Start smart. Scale strong. Stay protected.​

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Commercial Property Owners Insurance

You own the building, you're responsible for everything in it

Fire, flood, storm damage, tenant accidents, if you own commercial property, you’re liable for the building and what happens inside it. Commercial Property Owners Insurance protects you from the costs that could wipe out your investment.

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What could go wrong

(and why you need this)

As a commercial property owner, you’re liable for everything that happens in your building, from structural failures to tenant injuries. One major fire, storm, or liability claim can destroy your investment and leave you facing hundreds of thousands in repair costs, legal fees, and lost rental income.

Scenario 1

The major fire

You own a small commercial building with three tenants. A fire starts in one tenancy and spreads through the roof space, destroying the entire building.

Rebuild cost: $850,000*. Your tenants can’t operate; they’re suing for lost income. Fire brigade charges: $15,000*. You’re facing total loss of your investment property plus legal liability.

What Property Owners Insurance covers

Full rebuild cost, fire brigade charges, tenant loss of income claims (if covered), temporary rent loss while rebuilding, and legal defence costs.

Scenario 2

The storm damage

A severe storm rips part of the roof off your commercial property. Rain pours in, damaging tenant fit-outs, stock, and equipment.

Total damage: $120,000*. Tenants can’t trade for 6 weeks. They’re claiming $45,000* in lost income and want you to cover the cost of their damaged stock.

What Property Owners Insurance covers

Building repairs, your lost rental income during repairs, and landlord liability for tenant losses (depending on lease terms and policy coverage).

Scenario 3

The tenant injury

A customer visits your tenant’s shop, slips on wet tiles in the common area you maintain, and breaks their hip.

They’re suing you, the property owner, for $200,000*, claiming inadequate maintenance and unsafe premises.

Your tenant’s insurance won’t cover it, it’s your building, your responsibility.

What Property Owners Insurance covers

Legal defence against injury claims on your property, medical costs, compensation payments, and investigation costs to prove maintenance was adequate.

Scenario 4

The burst pipe disaster

A hidden pipe bursts in your commercial building over a long weekend. By Monday, water had flooded three tenancies, destroying carpets, walls, and tenant equipment.

Damage to building: $80,000*. Tenant claims: $150,000*. Lost rent while repairs happen: $25,000*.

What Property Owners Insurance covers

Building repairs, clean-up costs, lost rent during repairs, and some tenant loss coverage (depending on lease liability and policy terms).

What this actually covers

Commercial motor insurance

Commercial Property Owners Insurance protects you as a building owner:

Building cover:

  • Structure and permanent fixtures
  • Foundations and load-bearing walls
  • Roof, floors, and internal walls
  • Plumbing, electrical, and services
  • Fixed air conditioning and heating
  • Common areas and shared facilities
  • Driveways, footpaths, and landscaping

Loss of rent:

  • Rental income while building is uninhabitable
  • Covers you during repair or rebuild periods
  • Continues until tenants can return
  • Usually 12-24 months maximum

Landlord liability:

  • Public liability for people injured on property
  • Damage to tenant property caused by building defects
  • Common area accidents
  • Landlord legal obligations under the lease

Optional extras may include

  • Malicious damage by tenants
  • Rent default insurance (if tenant stops paying)
  • Legal expenses (lease disputes, evictions)
  • Glass breakage in common areas
  • Accidental damage (not just specific events)

What may not be covered

  • Tenant fit-out and improvements (tenant’s responsibility)
  • Tenant stock, equipment, and contents
  • Wear and tear or gradual deterioration
  • Poor maintenance or deferred repairs
  • Deliberate damage by you
  • Illegal activities by tenants

What could go wrong

(and why you need this)

Start smart

Pre-launch to first year

You need this from day one if:

  • Visit clients in your personal vehicle
  • Deliver products or services using your car
  • Carry business equipment or stock
  • Pick up supplies for the business
  • Transport employees to worksites
  • Use your vehicle for any business purpose beyond commuting

Single vehicle vs fleet:
Most founders start with a single vehicle. Once you have two or more vehicles, you need fleet coverage.

Typical coverage

Market value or agreed value, $20M third-party property damage, basic tools cover.

Scale strong

Growing and hiring

You need this immediately when:

  • You’re buying additional commercial properties
  • You’re renovating or extending buildings
  • You’re increasing tenant numbers
  • Property values increase (review sum insured annually)
  • You’re taking on higher-risk tenants (hospitality, manufacturing)

Portfolio approach

Insure multiple properties under one policy for better pricing and easier management.

Stay protected

Established and optimising

Review your cover annually:

  • Update replacement costs (construction costs increase)
  • Review tenant mix and risk profile
  • Check lease obligations (who’s responsible for what)
  • Consider rent guarantee if tenant’s credit risk increases
  • Update valuations after renovations or market changes

Typical coverage

This is where things get custom, and you need to talk to the team at Pocket to evaluate your specific needs.

Common questions

Founders actually ask

Doesn't my tenant's insurance cover building damage?

No. Tenant insurance covers their contents, fit-out, and business interruption. As the property owner, you are responsible for the building’s structure, common areas, and landlord obligations. Clear separation is essential.