Don’t get caught underinsured: It’s time to check your commercial property insurance is adequate
The past few years have certainly brought dynamic market changes that have had a direct affect on the cost to build commercial premises – shortage of trades and building supplies all playing a major factor. For this reason, it’s vital that commercial property owners check how this affects the value and relevant insurance of their commercial properties.
Consider these scenarios:
- Shortage in trades, along with increased cost of building supplies may leave you underinsured if you haven’t yet renewed your sums insured recently. If you aren’t sure if your sums insured is equal to the cost to rebuild your commercial premises, it’s time to call your local Ausure insurance broker to check.
- If you’ve had a tough year financially and are renewing or taking out insurance, you might be tempted to think you’re saving by underestimating the value of your commercial property or assets, to save a bit on premium. This can also result in underinsurance. Your trusted Ausure insurance broker can explain why underinsurance might not be a good decision.
Speak to one of our trusted advisers today so you can focus on your business without stressing about whether your are covered at claim time.
Why it’s not a good idea to underinsure your commercial property:
Here is an example:
Your commercial property is worth $1.5m and you insure it for $900,000 to save premium. 80% of $1.5m = $1.2m. The chosen sum insured of $900K is 75% of $1.2m and therefore claims would be paid at 75% of their value. So, in the event of a total loss, you may only receive $675,000 (before excess). This could leave you out of pocket $825,000!!
Building costs have increased substantially, particularly in the past year as a result of covid shortages (https://www.insurancenews.com.au/daily/building-costs-surge-boosts-underinsurance-risks). There are timber framing shortages, steel shortages and other materials which is all leading to an increase in costs. This also needs to be considered when determining a building replacement value. It is important to insure for the current replacement cost, not what it cost whenever the property was first built.
Be aware the sum insured needs to be the total rebuilding cost of your commercial building as at today’s current rebuilding costs, including demolition and clearing of the site. This is often far more than just the sale price of the building. So, always calculate your sum insured on current rebuilding costs at each renewal or inception of the policy and review it yearly. Your insurance broker can assist with this.
If your sum insured has not changed in two years, it is time to review this.”
What can you do to ensure you’re properly insured?
Contact your local trusted Ausure Insurance Broker, or give us a call today on 1300 587 225, to review your property and business insurances to be sure they’re up-to-date.