Commercial property insurance protects a commercial building and its contents—such as inventory, computers, telephone systems, documents, furniture, HVAC systems, machinery, and equipment—as well as exterior features such as signs, fences, gates, lighting, and landscaping—from damage caused by fire, burst pipes, storms, theft, and vandalism.
Damage caused by earthquakes and floods is generally not covered by a commercial property insurance policy unless coverage for those natural disasters is added to the policy.
In North Carolina, commercial property insurance is designed to cover businesses for losses related to their physical assets. This includes the building itself, as well as contents like inventory, office equipment, and other property used in the business. Standard policies typically cover a range of perils such as fire, water damage from burst pipes, storms (excluding hurricanes), theft, and vandalism. However, it's important to note that certain natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, are not usually covered under a standard commercial property insurance policy. Business owners in North Carolina may need to purchase additional coverage or separate policies to protect against these specific risks. It's also worth mentioning that North Carolina has a unique situation with hurricanes and windstorm coverage, which may require separate windstorm insurance, especially in coastal areas. Business owners should carefully review their policies and consider their geographic location and potential risks when deciding on the appropriate coverage for their commercial property.