simple, easy to understand and the pay-out of the claim was both fair and quick.”

Michael

Commercial Property Insurance (14)

Commercial Property Insurance (15)

“Very prompt, courteous and professional. Highly recommend The Hartford to anyone looking for insurance.”

Vinisha

Commercial Property Insurance (16)

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Other Business Coverages

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Last Updated: February 6, 2024

*** Based on a 2023 study by Keynova.

2 Premium amounts presented are based on monthly premium paid by The Hartford's Small Business customers between 1/1/23 and 12/31/23 for 12-month policies. Premium is derived from a number of factors specific to your business and may vary.

Additional disclosures below.

The Hartford shall not be liable for any damages in connection with the use of any information provided on this page. Please consult with your insurance agent/broker or insurance company to determine specific coverage needs as this information is intended to be educational in nature.

The information contained on this page should not be construed as specific legal, HR, financial, or insurance advice and is not a guarantee of coverage. In the event of a loss or claim, coverage determinations will be subject to the policy language, and any potential claim payment will be determined following a claim investigation.

Certain coverages vary by state and may not be available to all businesses. All Hartford coverages and services described on this page may be offered by one or more of the property and casualty insurance company subsidiaries of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. listed in theLegal Notice.

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG) operates through its subsidiaries under the brand name, The Hartford, and is headquartered in Hartford, CT. For additional details, please read The Hartford’s Legal Notice.

* Customer reviews are collected and tabulated by The Hartford and not representative of all customers.

Commercial Property Insurance (2024)

FAQs

What is a commercial property insurance policy? ›

Commercial property insurance definition

Commercial property insurance protects your company's physical assets from fire, explosions, burst pipes, storms, theft and vandalism. Earthquakes and floods typically aren't covered by commercial property insurance, unless those perils are added to the policy.

What are the two types of commercial insurance? ›

Commercial insurance is divided into two main categories: property insurance and casualty insurance.

Why is commercial property insurance so expensive? ›

The continued impact of catastrophic events is a major factor driving up costs, along with the increasing cost of capital, financial market volatility and inflation. This is an expense carriers need to pass along to customers.

Who is the largest commercial property insurance company? ›

1. State Farm. State Farm is the industry's biggest player, both in the US and overseas. The Bloomington, Illinois-based P&C insurance giant wrote almost $78 billion worth of premiums in the past year.

Which is not covered under commercial property insurance? ›

Commercial property insurance generally does not cover the following, which may be covered with separate insurance policies or additional coverage endorsem*nts: Business vehicles. Employee theft. Employee injury or illness.

Is commercial property insurance the same as general liability insurance? ›

Property insurance: protects against loss or damage to tangible property, such as a building or its contents. It typically covers damage caused by fire, theft, and natural disasters. Liability insurance: protects against financial loss from legal claims made against the policyholder.

What is a commercial insurance example? ›

For example, if a customer slips and falls inside your business and needs medical treatment, your general liability insurance policy will help pay for it. Or if one of your employees damages a customer's wall while working inside their home, your policy can help pay for the repairs.

What is the difference between commercial insurance and business insurance? ›

Commercial insurance (also known as business insurance) is an insurance product that protects you from any unforeseen problems that could affect your business. Commercial insurance protects both the business owner and their employees from risks of injury, business interruption, and other risks.

What is the standard deductible in a commercial property policy? ›

The standard commercial property insurance deductible is $250. However, other deductible amounts are available and the deductible applies only once per loss.

Why is my commercial insurance so high? ›

The value of your property is a critical factor in shaping your insurance policy limits and pricing. High-value properties naturally command higher premiums because they represent higher risk and a more considerable potential loss for the insurance company if something goes wrong.

Why is commercial insurance increasing? ›

California's vulnerability to natural disasters like earthquakes, wildfires, and floods has a direct and immediate impact on insurance costs. These events result in massive claims, forcing insurance companies to increase premiums to maintain their financial health.

Why is landlord insurance more expensive? ›

The primary reasons for the difference in cost revolve around who is occupying the home. Insurance providers often see lower average claim amounts and fewer claims for owner-occupied homes when compared to tenant-occupied rental properties.

What is the #1 insurance in America? ›

Currently, the largest car insurance company in America is State Farm.

Who is the most trusted insurance company? ›

8 best car insurance companies
  • Best company overall: Travelers.
  • Best for your budget: NJM.
  • Best for accident forgiveness: Geico.
  • Best for having few customer complaints: American Family.
  • Best for financial strength: Auto-Owners.
  • Best for discounts: Amica.
2 days ago

Who is the #1 insurance company in the USA? ›

State Farm is the biggest auto insurance company in the country by market share, while Progressive, Geico and Allstate are the next three.

What are the common policy conditions in commercial property insurance includes? ›

Common policy conditions are the part of the insurance policy typically relating to cancellation, changes in coverage, audits, inspections, premiums, and assignment of the policy.

What is property insurance and why does a business need it? ›

Business property insurance covers your buildings, the contents within those buildings, and loss of income if you're out of business due to a claim. It can help protect your business in case of unexpected accidents or tragedies like fire, theft, wind damage, or even a building's collapse under the weight of snow.

What is the basic business model of commercial insurance? ›

The essential insurance model involves pooling risk from individual payers and redistributing it across a larger portfolio. Most insurance companies generate revenue in two ways: Charging premiums in exchange for insurance coverage, then reinvesting those premiums into other interest-generating assets.

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