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Bookshop Insurance
Compare insurance for bookshops and bookstores
Protect your business, stock, and customers with confidence
Compare quotes from our panel of trusted insurers
Bionic is the comparison site for your small business
We compare a vetted panel of trusted business suppliers
Bionic specialises in business insurance for small businesses, like bookshops
Get cover to protect against claims from employees, customers & more
Get the protection you need with no needless extras
What is...
bookshop insurance?
Whether your shelves are filled with bestsellers, rare first editions, or pre-loved classics, running a bookshop is about creating a haven for readers.
But behind the pages, risks like accidents, theft, or damaged stock could disrupt the running of your business.
Bookshop insurance is a type of business insurance designed to protect your bookstore from the unexpected and keep it secure. At Bionic, we make it easy to find the right policy for you, so you can focus on building on growing your business.
What type of bookshops can you cover?
Every bookshop is unique, and at Bionic, we help you find insurance for all kinds of stores, including:
- Independent bookshops
- Second-hand and specialist bookshops
- Chain stores
- Bookstores with an online shop
No matter the size of your shop, we’ll help find cover tailored to your needs.
Why do bookshops need insurance?
Even the most peaceful of bookshops face risks. Having the right insurance in place is key as you could have to pay out hefty legal fees, compensation or financial losses if something goes wrong like:
- A customer slips and falls in your shop
- Your stock is damaged by a fire or flood
- A break-in results in stolen cash or goods
- An employee gets injured while working
Bookshop insurance helps cover your losses if a claim is made against you or if you need to make a claim.
What does bookshop insurance cover?
Policies will vary per provider for bookshop insurance, and limits and exclusions apply. Always refer to your policy wording for details. At Bionic, we know every bookstore business is unique, so insurance packages could include a combination of the covers below:
Employers’ liability insurance
In case an employee gets ill or injured because of the work they do for you. A legal requirement if you have employees.
Public liability insurance
Cover claims for injuries or illnesses caused in your bookshop
Stock insurance
Cover books and merchandise against damage, theft, or spoilage. For example, a roof leak damages first editions.
Business interruption insurance
To provide compensation if a listed event stops your business from running normally
How much does bookshop insurance cover cost?
Because all bookshops are different, it’s difficult to give a solid figure for what you’ll be paying for this insurance without speaking to a broker. This is because your business is unique, and prices depend on a number of factors, including:
- Extent of cover — The more cover you opt for, the more expensive your package will likely be.
- Your insurer — Depending on who is willing to insure you, the price for their policies will vary.
- Location — The location of your business is taken into consideration when calculating the cost of your premiums.
Claims history — If you’ve made a claim on your policy or had claims made against you, it may affect your future premiums.
What doesn't it cover?
Bookshop insurance won’t cover everything, and some exclusions apply, such as:
- Intentional damage – Damage caused on purpose isn’t covered.
- Neglect – Losses due to negligence in storage or security could void your cover.
- General wear and tear – Normal ageing or wear on equipment and stock isn’t included.
Double-check your policy details or speak to our team if you have any questions about what’s covered and what isn’t.
“Protect your stock, premises and customers with our tailored cover for bookshop. Help keep your operations and customers safe.”
Insurance Director, James Barwell
Do you need cover for your building if you rent?
If you rent, your landlord is responsible for insuring the building, but you’ll need to arrange cover for anything inside, like your stock, equipment, and any liabilities.
Unsure? Get in touch with our insurance team today to find the right cover for you.
What insurance do you need if you sell online?
If you have an online shop, you’ll need insurance cover to protect any online trading too. We can help arrange this for you.
Get insurance cover arranged with help from Bionic
Your bookshop is more than a business — it’s a community hub and a treasure trove of stories. Protect it with tailored insurance from Bionic.
Start your quote online today or chat with our knowledgeable team, whose smart comparison tools make it easy to find tailored cover that fits your needs.
How Bionic business Insurance comparison works
Compare business insurance quotes in three simple steps
1
Start your quote online
Speed up the process by submitting basic business details online – whenever you have time.
2
Speak to our UK-based team
Schedule a call with one of our insurance brokers to discuss the details to ensure they’re correct.
3
Compare tailored quotes
Get your quotes from our panel of trusted insurers and talk any questions through with our team.
What do I need to get started?
You only need a few details to get started with getting a quote online, so it’s best to have the following information ready to go:
Your business name and trade
Your policy start date
Your name and contact details to receive your quote options
You may be asked additional questions about business activities
Bookshop FAQs
To help you understand more about business insurance, here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
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