SYDNEY, Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A report commissioned by Allianz from the Cameron Research Group, The Australian Small Business Market for Financial Services: 2012, reveals that 65 per cent of small businesses do not have business interruption or loss of profits insurance, despite 77 per cent being aware of it and 88 per cent believing that they are adequately insured.

The Report also revealed that:

• 80 percent do not have machinery breakdown cover;
• 76 percent do not have computer/electronic equipment breakdown insurance;
• 33 percent do not have burglary cover; and
• 16 percent do not even have fire insurance.

Commenting on the Report, Allianz Managing Director, Terry Towell, has urged small business to consider the risks of not taking out important business insurance covers such as machinery and computer breakdown, and business interruption insurance.

"Such high levels of non-insurance, particularly in the area of business interruption insurance, will result in many small businesses being forced out of business in the event of a significant loss," he said.

"While business interruption and machinery and computer breakdown cover is less well known than that for property loss or damage from things like fire and burglary, understanding the risk of losing sales revenue and the resulting adverse impact on the capacity to continue operating is essential if small business is serious about planning for business continuity in the event of unexpected events," according to Mr. Towell.

"Few businesses would consider operating without property damage insurance caused by perils like fire and storm. However, for a range of reasons, the loss or damage to key machinery or equipment, or even the business premises itself, may take some time to repair or replace, severely impacting the ability for the business to generate income for an extended period. Business interruption cover can replace lost income so that the business can continue to pay fixed outgoings like wages and rent until it gets back up and running," Mr. Towell said.

About Allianz Australia

Allianz Australia delivers a wide range of personal, commercial and corporate insurance products and services to more than 2 million policyholders. Over 50% of Australia's top 200 BRW-listed companies have some form of insurance cover with the group and the group provides workers compensation services to around one-fifth of Australian employees.

*Australian Insurance Industry Awards
**Australian Banking and Finance Insurance Awards

Media enquiries

Nicholas Scofield
Allianz Australia
+61-2-9390-6596
+61-416-088-414
nicholas.scofield@allianz.com.au

SOURCE Allianz Australia