Insurance for hardware stores.

Property, general liability, commercial auto, and workers’ comp for hardware stores and lumber yards, including tool rental, propane, and key cutting.

What hardware stores usually carry

General liability, $1M / $2M
Property and inventory
Commercial auto
Workers’ comp
Business income
Tool rental liability
Umbrella

Watch for these in a hardware store policy

Tool and equipment rentalRenting out tools or equipment is often excluded unless it is listed. An injury from a rented saw or lift can come back to you.
Propane fillingFilling customers’ tanks rates very differently from a cage of exchange tanks. Many carriers ask about training and where the fill station sits.
Chemicals and fertilizerPool chemicals, fertilizer, and paint thinners add fire and pollution risk. Pollution from a spill is excluded from most general liability.
Lock workCutting keys at the counter is retail. Rekeying locks at a customer’s home is locksmith work, and it needs to be listed.
The lumber yardForklifts and customers loading their own trucks bring injuries. Carriers ask who can drive the forklift and where customers are allowed.

What landlords and lenders ask hardware stores for

Additional insuredYour landlord, on general liability.
Lender loss payeeInventory and building lenders ask to be named on your property coverage.
Waiver of subrogationOn property and liability, as most commercial leases require.
Replacement costBuilding lenders often require the store insured to full replacement value.

Questions hardware stores ask

Straight answers.

The questions we hear most, answered plainly.

How is hardware store insurance priced?

Mostly on sales and property values, then on extras: a lumber yard, delivery trucks, tool rental, and propane each add their own rating.

Am I liable for a tool I sold that injures someone?

You can be named along with the maker. Products coverage in your general liability answers, and for imported brands with no US maker you may be the main target.

Are rental customers covered by my policy?

No. Your policy covers your liability, not theirs. Use a signed rental agreement, and make sure your policy lists rentals so claims against you are covered.