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Man gesturing while talking at a desk facing a turned-off monitor.

E-Commerce Insurance

Arranging your cover can be simple and hassle free, even if your insurance needs aren’t

We compare quotes from leading insurers

Compare e-commerce insurance quotes

Any online business will know the risks facing online trading can reach as far and wide as the products you sell, so protecting your livelihood must be a top priority.

Accidents can happen when you least expect them and and can leave you financially exposed or even personally liable to pay compensation. That’s why we arrange e-commerce insurance that’s tailored to your unique requirements by comparing covers from trusted insurers, so we find the policy that’s right for you.

We appreciate that one size does not always fit all, which is why we make recommendations based on your individual needs, to make arranging your e-commerce insurance simple and hassle-free. Call our advisors today to get advice for all your online business insurance needs. If you’d prefer us to call you simply request a call back.

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Start a quote

Complete our short form to start your business insurance quote. We’ll then call you at a time that’s convenient for you to discuss your requirements and provide an insurance quote

Get a quote
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Call us on: 0333 320 6009

Our advisors are just a phone call away. On average, we answer calls within 90 seconds. Lines open Monday to Friday 9:00am–5:00pm

0333 320 6009

E-Commerce insurance cover in detail

What is e-commerce insurance?

E-commerce insurance is a simple way for online businesses to buy various types of insurance covers, all in one package to protect your e-commerce business when something unfortunate happens. Having insurance to protect you financially against accidents, mistakes, theft, damage and legal fees is essential to provide you with peace of mind when running your business online.

Insurance covers to consider

When deciding what insurance and covers you need to protect your business, you should consider the following:

  • A web developer designer is discussing with a client during a meeting.

    Public liability insurance

    Public liability insurance can protect your online business against accidental injury or damage to third parties or their property. If you have clients or suppliers visiting your premises, then this will typically protect you if they were to sustain an injury and can cover legal costs and damages awarded as a result.

  • Two IT consultants in a modern office having a meeting with sticky notes on the glass wall in front of them.

    Employers' liability cover

    If you have staff helping you on a full or part-time basis, then you will need to add Employers’ liability insurance into your online business insurance. This is a legal requirement, and typically all your liability covers can be combined to form part of your e-commerce insurance policy, making it easier for you to obtain the covers you need most.

  • A lively street scene with shops on either side and pedestrians strolling along the sidewalk.

    Property covers

    You may also wish to protect your stock, premises and business equipment against fire, theft, accidental damage, and many more eventualities. Depending on the nature of your business, you may wish to include these within your e-commerce insurance so that you can work safe in the knowledge that should something happen, it’s covered.

  • Colourful collared shirts hanging on wooden hangers against a plain background.

    Product liability cover

    Product liability insurance provides cover if you sell or supply a defective product and someone injures themselves whilst using it, or damage is caused as a result of the defect. For example, if you are supplying your own branded cosmetics that someone suffers a reaction to, product liability can protect your livelihood against potentially large claims that could be made against you.

  • Hacker in a dark hoodie working on a laptop in a dimly lit room with code reflected on his black sunglasses.

    Cyber and data insurance

    As you trade online, you are likely storing personal data about your customers. If your e-commerce website was attacked by cyber criminals, how quickly could you get back up and running? Cyber insurance is designed to support your business if your systems are accessed online by malicious hackers and they cause damage. Whereas the data element covers the physical loss of the data should it be corrupted or lost whether electronically or not.

  • Close-up of a shop window with a hanging “Open” sign. The interior is warmly lit with various items and shelves in the background

    Business interruption

    Business Interruption is an aspect of cover that is crucial to business continuity, as this safeguards your income should you suffer damage at your premises meaning you are unable to trade. For example, if you had a fire or flood, you could be out of action for a few weeks or even months.

    Business interruption cover can be included within your e-commerce insurance to protect you against this eventuality. This means that should the worst happen, your income and fixed expenses would be covered. It can even help you trade temporarily from other premises while you get back up and running.

  • A woman in a business suit engages in conversation with someone else while holding a tablet in an office setting.

