Pet Store Business Owner’s Insurance
Types of Insurance
Add-Ons and Bundles
FAQ
Common Types of Pet Store Business Owner’s Insurance
Commercial General Liability Insurance
Coverage for common risks.
Includes
- Customer-sustained injuries
- Damaged customer property
- Advertising injuries
Typical Cost & Factors
- $400-$800 per year
- Depends on coverage needs, staff size
Commercial Property Insurance
Commercial Property InsuranceCoverage for risks to property.
Includes
- Fires and water damage
- Vandalism and break-ins
- Damage to merchandise and inventory
Typical Cost & Factors
- $600-$1000 per year
- Depends on value of property
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Workers’ Compensation InsuranceCoverage for employee injury.
Includes
- Medical bills for job-related illness or injury
- Wage replacement during recovery time
Typical Cost & Factors
- $700-$1400 per year
- Depends on number of workers, level of occupational risk
A Few Examples of Each of These Policies In Action
Example 1: Commercial General Liability Insurance
An employee has just mopped the floor on aisle 2. But, they failed to put out a “wet floor” sign. A customer walks down aisle 2. And, without noticing that the floor is wet, they slip and fall. As a result, they sue you. You don’t end up paying the claims, however, because you are covered by insurance.
Example 2: Commercial Property Insurance
After arriving early to work you notice that your store has a lot of water damage from a flood that happened weeks ago. Thankfully, you know that your insurance policy will cover this type of incident. So, you won’t have to pay for the damage.
Example 3: Workers’ Compensation Insurance
While feeding a snake, an employee gets bit. It turns out that they won’t be able to return to work for months. Luckily, your insurance will be able to pay for the employee’s medical bills and replace their wages.
Additional Types of Pet Store Owner Insurance
Business Interruption Insurance
Coverage for temporary inoperability.
Includes
- Lost income from inability to meet sales goals
- Employee salaries
Typical Cost & Factors
- $500-$1000 per year
- Depends on revenue, property, and industry risks
Crime and Theft Insurance
Crime and Theft InsuranceCoverage for criminal activity.
Includes
- Check fraud
- Shoplifting of inventory
- Cash register content theft
Typical Cost & Factors
- $800-$1100 per year
- Depends on high-value items, number of employees
A Few Examples of Each of These Policies In Action
Example 1: Business Interruption Insurance
A big storm has hit your area and caused a widespread power outage. You’re concerned because you know that you have aquariums that run using electricity. Not only are you concerned about your pets, but you’re also worried because you know you won’t be able to pay your employees if you can’t open your shop.
A few days go by and the power goes back on, but you’ve still lost business. With Business Interruption Insurance, you’ll be covered when events like this happen.
Example 2: Crime and Theft Insurance
After the day ends you’ve just found out that multiple customers have stolen some of your big-ticket products. Fortunately, you aren’t too concerned because you know that insurance will re-compensate your business for the theft.
A Few Things to Think About Before Purchasing Pet Store Business Owner’s Insurance
Consider the types of coverage that will be most suitable for your business
Obviously, the type of coverage you’ll need will vary from business-to-business. For example, if you are an online e-commerce pet store business owner you’ll want to look into purchasing Data Insurance coverage as opposed to Commercial Property Insurance.
Double-check to make sure you've checked off all of the legal boxes.
When you start a small pet store business there are a few legal tasks you have to complete before you can start. That said, make sure you’ve obtained proper licensing before opening up shop, otherwise you won’t be able to operate. Typically the state requires individuals to get a business license, but in some parts of the country you may also need to get a pet shop license.
Another thing to consider before opening up shop is whether the animals you’re selling are legal. Keep in mind, this may vary from state-to-state. If you plan on selling exotic animals be sure to get a permit and license accordingly.
Claims limits and the number of years you've had your business can play a huge role in insurance cost
The higher your claims limit is the more your insurance price raises. This is something to keep in mind when you request a quote. If you’re a smaller business just starting out, then your claims limit is likely going to be lower than if you’ve been running your business for a while.
