Commercial property · Exeter
Commercial property insurance in Exeter
Reviewed by Matthew Bartlett, Director, Apex Insurance Brokers Limited · Published 15 July 2026
Exeter's cathedral-city centre, university presence, and role as Devon's commercial hub create a distinctive commercial insurance profile. Commercial property cover needs to reflect the building, the trade, and the surrounding area.
What commercial property cover typically includes
- Buildings — reinstatement value, not market value.
- Contents, stock, and business machinery.
- Business interruption — loss of income if premises are unusable.
- Plate glass, signs, and external fixtures.
- Theft, escape of water, fire, storm.
- Public liability arising from the premises.
- Book debts and loss of documents in some placements.
{City}-specific factors
- Historic listed stock — Cathedral Green, High Street EX1.
- Exeter Quay area — converted warehouses, hospitality.
- Retail cluster on Princesshay / High Street.
- University of Exeter Streatham campus periphery businesses.
- Devon County Council supplier premises.
- Flood-adjacent Exe corridor — specific rating considerations.
Common gaps
- Under-insurance on buildings sum insured.
- Business-interruption indemnity too short for real recovery time.
- Unoccupied-property clauses biting on shopfits or refurbs.
- Landlord vs tenant lease provisions not reflected in the placement.
- Cyber cover assumed under property — usually not covered.
Frequently asked
How much does commercial property insurance cost in Exeter?
Depends on property size, use, construction, location, and cover level. A specialist broker can give a realistic figure once the property details are known.
Do I need buildings cover if I lease?
Usually the landlord insures the building. Tenants typically need contents, business interruption, and tenants' improvements cover.
Is unoccupied cover needed during refurbishment?
Yes — standard cover restricts once premises are unoccupied for more than 30-60 days. Refurb cover is a specialist arrangement.
Can I include business interruption?
Yes — and should. Property damage without BI leaves the business without income during rebuild.
Related
Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm reference number 724952. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570. Trading address: QCS, 53 Queen Charlotte Street, Bristol BS1 4HQ · Serving businesses in Exeter and the wider region.