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Warehouse Insurance Readiness Checklist

Warehouses are built for movement, not stillness. Stock shifts between racks, bays, staging zones, and dispatch lanes, and small process gaps can turn a minor incident into a major claim dispute. A good warehouse insurance setup starts with clear declarations and strong proof discipline, because in property claims, insurers typically ask two things early:

  • What exactly was stored, and 
  • Can you prove it?

Many warehouse covers are structured around fire and allied perils for building and stock, with Burglary and Theft Insurance often added separately and subject to security conditions. For logistics hubs and ICDs, Warehouses/ICD Property Insurance is critical, while Marine Insurance protects goods in transit.

Bite-Sized Checklist (Use This As A Quick Audit):

  1. Stock Clarity: Maintain item‑wise stock records and invoice trail; separate owned stock vs customer goods if applicable
  2. Sum Insured Discipline: Recheck values before peak season; avoid static annual numbers when stock fluctuates heavily
  3. Location and Layout: Declare all storage locations, including open yards, sheds, or temporary storage areas if used
  4. Fire Load Reality: Document what’s stored, how it’s stacked, and whether any hazardous or high ignition‑risk material is present
  5. Basic Fire Protection: Extinguishers, hydrant or sprinkler systems where applicable, clear aisles, and housekeeping discipline
  6. Electrical Hygiene: Panel maintenance, no loose wiring, avoid overloading sockets in packing and charging zones
  7. Security Basics: Perimeter fencing, controlled entry, visitor logs, night guarding, and CCTV coverage where feasible
  8. Theft Expectations: If burglary cover is taken, confirm required locks, access control, and conditions are followed daily
  9. Multi‑Location Stock: If stock sits across multiple warehouses, consider floater or declaration structures depending on how values move
  10. Incident Folder: Keep photos of storage areas, stack heights, SOPs, and a simple incident log to support surveyor questions

Pro Tip For Accuracy: Don’t lump all stock into one line item if your inventory varies widely in value and storage conditions. Clear categorisation reduces underinsurance arguments later.​

Burglary and Theft Insurance, Marine Insurance, and Warehouses/ICD Property Insurance together safeguard logistics businesses. With accurate declarations, disciplined records, and strong security, firms reduce disputes, protect assets, and ensure smoother claim settlements.

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