Insurance for a pop-up shop in Australia

If you are planning a pop-up shop, insurance is one of the practical details to sort out before you commit to a space. Understanding what public liability covers and having the right documents ready can make the enquiry and booking process much smoother.

What public liability actually covers

Public liability insurance is designed to protect a business when its activities cause injury to another person or damage to someone else's property. For a pop-up, that can include risks associated with customers entering the space, your staff working there, or your trading activities causing damage.

The exact cover depends on the policy, including its exclusions, limits and conditions. It is therefore important to check the wording rather than assuming every public liability policy covers every part of your pop-up operation.

Public liability may be required by a venue, council or another party involved in your event or retail activity. Requirements can vary depending on the location and what you are doing there. Australian Government business guidance also notes that public liability insurance can be required by law for some businesses and may otherwise be required by parties you deal with.

If you are still comparing locations, you can start by browsing available pop-up spaces and checking what documentation each enquiry requires.

What a certificate of currency is and who asks for it

A certificate of currency is evidence that an insurance policy is currently in place. It normally identifies the insured party, the type of insurance, the policy period and other relevant details.

It is not the same thing as the full insurance policy. A venue, council or other organisation may ask for the certificate because they need evidence that the required cover exists before allowing an activity to proceed.

The requirements can differ. Some authorities specify particular levels of public liability cover and ask for a certificate of currency as part of an application.

Before sending an enquiry, ask exactly what the recipient needs to see on the certificate. That can help you avoid discovering at the last minute that the document does not meet a particular requirement.

Product and stock cover, and when you need it

Public liability is not the same as insurance for your own products, stock or equipment.

If you are bringing valuable inventory, displays, computers, lighting equipment or other business property into a temporary space, check whether your existing business insurance covers those items while they are away from their usual location.

The same applies to products being transported to and from the pop-up. Cover for goods in transit, stock and equipment can operate differently from liability cover.

The right combination depends on your business and the activity you are undertaking. If you are unsure what your policy covers, speak with your insurer or an appropriately qualified insurance adviser before the booking.

What to have ready before you enquire

Having your insurance information ready can make the booking process easier. Before contacting a venue, check that you know:

• The name of the insured business
• The policy type
• The policy period
• The relevant certificate of currency
• What activities the policy covers
• Whether stock and equipment are covered
• Whether the venue or organiser has requested any specific requirements

If you are unsure which type of space suits your requirements, Spacenow's concierge team can help you explain your brief and find suitable options.

FAQ

Do I need my own public liability insurance for a pop-up?

You may need public liability insurance for a pop-up depending on your business, activity, venue and applicable requirements. Check what the venue or relevant authority requires and confirm the cover with your insurer before booking.

What is a certificate of currency?

A certificate of currency is a document that confirms an insurance policy is currently in force and shows key details about the cover. A venue or authority may request it as evidence that the required insurance is in place.

Insurance is easier to deal with before you have a booking deadline hanging over you. Get your documents together early, check what the space requires and make sure your cover matches the activity you are planning. For more help finding a suitable space, explore Spacenow's pop-up spaces