Commercial Strata Insurance

Commercial strata insurance covers the building structure and common property of a strata-titled commercial building. This includes office blocks, retail centres, industrial complexes, and mixed-use buildings. It protects the owners corporation against damage to the building, liability claims in common areas, and management decisions made by the committee.

Commercial strata policies account for higher-risk tenancy types, greater foot traffic, more complex building plant (lifts, escalators, commercial HVAC), and the specific liability exposures that come with commercial operations. Premiums are generally higher because the sum insured, replacement costs, and liability risks are greater than a standard residential scheme.

Yes. Tenant policies cover their own fitout, stock, and business interruption. They don't cover the building structure, common areas, or the owners corporation's liability. Under strata legislation in every Australian state, the owners corporation is required to insure the building and common property. Individual tenant policies and strata insurance serve different purposes.

Restaurants, takeaway food outlets, gyms, childcare centres, tobacconists, and any tenancy involving hazardous materials or high foot traffic will affect pricing. Some underwriters will decline to quote if certain tenancies are present. We know which underwriters are comfortable with which tenancy types.

Yes. We've placed cover for commercial strata schemes that have been non-renewed due to claims history, difficult tenancies, or building condition issues. Access to multiple underwriters including specialist strata markets means we can usually find terms where others can't.

Building age and construction type, number of storeys and lots, building sum insured, common property inclusions (lifts, car parks, pools), a full tenancy schedule listing all businesses operating in the building, and claims history over the past five years. For complex schemes, a recent building valuation helps secure the best terms.

Office bearers liability is typically included as a standard section in commercial strata policies. It protects committee members and the owners corporation from claims arising from their management decisions, including allegations of negligence, breach of duty, or failure to maintain the building.

At least 45 to 60 days before expiry for commercial strata. Commercial schemes take longer to market because underwriters need detailed tenancy schedules, building information, and claims data. Starting early gives us time to obtain multiple competitive quotes and negotiate better terms.