There are a total of five different classes of items covered:
- Property of others that is in the care, custody or control of the insured: Some businesses, like repair shops, hold onto the property of their clients while they are working on it or with it for business purposes. This property can still be damaged or stolen while in the business’ possession and, therefore, needs to be covered so that the business is not liable for its customer’s losses.
- Leased personal property with contractual requirement to insure: Not all equipment used by a business might be owned by them. Instead, many businesses lease or rent bigger, more expensive items like computers, copiers or machines. In this case, if a lease or rental agreement contract requires that the business owner insure the property, it becomes covered under the business personal property coverage.
- Tenants improvements and betterments: If you rent or lease your office or retail space, and you make improvements to that space by adding shelves, lights, or other fixtures and alterations, then tenants improvements and betterments will reimburse you for the value of these improvements if they are lost or damaged in an insurable incident. Remember, the property owner’s business insurance policy will not cover your property or betterments.
- Exterior building glass: This class is also for tenants of buildings. Many businesses have special, decorated and lettered glass for their business’ front. If this glass is damaged in an insurable incident, it might not be covered by the property owner’s policy since it is considered under your care and custody as the lessee or renter.
- Property owned by the business and used in the business: Most contents or property will probably fall into this category. It covers all property and equipment that was purchased by the business and used in the business. This could mean machines, computers, ovens, etc. There may be special exclusions or conditions for property that is used for both personal and business needs.