Property insurance

Commercial Property Insurance

Insurance for commercial buildings, portfolios, blocks, mixed-use property and unusual construction across the UK.

Start with the exposure

Understand the exposure before comparing terms.

Property insurance can fail at the details: sums insured, construction, occupation, unoccupancy, valuations and policy conditions. We build a clear presentation of the asset and its income exposure before approaching the market.

OAK VIEW

A property schedule is only useful when the data behind every location is accurate.

Cover to consider

Built from the risk outwards.

Availability and scope depend on insurer acceptance and the terms offered for your business.

01

Buildings and contents

Cover based on declared values, construction, occupation and the perils accepted by the insurer.

02

Loss of rent and alternative accommodation

The indemnity period and sum insured should reflect a realistic recovery and reinstatement timeline.

03

Property owners' liability

Protection for covered third-party injury or damage allegations connected with ownership of the property.

04

Legal expenses and additional risks

Optional covers can be considered according to the property, tenancy and management arrangements.

Practical buying guidance

Rebuild cost is not the property's market value

A purchase price or estate-agent valuation does not establish the cost of reinstating a damaged building. Rebuild figures can need to account for demolition, professional fees, access, inflation and the property's construction. Ask about a suitable reinstatement assessment and the valuation basis required by the insurer.

For let buildings, describe every tenant's activities, the construction, shared areas and any periods of vacancy. A lease that makes a tenant responsible for insurance does not remove the need to understand the owner's interests and the evidence of cover.

Damage cover and loss-of-rent cover have different purposes. Check the insured trigger, rent calculation and indemnity period against the time repairs, permissions and reletting could take.

Compare the wording, not just the premium

Look at average clauses, reinstatement conditions, insured perils, excesses and rent limits. Index linking is not a substitute for an adequate starting value.

Common questions

Useful answers before you approach the market.

How should the building sum insured be set?+

It should be based on an appropriate reinstatement assessment, allowing for demolition, professional fees and other relevant costs — not simply market value.

Can you insure an unoccupied building?+

Often yes, subject to insurer acceptance and conditions concerning inspections, utilities, security and works.

Can one policy cover a portfolio?+

A portfolio can often be arranged under one policy, but each location still needs accurate construction, occupation, sums insured and claims information.

Speak directly to Oak

Talk to Oak about commercial property insurance.

Tell us what you do, what needs protecting and when the policy renews. We'll take it from there.