Many retail business owners obtain insurance for peace of mind, but it often turns out to be a false sense of security when disaster strikes. Insurance policies are known for their fine print, which can be extremely difficult to parse and often contains a lengthy list of exclusions. The wording is designed to protect the insurance company, not the retailer.
This fine print is not intended to deceive customers. Insurance is a business, and providers need to mitigate risks to maintain profitability. As a retail business owner, you can work with your provider by reviewing the exclusions in your policy and taking the necessary steps to make sure you are fully protected.
When Employees Betray You
One of the largest coverage gaps in standard retail policies relates to employee theft. Although general liability insurance and property damage insurance cover a variety of unexpected events, employee dishonesty is not typically part of the equation. This type of protection can only be gained through a standalone crime policy or a separate endorsement.
Product Recall Nightmares
Another problematic area is product recalls. All types of retailers are vulnerable to product recalls, and standard insurance policies rarely cover the costs of retrieving recalled or defective products from customers. Between notification costs, transportation, storage, and the disposal of recalled items, these expenses can add up quickly. Although recall coverage is offered as an add-on by many providers, not all agents discuss this option with retailers when setting up their policies.
Cyber Crimes
However, one of the biggest insurance gaps for modern retailers is cyber liability. Many retail insurance policies now offer basic cyber coverage, but some of the most common and potentially damaging scenarios are often excluded.
For example, social engineering fraud usually falls outside the coverage of a standard cyber policy. In this type of fraud, criminals trick employees into transferring funds to them or revealing sensitive information. Similarly, business email compromise attacks are on the rise and are not covered by many retail insurance policies.
Timing is Everything
Unexpected gaps can also relate to the timing of coverage. Most insurance policies have a waiting period for certain types of claims, particularly those related to cyber incidents and employee dishonesty. If an incident occurs shortly after the retailer purchased their insurance, it may not be covered, as it could be part of the policy’s waiting period.
Product Liability Pitfalls
Retailers also need to be aware of exclusions in product liability coverage. Some retailers who sell manufactured goods assume that product liability offers complete protection, but what they fail to realize is that many of these policies exclude coverage for products that do not meet government safety standards and those that lack proper instructions and safety warnings. Many times, retailers import goods from overseas suppliers who may not comply with American safety requirements and labeling standards, creating significant exposure to risk.
When Business Stops, But Your Bills Continue
Retailers should carefully read the fine print of their business interruption coverage so they understand the limitations. Although a standard policy typically covers losses incurred from direct physical damage to the business property, most supply chain disruptions may fall outside of this coverage. In addition, it may not apply in cases where physical damage that prevents the business from operating occurs elsewhere, such as when an important supplier’s factory catches fire and inventory is unavailable for several months.
Workplace Issues
Employment practices liability is another area where coverage gaps are common. Charges related to discrimination, wrongful termination, and sexual harassment can financially upend small businesses, but a standard general liability policy will exclude these types of claims. Every business, regardless of its size, has significant exposure without securing appropriate employment practices coverage.
Seasonal Surprises
For many retailers, seasonal inventory fluctuations could exceed policy limits during peak periods. Those who increase their inventory significantly ahead of a major shopping season may find that their coverage falls short if an incident occurs during this time.
Tech Troubles
New challenges are emerging related to technology errors and omissions. As retailers increasingly rely on websites, mobile apps, and point-of-sale systems, a technology failure can result in a substantial business loss. A standard policy does not normally cover revenue losses that stem from payment processing failures, software glitches that prevent sales, or website crashes.
Advice that Works Against You
Although retail businesses often believe that professional liability insurance does not apply to their operations, there are scenarios in which poor advice could result in a customer experiencing an injury or financial loss. For example, a sporting goods retailer that recommends the wrong equipment or a hardware store that offers flawed installation guidance could be named in a professional liability claim that does not fall under their general liability policy.
Mind the Gap
A compact convenience store with clean exterior and bright sky
These are just some of the coverage gaps that retailers may only discover when it’s too late. Identifying these gaps requires honest risk assessments and regular policy reviews, particularly when your business model or inventory changes.
Working with a knowledgeable insurance agent who specializes in retail risks can help you identify potential gaps before they become costly problems. A generic commercial policy may miss industry-specific exposures that a specialized agent would have recognized immediately.
Comprehensive Coverage from Agents Who Understand Retail
Are hidden policy gaps putting your retail business at risk? At John M. Glover Insurance Agency, we specialize in identifying and closing the types of hidden coverage gaps that could put everything you’ve worked for at risk. Reach out today to schedule a comprehensive insurance review and ensure your coverage matches your actual risks.
