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Retail shop insurance
Insurance for retail shops and online stores: a business pack for your stock, fit-out and income, public and product liability for the goods you sell, and cyber if you sell online. Tell us about your shop and a licensed broker compares quotes for you.
- Retail shop set as your occupation (ANZSIC 4279)
- Business pack and public liability in one request
What insurance does a retail shop need?
Most retailers combine a business pack with public and product liability. The pack covers stock, fit-out, theft, glass and the income you lose if an insured event closes you. Product liability matters because, under Australian Consumer Law, an importer can be treated as the manufacturer.
Business pack sections retailers often choose
| Section | Why it matters for a shop |
|---|---|
| Property and contents | Stock, fit-out and fixtures against fire, storm and other events. |
| Theft | Stock and equipment after a break-in with forced entry. |
| Glass | Shopfront and display glass broken by accident. |
| Money | Takings on the premises, or in a locked safe after hours. |
| Business interruption | Lost income while you can’t trade after an insured event. |
See business insurance packs for each section in detail.
Product safety duties for retailers
| Duty | What it means |
|---|---|
| Mandatory reporting | If you become aware of a death, serious injury or illness associated with a product you sold, you must report it to the ACCC within 2 days. |
| Importers as manufacturers | If the maker has no office in Australia, the importer can be treated as the manufacturer for liability purposes. |
| Product liability | Covers claims for injury or damage caused by goods you sell. See product liability. |
What a retail policy usually won’t cover
These need other cover:
- A hacked online store.Cyber insurance
- Staff injuries.Workers compensation.
- Stock that simply doesn’t sell.That’s a business risk, not an insured loss.
How to compare retail insurance
Retail shop insurance questions
What insurance does a retail shop need?
Usually a business pack for stock, fit-out and income, plus public and product liability, and workers compensation once you employ staff.
Do retailers need product liability insurance?
If you sell goods, yes. Importers can be treated as the manufacturer if the maker has no office in Australia.
Do I have to report injuries from products I sell?
Yes. Suppliers, including retailers, must report a death, serious injury or illness associated with a product to the ACCC within 2 days of becoming aware of it.
Do online stores need cyber insurance?
It isn’t compulsory, but it’s worth considering if you take payments online or hold customer data.
Can retailers compare insurance online?
Yes. Retail shops, online stores and boutiques can request quotes online.
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Retail shops