Commercial Property Insurance – Weathering the Storm
Unpredictable Manx weather continues to place increasing pressure on commercial property owners.
With storm damage now ranking among the most common causes of commercial property claims in the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom, it has never been more important to review your protection.
What’s driving the risk?
Climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense storms, increasing exposure not only to physical damage, but also to operational disruption and financial strain.
Storm risks extend beyond visible structural damage. High winds can affect roofs, cladding and equipment. Freezing conditions can cause burst pipes and internal water damage. Heavy rainfall increases flood risk and structural stress, while secondary impacts such as power loss, closures and supply chain disruption can be equally damaging.
How the right insurance helps
A well-structured insurance programme should be viewed as a coordinated framework of protection — not just a single policy.
Commercial Combined Business Insurance typically covers structural repairs, internal water damage, and damage to stock or equipment. However, the financial impact of a storm often extends far beyond the physical building. Business Interruption cover can be just as critical, supporting lost revenue, increased operating costs, and temporary relocation while repairs are carried out.
Depending on exposure, Flood cover may also be essential, though availability can be restricted. It is equally important to ensure storm and wind damage are not limited or excluded within policy wordings.
Additional layers of protection may include:
- Equipment Breakdown
- Employers’ and Public Liability
- Commercial Vehicle Insurance
- Directors’ & Officers’ Liability
- Cyber Insurance
- Contractors’ All Risks
When properly aligned, these covers protect both physical assets and financial stability.
Getting storm ready
Preparation should not begin when a weather warning is issued. Businesses should ensure rebuild values remain accurate, storm damage is clearly included within policies, and indemnity periods reflect realistic recovery times.
In addition to reviewing insurance, routine property maintenance, formal continuity planning and proactive management are equally important to help protect businesses.
Key questions to consider:
- Are rebuild values up to date?
- Is storm damage clearly included within the policy wording?
- How long would the business realistically need to recover?
- Are there supplier dependency exposures?
- Is the site secure if under construction or vacant?
The right cover matters
Storm damage is no longer an occasional event – it is a recurring and increasingly costly risk.
Property Damage, Business Interruption, Flood, Equipment Breakdown, Liability, Cyber, and Management Liability cover each play a vital role in helping businesses recover quickly and confidently after severe weather.
At MAC Insurance Brokers, we work closely with commercial property owners to ensure their insurance, risk management, and continuity plans provide robust and joined-up protection.
If you would like help reviewing your current cover and if it would stand up to the next period of severe weather, please contact us today for a comprehensive review of your commercial property insurance.
