For more on this part of the insurance industry:
Office equipment insurance helps secure the tools that businesses use in the office every day. It is designed for those who rely on equipment like:
As more people work in shared or flexible spaces, insurance is now just as important outside the traditional office as it is inside.
As a shared office in Manchester was hit by a burst pipe, the flood damaged over £50,000 worth of office equipment. Many small businesses using the space had no insurance and couldn’t replace what they lost.
Some had to pause work or shut down. With office equipment insurance, they could have recovered more quickly and stayed compliant with equipment regulations.
Hybrid working means more companies are insuring laptops, webcams, and mobile phones for staff working from home or shared spaces.
Brokers now also use cloud tools to track insured items and help with claims. As AI-powered office tools grow in use, brokers must understand how to cover and replace them.
Insurance brokers must pay attention to emerging risks in this sector:
Brokers should watch for claims where wear and tear is mistaken for damage. IoT devices like smart printers can also be targets for hackers. Office equipment insurance policies may need updates to cover these new hazards.
Most policies let businesses choose the cover that fits their setup. Common inclusions are listed below:
Brokers may suggest extra cover depending on the workplace, such as remote use or shared office risks. Each policy will have its own limits and conditions.
Yes, a work laptop can be insured as part of an office equipment insurance policy. This helps cover it for theft, loss, or accidental damage.
Many UK businesses now include portable tech in their cover, especially for hybrid or remote staff. The laptop must be listed with its value to be fully protected.
Brokers often recommend portable equipment cover if the laptop leaves the office often. This ensures the device is still covered while in transit or at home.
Yes, toilet paper is classed as an office supply because it supports daily workplace needs. It falls under consumables alongside soap, bin bags, and kitchen roll.
But these items are not covered by office equipment insurance. The policy is meant for tools and tech used to do the job, not items that are used up.
What is business equipment insurance?
Business equipment insurance helps cover tools, machinery, and devices used to run a business. It protects them from damage, theft, or loss during daily use.
This type of policy is useful for:
It often includes mobile tools, specialist kits, or gear used off-site.
Yes, business equipment insurance covers a wider range of tools and machinery beyond office-based items. It can include medical devices, cameras, or on-site power tools.
Office equipment insurance is focused on items like desks, monitors, printers, and phones. It suits office-based teams or remote workers using standard tech.
Office equipment includes the physical tools and items used to run an office smoothly. Other examples include:
Office equipment insurance often applies to both fixed and portable items, depending on the policy. Businesses can choose cover based on what they use every day.
Office equipment usually falls into three main types:
These groups allow businesses to plan what to buy and what to insure. Most of this can be covered under office equipment insurance if used for work.
