SME Policy

SME Policy in the context of general insurance in India primarily refers to the standardized property insurance policies introduced by IRDAI for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These are simplified, uniform Fire & Allied Perils policies designed to protect business assets….

The two main standardized products are:

These replaced older complex policies with easy-to-understand wordings, uniform coverage, and simpler claims.

Which Policy for Whom? (Based on Total Value at Risk at One Location)

Policy Name

Sum Insured Limit
(Total Insurable Assets at One Location)

Best For

Bharat Sookshma Udyam Suraksha (BSUS)

Up to ₹5 Crore

Micro & very small enterprises, shops, small factories, offices

Bharat Laghu Udyam Suraksha (BLUS)

Above ₹5 Crore to ₹50 Crore

Small & medium enterprises with higher asset value

Note: The limit is calculated at one location (premises) and includes all asset classes combined (building + plant & machinery + stock + furniture/fixtures + contents). If your total exceeds ₹50 Crore, you may need a regular Standard Fire & Special Perils (SFSP) or Corporate policy.

What Does SME Policy Cover? (Standard Cover)

The policy pays for physical loss, damage, or destruction of insured property caused by unforeseen events. It is mainly an indemnity policy (restores you to pre-loss position).

  • Fire (including due to spontaneous combustion, fermentation, natural heating)
  • Lightning
  • Explosion / Implosion
  • Aircraft damage
  • Riot, Strike, Malicious Damage, Civil Commotion, Terrorism
  • Storm, Cyclone, Typhoon, Tempest, Hurricane, Tornado, Flood, Inundation
  • Impact damage (by vehicles, animals, etc.)
  • Subsidence / Landslide (including rockslide)
  • Bursting or overflowing of water tanks, apparatus, pipes
  • Missile testing operations
  • Bush fire, Forest fire
  • Earthquake (can be included)
  • Building & structures (including fixtures, fittings, basements, compound walls, etc.)
  • Plant & Machinery
  • Furniture, Fixtures & Fittings
  • Stocks (raw material, stock-in-process, finished goods — valued at landed cost / input cost / manufacturing cost)
  • Other contents
  • Automatic cover for newly acquired/added property (up to 15% of sum insured for that item, excluding stocks — during policy period).
  • Waiver of underinsurance up to 15% (no penalty if your sum insured is within 15% of actual value).
  • Temporary removal of property (covered while shifted for repair/cleaning, etc.).

You can enhance the policy with:

  • Accidental Damage Cover
  • Loss of Rent / Additional Rent for alternate premises
  • Escalation Cover (for increasing sum insured automatically)
  • Leakage & Overflow of tanks
  • Claims Preparation Costs
  • Involuntary Betterment (for obsolete machinery)
  • Impact Damage (enhanced)
  • Burglary/Theft (sometimes as separate extension)

Common exclusions include:

  • Wilful/negligent acts by insured
  • War, invasion, nuclear risks
  • Wear & tear, gradual deterioration, inherent vice
  • Loss due to normal leakage/seepage (unless add-on)
  • Consequential losses (like loss of profit — needs separate policy)
  • Theft/burglary unless specifically extended
  • Damage from faulty design, poor workmanship (unless accidental)

Always read the full policy wording for complete list.

  • Building, Plant & Machinery, Furniture etc.: Usually Reinstatement Value (cost of new replacement without depreciation).
  • Stocks: Market value / landed cost / manufacturing cost (as applicable).

 

Special items (bullion, curios, obsolete machinery): Can be on Agreed Value basis with valuation certificate.

  • Duration: Usually 1 year (short-period policies possible with extra premium).
  • Premium Factors: Location (e.g., industrial area in Faridabad), construction type (RCC vs others), fire safety measures, nature of business (hazardous or not), sum insured, add-ons, claims history.
  • Low Excess/Deductible: Fixed small amount per claim (e.g., ₹5,000 or as per policy).
  • Easy Renewal & Portability: Simple process across insurers.

 

Claim Process: Intimate insurer immediately → Submit documents within 30 days → Survey (for large claims) → Settlement.

Premium is deductible as business expense.

How to Buy

Why Choose These SME Policies?

These policies are not investment products — they are pure protection. They do not cover liability, employee accidents, or business interruption (separate policies like Public Liability, Workmen Compensation, or Loss of Profit are needed for full protection).

 

For the latest exact wordings, check the IRDAI website (irdai.gov.in) or policyholder.gov.in, or contact any general insurer. Premium quotes vary — share your approximate total asset value, business type (shop/factory/office), and location for more specific guidance.

Would you like:

Just let me know your business details! Always read the full policy document before buying