
Business Insurance


What is Business Insurance?
Running a business comes with a unique set of risks, ranging from operational disruptions and legal liabilities to employee safety and cyber threats.
Business insurance is designed to protect your business from the unexpected, helping your business to continue operating with minimal disruption should the worst occur. Whether you're a growing startup, or an established company, having the appropriate coverage in place is essential for your business, it can include protection for employees, professional indemnity, business interruption, or equipment breakdown - tailored to suit your industry and operations.
At Adapt, we understand that no two businesses are alike, that’s why we take the time to understand your needs, assess your risks, and build insurance solutions that support your long term success. Let us help you safeguard your business - so you can keep moving forward with confidence.
What is covered by a Business Insurance Policy?
Every business faces unique risks, and the right insurance coverage can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your people, assets, and operations.
From professional advice and leadership responsibilities, business insurance can be tailored to suit your specific needs.
Below, you'll find key types of cover commonly included in a business insurance program - click on each tile to learn more about how they work and what they can protect.

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What insurance coverage is essential for commercial property owners?The core components of a commercial property insurance policy include: Building: Covers structural elements like walls, roof, floors, and permanently fixed items, including demolition and debris removal. Loss of Rental Income: Protects your income if the property becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event, including statutory outgoings. Public Liability: Covers legal costs for third-party injury or property damage you're liable for.
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What optional insurance coverage should I consider?A broker can help identify additional cover based on your property’s needs, such as: Glass Breakage: Internal and external glass; often the tenant’s responsibility, depending on the lease. Machinery Breakdown: For lifts, plant equipment, or central A/C units. Contents: Covers items you’ve supplied, like furniture, appliances, or temporary fit-outs.
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How do I know if my building is adequately insured?The best way is through an insurance replacement valuation by a qualified valuer, recommended every 3 years. Unlike a sales valuation, it includes demolition, debris removal, design, and rebuild costs—excluding land value.
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Am I covered for tenant caused damage?Accidental damage is covered and most policies include malicious damage by tenants, but the latter may need to be added as an optional benefit, depending on the policy.
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Do I still need insurance if the tenant has their own policy?Yes. Tenants cover their own contents and business activities, but you must insure the building and public liability as the property owner.
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What if my property is vacant, will this impact my insurance?Yes. Vacant properties carry higher risk. Most insurers require notification if a property is vacant for more than 60 to 90 days. Extended vacancies may need a specific vacant property policy.
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Why is vacancy a concern for insurers?Vacant properties are more vulnerable to: Vandalism or arson Theft of fixtures or materials Undetected damage (e.g. leaks or fires) Trespassing or illegal activity
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Can I insure multiple properties under one policy?Yes. Many insurers offer portfolio policies. For combined asset values over $10 million, an Industrial Special Risks (ISR) policy is ideal for broader coverage.
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Does tenant activity affect my insurance?Yes. Insurers assess risk based on tenant business type. Office tenants are low-risk, while activities like manufacturing, recycling, or hospitality may require specialist cover. Always check with your broker.
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What is Strata Property Insurance?Strata insurance provides insurance cover for the building and common property areas of a strata-titled building, such as apartments, townhouses, commercial offices and even industrial type property.
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Is strata insurance mandatory in Australia?Yes, it is mandatory under Australian law for buildings registered under a strata title. The Strata Titles Act for each state will define what is required to be included under a strata insurance policy, generally the building and public liability insurance must be covered at a minimum.
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How do I know if my building is adequately insured?The only way to ensure your building is adequately insured is by carrying out an insurance replacement valuation through a qualified valuer. We strongly recommend an insurance replacement valuation is carried out at least once every 3 years. An insurance replacement valuation differs to a sales valuation as it includes items such as demolition costs, removal of debris, planning/design and rebuild costs, following a total or major loss e.g. fire – it does not include items such as land or sales value.
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Who pays for strata insurance?The cost is shared among all lot owners in the strata scheme. Payments are collected as part of regular strata levies set by the strata company
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What does strata insurance typically cover?Strata insurance basics include: The building’s structure e.g. walls, windows, roof, and ceilings, plus permanent fixtures such as vanities, cupboards and cabinetry. Shared contents e.g. furniture in common rooms, gym equipment, carpets and rugs. Public liability: the strata policy responds if someone is injured or their property is damaged on common property and the strata company is found liable. Loss of Rent/Temporary Accommodation: covers the cost alternative accommodation for owner-occupiers who must vacate the property due to damage from an insured event. It also covers any lost rent for landlords (non-owner-occupiers) if their tenant must vacate.
