Types of Asset Insurance Policies in India
Asset insurance is not a single policy. Depending on the type of business and the nature of assets (machinery, electronics, buildings, inventory, laptops), different types of insurance policies are available. Choosing the right policy ensures that assets are protected against the most relevant risks.
1. Standard Fire and Special Perils Policy (SFSP)
This is the most common form of asset insurance for businesses.
It covers damage to buildings, machinery, stock and contents caused by:
- Fire, lightning, explosion
- Storms, floods, cyclones
- Riots, strikes, malicious damage
- Impact by vehicles, aircraft damage
Best for: Shops, offices, warehouses, manufacturing units.
2. Industrial All-Risk Policy (IAR Policy)
A comprehensive policy for large factories and industrial units. It combines:
✔ Fire and special perils cover
✔ Machinery breakdown
✔ Accidental damage
✔ Burglary and theft
Best for: Medium to large factories, plants, refineries, heavy manufacturing facilities.
3. Machinery Breakdown Insurance
This policy specifically protects machinery against sudden mechanical or electrical breakdowns—whether the machine is idle or in operation.
Covers:
- Motor burnout, pressure explosion
- Gearbox failure, shaft breakage
Best for: Factories, printing presses, textile units, food processing plants.
4. Electronic Equipment Insurance (EEI)
Covers high-value and sensitive electronics used in offices, hospitals and studios.
Examples:
- Servers, laptops, desktops
- Diagnostic machines, ultrasound/X-ray equipment
- Audio-visual, broadcasting, and studio equipment
This policy often includes add-ons for data restoration and increased cost of working.
5. Portable Equipment / All-Risk Insurance
Protects movable assets that are used outside office premises or during travel.
Covers:
- Accidental loss or damage
- Theft (with proof)
- Fire and transit risk
Examples: Laptops, DSLR cameras, drones, surveying tools, POS machines.
Best for: Photographers, architects, sales teams, engineers working on-site.
6. Stock and Inventory Insurance
Protects raw materials, finished goods and stock stored in warehouses, retail stores or manufacturing units against fire, theft and natural calamities.
7. Marine Inland Transit Insurance
For goods being transported by road, rail or air within India.
Covers:
- Damage due to accidents, overturning, theft during transit
Best for: E-commerce businesses, manufacturers shipping goods to distributors.
8. Business Interruption / Loss of Profit Insurance (Add-On)
This is not a standalone asset policy, but an optional add-on. It compensates for loss of business income when operations are halted due to insured asset damage (like fire or flood).
In summary
Businesses should not rely on a one-policy-fits-all approach. Asset insurance can be tailored using a combination of the above policies depending on the size, industry and type of assets.