    Commercial legal protection

    Commercial legal protection can be included within your e-commerce insurance, to protect against VAT disputes, employment disputes and compensation awards as well as offer cover for jury service allowance for staff and business partners, should you be summoned.

E-commerce insurance FAQs

E-commerce insurance can be tailored to your individual needs to ensure your online business has protection against events that could lead to financial loss. Without the correct e-commerce insurance in place, you could be exposed to claims being made against you that could jeopardise the future of your business and your ability to trade. Liability claims in particular can be costly, so making sure you’re covered against all eventualities is key to your business continuity.

At Premierline, we offer flexible e-commerce insurance policies that can be as simple or comprehensive as you need depending on your business requirements. When deciding what insurance and covers you need to protect your shop, you should consider the following:

  • Public liability – for injured shop visitors or damage to their property.
  • Employers’ liability – to protect your shop employees.
  • Buildings cover – to cover for loss or damage to your shop premises.
  • Equipment, contents and stock – to reinstate your items and belongings.
  • Business interruption – to keep finances running when disaster strikes.
  • Money cover – for theft or attempted theft.
  • Goods in transit – to cover for loss or damage to stock when in transit, loading or unloading.
  • Business legal expenses – to cover the cost of legal expenses or defending your shop against legal action.

More information

The cost of your e-commerce insurance will depend on your e-commerce activities, what you sell, the location and the amount and type of covers you require to protect your online shop. Like any other insurance, generally the more cover you require the higher the premium. The value you gain from having the right cover in place is a huge benefit to your business. An e-commerce insurance policy is a product that you have paid for that you may never get to use, but also a product that you hope that you will never need to call on.

We have many years’ experience arranging e-commerce insurance for a variety of online traders and work hard to get you the cover that’s right for your business. Speak to one of our advisors today or request a call back and we’ll get you a policy that meets your online retailing needs. If you trade from a retail premises, then take a look at our range of retailer insurance packages.

Try to have your existing insurance schedule and renewal notice available as this will give us the majority of the information that we will need. However, if you are a new business, don’t worry – our business insurance advisors will be able to guide you through the process of understanding and identifying your insurance needs.

We will email your policy documentation to you which means you will receive these straight away. Alternatively, if you would prefer your documents to be posted, you will normally receive them within 5 working days.

You can pay annually using a credit/debit card or by making an electronic payment. Alternatively you can manage your payments through a monthly Direct Debit plan with our approved premium finance provider, Premium Credit Limited.

Why choose Premierline?

Two men and a woman with headsets on in an office setting, likely participating in a discussion or online call.

We're shop insurance experts

We understand the nature of running your shop often leaves little time for much else. That’s why we work closely with some of the UK’s leading insurers to find the cover that’s right for you, making arranging your retail insurance simple and hassle-free. We’re committed to finding the right insurance solutions for your business to let you work without worry and focus on what really matters – your business.

  • Award winning service

    We're trusted by thousands of SMEs across the UK

  • Comprehensive protection

    We can help with all your commercial insurance needs

  • UK based experts

    Located in Lancaster, our advisors are here to help

Our customer reviews and testimonials

“Called to add building cover to our policy. Very straightforward with clear and concise information. Phoned back after clarification of a point was required. Would recommend the service and will continue to use them for all our business insurance requirements.”
Photo Processing & Printing Shop
Customer since May 2022
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Speak to an e-commerce insurance expert

We have many years’ experience arranging e-commerce insurance for a variety of online traders and work hard to get you the cover that’s right for your business. Speak to one of our advisors today or request a call back and we’ll get you a policy that meets your online retailing needs.

full width cta icon 1
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Start a quote

Complete our short form to start your business insurance quote. We’ll then call you at a time that’s convenient for you to discuss your requirements and provide an insurance quote

Get a quote
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full width cta icon 2

Call us on: 0333 320 6009

Our advisors are just a phone call away. On average, we answer calls within 90 seconds. Lines open Monday to Friday 9:00am–5:00pm

0333 320 6009