Does business contents insurance cover items I take out of the office?

Standard business contents policies cover items "at the premises." Equipment taken away from the office — laptops, cameras, tools — is typically not covered without a "portable equipment" or "all risks" extension. If your staff regularly work remotely or travel with business equipment, this extension is essential. Check the policy for whether the extension covers equipment in vehicles, at employees' homes, and in transit.

Is stock covered under business contents insurance?

Business contents policies typically cover stock — raw materials, work in progress, and finished goods — under a separate stock section or as part of the general contents cover. Stock values can fluctuate significantly; many policies allow a "seasonal increase" clause to reflect higher stock levels at busy periods. Insure stock at its replacement cost, not its selling price. Under-insuring stock — a common mistake at a growing business — results in proportionately reduced payouts.

What is the difference between business contents and office contents insurance?

The terms are used interchangeably by most insurers. "Office contents" typically refers to the policy version marketed to office-based businesses (professional services, admin). "Business contents" is the broader term that may include cover for stock, trade samples, and equipment used in a trade context. The underlying policy structure is similar — the difference is primarily in what items are covered and the typical sum insured levels. Retail businesses and workshops need to ensure their specific stock and trade equipment is explicitly included.

Does business contents insurance cover theft by employees?

Employee theft (including fraud and dishonesty) is typically excluded from standard business contents policies. This risk is addressed by a specific "employee dishonesty" or "fidelity guarantee" insurance. If employee theft is a realistic exposure for your business — particularly businesses handling cash, stock, or financial transactions — consider whether a fidelity bond or crime insurance is appropriate. The standard business contents policy focuses on external theft (burglary, robbery), not internal.

Guide ·All regions ·Updated 2026-10-22 ·6 min read

Business Contents Insurance: What It Covers and How to Calculate the Right Sum Insured

Business contents insurance covers your commercial equipment, stock, fixtures, and fittings against loss or damage. Getting the sum insured right — and understanding what is and is not covered — prevents significant underinsurance at claim time.

What business contents insurance covers

Business contents insurance covers physical assets at your business premises against the main perils — fire, theft, flood, and accidental damage (if included). The main categories:

Office and IT equipment

Computers, printers, servers, phones, audiovisual equipment. Cover is typically for replacement at current market value, not original purchase price.

Fixtures and fittings

Fitted furniture, shelving, displays, shop fittings. These are often underinsured — account for the full replacement cost of all fitted items, not just loose furniture.

Stock

Raw materials, work in progress, finished goods. Insure at replacement cost. Consider seasonal fluctuations in stock value and ensure the policy allows for declared increases.

Trade equipment and tools

Equipment specific to your trade — machinery, specialist tools, instruments. High-value items should be specified individually to avoid sub-limit restrictions.

Calculating the right sum insured

Business contents under-insurance is extremely common — often because the sum insured was set at inception and never updated as the business grew. The sum insured should represent the full replacement cost of all insured items simultaneously — not a best guess or a figure based on what was paid originally.

A working approach:

Office/IT equipmentList and value every item at current replacement cost

Fixtures and fittingsGet a current replacement estimate; original cost often understates

Maximum stock valueUse peak value, not average; allow for seasonal highs

Total sum insuredSum of all above — review annually

For the consequences of under-insuring, see under-insurance and averaging. For the liability side of business insurance, see business liability explained. To understand the full picture of what business cover entails, including business interruption, see our business interruption guide.

Business contents FAQ

Frequently asked questions

: Standard business contents policies cover items "at the premises." Equipment taken away from the office — laptops, cameras, tools — is typically not covered without a "portable equipment" or "all risks" extension. If your staff regularly work remotely or travel with business equipment, this extension is essential. Check the policy for whether the extension covers equipment in vehicles, at employees' homes, and in transit.
: Business contents policies typically cover stock — raw materials, work in progress, and finished goods — under a separate stock section or as part of the general contents cover. Stock values can fluctuate significantly; many policies allow a "seasonal increase" clause to reflect higher stock levels at busy periods. Insure stock at its replacement cost, not its selling price. Under-insuring stock — a common mistake at a growing business — results in proportionately reduced payouts.
: The terms are used interchangeably by most insurers. "Office contents" typically refers to the policy version marketed to office-based businesses (professional services, admin). "Business contents" is the broader term that may include cover for stock, trade samples, and equipment used in a trade context. The underlying policy structure is similar — the difference is primarily in what items are covered and the typical sum insured levels. Retail businesses and workshops need to ensure their specific stock and trade equipment is explicitly included.
: Employee theft (including fraud and dishonesty) is typically excluded from standard business contents policies. This risk is addressed by a specific "employee dishonesty" or "fidelity guarantee" insurance. If employee theft is a realistic exposure for your business — particularly businesses handling cash, stock, or financial transactions — consider whether a fidelity bond or crime insurance is appropriate. The standard business contents policy focuses on external theft (burglary, robbery), not internal.