Add-Ons
Utility Interruption Coverage
A Utility Services Exclusion found in many Commercial Property Insurance plans means that without this coverage, you will not be compensated in the case of a power outage resulting from something outside your business, like a knocked power line.
Equipment Breakdown Coverage
Vital machinery from cash registers to security sensors can be damaged by power surges or mechanical breakdown. Keep in mind, that situations like these are often not included in, but can be added to, Commercial Property Insurance coverage.
Extra Expense Coverage
After properties have experienced a physical loss, like a natural disaster, Commercial Property Insurance may cover the costs to repair the location. But, it will not cover the costs of moving to a temporary location to keep the business running unless you also have Extra Expense Coverage.
Data Insurance Coverage
This policy is especially helpful for those working in the technology sector. It covers data breaches and cyber theft in the case of data hacks. Notably, it pays for the legal fees, rebuilding costs, and reputations that are associated with these types of claims.
Bundles
Many insurance plans are commonly bundled together for simplicity and a cheaper rate.
Business owner’s policy (BOP)
A popular option for small businesses, like clothing boutiques, that combines Commercial General Liability Insurance with Commercial Property Insurance, usually at a cheaper price than if the two were purchased separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does this policy cover?
How much does Pet Business Insurance cost?
It can be anywhere between $400 or more a year. It depends on what type of policy or policies you decide to buy. Obviously, the more policies that you purchase the higher your rate is going to be. There’s also a number of factors that can play a determining role in your insurance costs, such as the size of your business and the number of people you employ.
Will I be covered if some of my pet food goes bad before the due date?
Yes. This would fall under Food Spoilage Insurance. You can purchase this policy in addition to any other policy or add it on separately.
Will I be covered by Pet Store Business Owner's Insurance if an animal escapes my store?
Yes. In fact, this falls under what is called Animal Bailee Insurance. Essentially, this covers accidents such as injuries, deaths, or disappearances of animals under your care. This insurance policy itself is separate, but can be included in any policy or purchased on its own.
Are there any other specific policies that I need to purchase as a company that offers grooming or veterinary care?
Actually, yes. Bailee Insurance is a common type of policy that many grooming and veterinary businesses have. It’s essential because it covers destruction of a customer’s property while it’s under your temporary care.
Keep in mind, this is different from Business Owner’s Policy Insurance because BOP Insurance only covers the destruction of your property.
For a quote estimate on Bailee Insurance contact us at (402) 807-3495 or at quote@wecare-insurance.com.
Does Pet Store Business Owner's Insurance cover me if some of my animals die in transit?
Yes. This would fall under a policy known as Inland Marine Insurance. In general, the policy covers lost or damaged property in transit. So, if you happen to have an incident where one or more of your pets dies in transit, you’ll be covered by this policy – that is, if you choose to purchase it. Inland Marine Insurance can be purchased as an addition to another insurance policy or it can be purchased separately.
Does Pet Store Business Owner's Insurance cover me if an animal attacks or bites a customer?
In short, yes. Pet Store Business Owner’s Insurance will cover you if this happens. However, you will need a specialty liability policy. Unfortunately, this policy is not offered through an online quote. But, you can still contact us for a quote estimate at (402) 807-3495 or at quote@wecare-insurance.com.
Does Business Interruption Insurance cover loss of income during a pandemic?
Unfortunately, no. Business Interruption Insurance does not cover this. It also doesn’t cover items that get broken as a result of an event that’s covered under the Commercial Property Insurance policy – such as a break-in. In addition, it will not cover flood or earthquakes that cause damage to your business as these are covered under a separate policy.
Do we insure people with many claims?
Yes! We have select carriers for people who have many claims or a bad record.
What payment methods do we accept?
Payments through a mortgage, direct billing through mail, EFT (Bank Account), debit and credit cards.
How can I file a claim?
We strongly recommend calling us before the insurance carrier directly about a claim. You may not want to file a claim depending on your insurance plan. However, we will assist you in filing a claim the best way to make sure you take the least amount of damage possible to your insurance score. After talking with us, you can call the insurance carrier or let us call them for you.
If you can’t find your answer here, please don’t hesitate to ask a representative through our messaging system or email.