When a fire occurs at Brian's furniture shop and new fixtures and fittings are used in repairs with depreciation deducted, which basis of cover applies?

The correct basis of cover in this scenario is the indemnity basis. Under the indemnity basis, the insured is compensated for their loss but is required to account for depreciation, meaning that the payment reflects the actual value of the items at the time of loss rather than their replacement cost. When new fixtures and fittings are used in repairs but depreciation is deducted, it indicates that the value of the items has been considered in terms of their age and usage. This aligns with the indemnity principle, which aims to restore the insured to the financial position they held immediately before the loss, considering any depreciation.

The other options do not apply here. Contribution relates to situations involving multiple insurers covering the same loss, and first loss relates to a specific amount the insured decides to cover without additional adjustments or requirements. Reinstatement would involve replacing the damaged items with new, like-for-like replacements without factor in depreciation, which contradicts the scenario described.