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What is not covered by strata insurance?Strata insurance does not cover personal belongings inside individual units, such as personal furniture, electronics, or clothing. It also excludes maintenance-related issues e.g. damage caused by age, wear and tear of items and any personal liability risks for owners or tenants within their own units.
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Can I get my own insurance as an owner?Yes, owners are encouraged to take out contents insurance for personal items and landlord insurance if they are renting out the unit. These policies fill in the coverage gaps left by strata insurance.
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Is flood cover the same as water damage or storm damage cover?No, flood cover and water damage insurance cover are not the same. They refer to different types of water-related events and have distinct definitions and coverage terms. Flood is an additional cover from most insurers and is defined as the release or escape of water onto normally dry land that has released from the following: - A river or creek - A natural watercourse - A dam or reservoir Water damage claims are typically related to events such as burst pipes (most common) or failure of a flexi hose. Storm damage events can be related to heavy rain or strong winds that have caused damage to the building. Water and storm damage events are automatically included under the building section of the strata policy.
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Why should I use an insurance broker for my Strata Insurance?Working with an insurance broker offers several key advantages: They work for you, not the insurer. Brokers act in your best interest, helping you find the most suitable coverage. Expert advice and tailored solutions. Brokers are qualified to compare policies, assess your risk exposures, and recommend coverage that fits your specific needs. Access to more options. Brokers can offer a wider range of insurers and policy choices than you might find on your own. Claims support and advocacy. If you need to make a claim, brokers provide expert guidance and help resolve disputes on your behalf. Competitive pricing. Using a broker doesn’t increase your policy cost. In fact, brokers often negotiate better pricing with insurers.
From professional liability to cyber threats, we provide straightforward, comprehensive reports which provide an overview of your risk exposures and how to mitigate them through insurance.
Professional Indemnity
If your business provides professional advice or services, Professional Indemnity Insurance is a critical safeguard. It protects you against claims from clients who allege that your advice, actions, or omissions caused financial loss or harm. Key benefits include: Coverage tailored for a wide range of professional services Protection for those offering expert advice, consultancy, or recommendations Defence against allegations of negligence, malpractice, or professional misconduct Every professional services firm is different, and not all policies offer the same level of protection. That’s why it’s important to work with an expert who understands your industry and can tailor a Professional Indemnity program to suit your specific risks and regulatory requirements.
Directors and officers (D&0)
D&O Insurance protects individuals in leadership roles—such as directors, officers, and senior managers—at both private and public companies from claims of alleged misconduct or breach of duty. These claims can arise from a variety of sources, including shareholders, employees, regulators, creditors, competitors, and liquidators. Policies are typically structured into three key components: Side A Coverage – Provides personal protection to directors and officers when the company is unable to indemnify them. Side B Coverage – Reimburses the company when it indemnifies a director or officer for a covered claim. Side C Coverage – Protects the company itself when it faces liability under securities laws, especially when named alongside directors or officers. Additional coverage options include: Statutory Liability Employment Practices Liability Excess Side A Prospectus Liability Insurance Run-Off Coverage (for protection after resignation or company sale) At Adapt, we help you structure D&O coverage that reflects your company’s governance, risk profile, and regulatory obligations—ensuring your leadership is protected and your business is prepared.
Cyber Insurance
Cyber Insurance provides essential protection against the growing threat of digital attacks and data breaches. It helps businesses manage the financial and operational impact of incidents such as ransomware, phishing, system outages, and other cyber-related events. Coverage may include: Social engineering attacks such as phishing, malicious links, or fraudulent invoices Data restoration costs for lost or damaged electronic information Access to expert incident response teams to contain and recover from breaches First-party and third-party financial loss protection Compensation for income loss due to business interruption Forensic investigation expenses to identify the source and scope of the breach Ransom payments made to cybercriminals (where legally permitted) Legal defence costs arising from claims or regulatory actions related to a cyber event With cyber threats evolving rapidly, having the right insurance in place is critical to protecting your business, your clients, and your reputation.
