RETAIL STORES

Retail Store Insurance

Protecting storefronts, inventory, and daily operations

Retail businesses face constant interaction with customers, vendors, and employees. From customer injuries and theft to property damage and employment-related claims, retail operations carry a unique mix of high-frequency and high-impact risks.

A properly structured insurance program helps protect revenue, reputation, and long-term viability.

Key Risks in Retail Operations

Retail stores face exposure related to:

• Slip-and-fall and premises liability claims

• Theft, burglary, and employee dishonesty

• Property damage to inventory and fixtures

• Business interruption from fires or storms

• Employment practices and workplace injuries

• High customer traffic and public interaction

Even small retail losses can significantly impact cash flow.

Core Coverages for Retail Stores

Retail insurance programs typically include:

General Liability
Protects against bodily injury and property damage claims arising from customer visits or daily operations.

Commercial Property
Covers buildings (if owned), inventory, equipment, signage, and tenant improvements against covered losses.

Crime Insurance
Protects against theft, employee dishonesty, forgery, and financial fraud.

Workers’ Compensation
Provides statutory benefits for employees injured on the job and protects employers from workplace injury claims.

Business Income Coverage
Helps replace lost income if operations are interrupted due to a covered property loss.

What’s Commonly Overlooked

Retail insurance programs are often weakened by:

• Underinsured inventory values

• Inadequate theft or crime limits

• Missing business income coverage

• Failure to update coverage for seasonal inventory changes

• Gaps between property and liability policies

These issues often arise after a loss has already occurred.

Real-World Claim Examples

• A customer slips and falls inside the store

• A break-in results in stolen merchandise

• Fire or water damage forces temporary closure

• An employee is injured while stocking inventory

Without proper coverage, these claims can quickly strain finances.

Why Proper Placement Matters

Retail coverage varies significantly based on:

• Store size and layout

• Inventory type and value

• Location and foot traffic

• Lease and landlord insurance requirements

Improper placement can leave retailers underinsured or exposed.

Our Approach

At Cory Washington & Co., we structure retail insurance programs around how your store actually operates — including inventory cycles, customer flow, and lease obligations. Our goal is protection that supports continuity, not just compliance.

Retail success depends on uninterrupted operations.