There is no law that says every shop must have roller shutters, but your insurer can make them a condition of cover. Shops selling high value or easily resold goods are the most likely to be asked for shutters, sometimes with a specific security rating. If your policy says shutters must be fitted and locked when the shop is closed, failing to do so could reduce or void a theft claim.
When you take out or renew shop insurance, the insurer will ask about your security. For many retailers, roller shutters are part of that conversation. Sometimes they are a nice to have that helps with the premium. Sometimes they are a firm requirement written into the policy. Knowing which applies to you, and what the insurer actually expects, can make a real difference if you ever need to claim.
Is it a legal requirement?
No. There is no UK law requiring shops to have roller shutters. The requirement, where there is one, comes from your insurance policy, your lease or occasionally from planning conditions. That is why it is so important to read the security section of your policy rather than assuming.
When insurers are most likely to ask for shutters
Insurers base their security requirements on risk. You are more likely to be asked for shutters, or for shutters with a recognised security rating, if your business:
- sells alcohol, tobacco, mobile phones, electronics, jewellery, designer goods or other items that are easy to resell;
- keeps cash, high value stock or equipment on the premises overnight;
- has a large glazed frontage at street level;
- is in an area with a history of break-ins or ram raids;
- has made a theft or damage claim before.
What is a "protections" clause?
Many commercial policies include a security warranty or protections clause. In plain terms, it lists the security measures you have told the insurer about, or that they require, and says they must be in place and in use whenever the premises are closed. If your policy says shutters must be lowered and locked out of hours and a break-in happens when they were left open, the insurer may refuse or reduce the claim. Always check the exact wording and ask your broker if anything is unclear.
Do insurers ask for a specific type of shutter?
For lower risk shops, a good quality, properly fitted roller shutter is often enough. For higher risk premises, insurers may ask for a shutter that has been independently tested for security. In the UK the most widely recognised standard is LPS 1175, issued by the Loss Prevention Certification Board, which rates how well a product resists a forced attack. If your insurer quotes a security rating, make sure the shutter you buy is certified to that rating and that you keep the paperwork.
Other things insurers look at alongside shutters
- Locks. Shutter locks, padlocks or automatic locking on electric shutters.
- Glazing. Laminated glass on windows and doors.
- Alarms and CCTV. Monitored intruder alarms are often required for higher risk stock.
- Maintenance. A shutter that is broken or will not lock offers no protection. Keeping a service record helps show the shutter is in working order.
Will roller shutters lower my premium?
They can. Insurers price on risk, and visible, robust physical security reduces the chance of a successful break-in. The size of any discount varies widely between insurers, so it is worth telling your broker exactly what you have fitted, including any security rating, when you get quotes.
Checklist before you buy a shutter for insurance reasons
- Read the security section of your current policy, or ask your broker what is needed.
- Ask whether a specific security rating is required.
- Check your lease for any restrictions on external alterations.
- Check whether you need planning permission, especially for external shutters or if you are in a conservation area.
- Choose a shutter, lock and operation type you will actually use every night.
- Keep the installation certificate and service records together with your policy documents.
We can help you meet your insurer's requirements
We supply and fit made to measure shop shutters across Glasgow, Paisley and Renfrew, from standard steel shutters to options that meet higher security requirements. Send us your insurer's wording and we will recommend a shutter that fits the opening, suits your frontage and meets the condition.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to have shutters on my shop?
Not by law. But your insurer, landlord or a planning condition can require them, so check your policy and lease.
What happens if I forget to lock my shutter?
If your policy says shutters must be locked when the premises are closed, an unlocked shutter could lead to a theft claim being reduced or refused. Always follow the wording of your security warranty.
What security rating do insurers ask for?
Many insurers refer to LPS 1175 from the Loss Prevention Certification Board. The rating needed depends on your risk, so ask your insurer or broker for the exact level before you buy.