Machinery Breakdown
Machinery Breakdown Insurance covers the cost to repair or replace machinery and equipment that fails due to internal mechanical, electrical, or electronic faults. It does not cover damage caused by external events like fire or flood—that’s typically handled under property insurance. This type of cover is especially important for businesses that rely heavily on equipment to operate, such as manufacturers, trades, warehouses, and commercial property owners. What’s Covered: Sudden and unexpected breakdowns of machinery or equipment Repair or replacement costs for the affected machinery Damage to surrounding property caused by the breakdown Optional cover for business interruption resulting from the failure Even a single breakdown can cause major disruptions and financial strain. This insurance helps minimise downtime and out-of-pocket expenses—keeping your operations running smoothly when critical equipment fails.
Corporate Travel
General Property Insurance is a valuable addition to a Business Insurance Package—particularly for businesses that operate on the move or across multiple sites. It provides cover for portable tools, equipment, and other assets that are regularly taken off-site or used in various locations. This cover typically includes: Tools of trade, such as carpentry tools, power tools, and electrical equipment Portable electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, and mobile phones Mobile machinery or gear used at client or remote job sites Stock in transit, if specifically included in the policy Whether you're a tradie, contractor, or service provider, this insurance helps protect the essential items your business relies on wherever the job takes you.
Management Liability
Management Liability Insurance is designed to protect the directors, officers, and employees of private companies from a broad range of legal and financial risks. It combines multiple coverages into a single, comprehensive policy—helping safeguard your leadership team and business operations. Coverage typically includes: Employment Practices Liability – Protection against claims such as wrongful dismissal, harassment, or discrimination Directors & Officers Liability – Covers allegations of mismanagement or breach of duty Crime Cover – Includes losses from employee fraud, theft, or third-party criminal acts Statutory Liability – Covers fines, penalties, and legal costs from unintentional breaches of legislation (e.g. OH&S, privacy laws) Identity Fraud Expenses – Reimburses costs related to stolen or compromised business identity Tax Audit Cover – Helps cover professional fees incurred during tax investigations This type of insurance is essential for privately held companies looking to protect their decision-makers and maintain compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Business Interuption
Business Interruption Insurance is designed to protect your business from financial losses if you're forced to temporarily cease operations due to an insured event—such as a fire, storm, or other property damage. Unlike property insurance, which covers physical damage, this policy focuses on the loss of income and ongoing operational expenses during the downtime. It helps maintain cash flow and supports your recovery until you're fully operational again. Coverage typically includes: Loss of gross profit or revenue during the interruption Fixed operating costs, such as rent, wages, and utilities Temporary relocation expenses to continue trading Additional working costs incurred to maintain operations Recovery period expenses, even after physical repairs are completed This cover is essential for businesses that want to minimise disruption and financial strain when unexpected events impact their ability to trade.
Workers Compensation
Workers’ Compensation Insurance is a mandatory requirement for employers and provides vital financial protection for employees who suffer a work-related injury or illness. It ensures that your team is supported during recovery and helps your business meet its legal obligations. Coverage typically includes: Medical expenses for treatment and care Rehabilitation and recovery support to help employees return to work Lost wages while the employee is unable to work Lump sum payments for permanent impairment or in the event of a work-related death This cover not only protects your employees but also helps safeguard your business from the financial impact of workplace incidents.
General Property Insurance
General Property Insurance General Property Insurance is often included as an optional section within a Business Insurance Package—ideal for businesses that operate across multiple locations or frequently work off-site. It provides protection for portable tools, equipment, and valuables that are essential to your day-to-day operations. Coverage typically includes: Tools of trade, such as carpentry tools, electrical gear, and other portable equipment Portable electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, and mobile phones Mobile machinery or equipment used at client sites Stock in transit, if specifically included in the policy This cover helps ensure your business assets are protected wherever work takes you—whether on the road, at a job site, or between locations. Professional indemnity solutions offer: Protection tailored for a wide range of professional services Cover designed for those providing expert advice or consultancy Defence against allegations of negligence, malpractice, or professional misconduct Every professional services firm is unique and some insurers PI products may not fully address your firm’s specific needs. Speak with an expert to ensure your professional indemnity program is tailored precisely to your requirements.