What is Off Licence Insurance?
Off licence insurance is a specialist shop insurance package designed for businesses that sell alcohol for consumption off the premises, from independent off licences and wine merchants to convenience stores and late night shops with an alcohol licence. It brings together the covers an off licence typically needs into one policy, arranged around the way your business actually trades.
Off licences face a combination of risks that few other retailers share. Alcohol and tobacco are attractive targets for shoplifters and burglars, cash is handled throughout the day, staff often work alone late into the evening, and refusing a sale can sometimes lead to confrontation. On top of this, a large share of your money is tied up in stock, and a single break in, fire or refrigeration failure can wipe out thousands of pounds in a matter of hours.
Whether you run a single neighbourhood off licence, a specialist wine and craft beer shop or several convenience stores, we work with a panel of UK insurers to find cover that suits your business and budget, so you can concentrate on serving your customers while we look after your insurance.
Why Nova Insurance for off licence insurance?
At Nova Insurance, we help off licence owners, wine merchants and convenience store retailers across the UK find the right protection for their business. Our UK based team is available six days a week to guide you through your off licence insurance quote, explain your options in plain English and help you choose the level of cover that fits.
All calls are free on our 0800 numbers. If it suits you better, request a callback and one of our advisers will call you at a time that works around your opening hours. Alternatively, you can contact us.
Specialist Retail Expertise
We understand the risks that come with selling alcohol and tobacco, from high value stock and cash handling to late opening hours, and we arrange cover that reflects how your shop really trades.
Stock Cover That Matches Your Shelves
We help you set stock limits that reflect the true value of your wine, spirits, beer and tobacco, including seasonal increases around Christmas and other busy periods.
Trusted by Thousands of Businesses
More than 27,000 clients choose Nova Insurance to protect their businesses with dependable, specialist insurance solutions tailored to their needs.
Fast Cover and Immediate Documents
We can provide instant cover when required, with policy documents sent directly to your email within minutes of confirmation.
Regulated and Here to Help
Nova Insurance is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and our customer services team is on hand for renewals, policy changes and questions throughout the life of your policy.
What Our Off Licence Insurance Covers
Our off licence insurance policies can be built from the covers below, so you only pay for the protection your business needs.
Protecting Your Stock and Premises
Stock Cover Protects your wine, spirits, beer, tobacco and general groceries against theft, fire, flood and other insured damage, with the option to increase limits during seasonal peaks.
Theft and Malicious Damage Covers loss and damage caused by break ins, including the cost of repairing doors, locks and shutters damaged by forced entry.
Buildings and Contents Covers your shop fittings, fridges, chillers, tills and security equipment, and the building itself if you own it or are responsible for it under your lease.
Glass and Shopfront Covers the replacement of broken shop windows, doors and signage, including temporary boarding up so your shop stays secure.
Deterioration of Stock Covers chilled stock spoiled by a breakdown of your refrigeration equipment or an interruption to the power supply.
Protecting Your Income and Your Team
Money Cover Protects cash and takings in the till, in a locked safe and in transit to the bank against theft.
Business Interruption If an insured event forces you to close, this helps replace lost income and pay ongoing costs such as rent and wages while you get back up and running.
Personal Assault Provides compensation if you or your staff are injured during a robbery or attempted theft at the shop.
Protecting You Against Claims
Public and Products Liability Covers legal costs and compensation if a customer is injured in your shop or by a product you have sold.
Employers’ Liability A legal requirement for most businesses with staff, covering claims from employees who are injured or become ill because of their work.
Loss of Licence Available with some policies, this can protect the value of your business if your premises licence is revoked or not renewed for reasons beyond your control.
Protecting Your Licence and Your Business
Insurance is there for when things go wrong, but good everyday practice helps prevent incidents in the first place and keeps your premises licence safe. Insurers also look favourably on shops with strong security and clear procedures.
Operate a Challenge 25 Policy Ask anyone who looks under 25 for valid photo ID before selling alcohol or tobacco. Many premises licences include Challenge 25 as a condition, and selling to under 18s can lead to fines and a review of your licence.
Keep a Refusals Log Record every refused sale with the date, time and reason. It shows licensing officers and Trading Standards that your team takes its responsibilities seriously.
Train Your Staff Make sure everyone who serves alcohol understands age checks, how to refuse a sale calmly and how to spot proxy purchases, where an adult buys for someone underage.
Invest in Security Monitored alarms, CCTV, shutters and locked cabinets for high value spirits and tobacco reduce the risk of theft and may help you secure better terms from insurers.
Handle Cash Safely Keep till floats low, use a time locked safe and vary the times and routes of bank deposits to reduce the risk of robbery.
Ready to protect your off licence? Get an off licence insurance quote or call us free on 0800 083 1566.
