Buy Carpet Store Insurance

Or call for your free quote:

Get the best small business insurance quotes online & info on cost, coverage, minimum requirements, certificates & more.

Carpet Store Insurance Policy Information

Carpet Store Insurance

Carpet Store Insurance. Rug stores sell carpets and rugs, including area rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting. They frequently provide installation, either through their own employees or through independent contractors.

The store generally also sells adhesives, padding, miscellaneous supplies and tools necessary for installation. They may also sell a variety of other flooring materials, such as linoleum or tile, decorative items, lamps, or other miscellaneous household furnishings.

The store may be independent or part of a regional or national chain that sells items online as well as in stores.

If you sell carpets, rugs or other types of floor coverings, then you likely have a successful business; floor covering is always in demand.

While you work hard to serve your customers, it is also important to look out for your own interests by having a carpet store insurance policy in place that covers all of the potential perils that you face as a business owner - and as a seller of floor coverings in particular.

If you also install floor coverings as part of your business, you may need even more carpet store insurance coverage.

Carpet store insurance protects your store from lawsuits with rates as low as $47/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked carpet store insurance questions:


What Is Carpet Store Insurance?

Carpet store insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed for businesses that sell and install carpeting.

It typically includes protection for liability, property damage, and loss of inventory or business interruption. This insurance can provide coverage for damages or losses incurred during the sale, delivery, or installation of carpeting, as well as for any damage or injury to customers or employees while on the premises. It may also include coverage for theft, fire, and natural disasters.

Carpet store insurance helps to protect the business and its owners from financial losses that may occur as a result of these types of incidents.

How Much Does Carpet Store Insurance Cost?

The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small carpet stores ranges from $47 to $59 per month based on location, size, payroll, sales and experience.

Why Do Carpet Stores Need Insurance?

The U.S. is home to more than 19,500 floor covering businesses, as of 2015. Nearly 70,000 people work for floor covering businesses. Around $19 billion in revenue derives from the floor store industry yearly.

Because the sector is so huge, there is a number of ways that you can find yourself on the receiving end of a liability claim when dealing with customers, vendors, and others. Having a carpet store insurance policy in place can help you to mitigate any damages you experience as a result.

What Type Of Insurance Do Carpet Stores Need?

Property Insurance Coverage For Carpet Stores

Chances are good that the store you operate is your biggest asset, so protecting it is important. The inventory inside the store is part of the property your business owns, and as such it likely makes up the bulk of your business' assets by itself.

Having adequate carpet store insurance in place is a smart move for you as the owner of a carpet business. You'll thank yourself a million times over if your business ever experiences a fire or other type of disaster that causes destruction to your property.

If you are the owner of the building in which you do business, then you need to have commercial property insurance on the premises. This type of coverage protects your business from financial fallout of damage caused to the structure from fire, severe weather and even falling objects.

carpet store insurance for contents or business personal property is also an important consideration. This covers the items that you have inside your business such as lighting, display units, inventory, computer equipment and other items.

Discuss your coverage limits with your agent to ensure that you have fully protected yourself and your property against the loss you might experience should disaster strike.

Flood insurance is likewise important. A flood could cause severe damage to flooring inventory, rendering it worthless. Most business insurance policies do not offer coverage for flood damage.

If your business lies in a flood-prone area, then talk with your agent to find out more about commercial flood insurance and how much protection your business needs. In many cases, it is available through the U.S. National Flood Insurance Program.

Finally, inland marine insurance helps protect your items when they are in transit. This occurs when your installers move from one installation site to another or back and forth from your store to the site, and so on.

It can also provide protection when workers take your vans (or theirs) home at night with your equipment, tools, or other property inside.

Liability Insurance Coverage For Carpet Stores

Because a lawsuit can be filed at any time and devastate your business, protect yourself and your business with carpet store insurance liability coverage. This protection provides you with coverage when a customer slips and falls on your premises or when you are sued and need help paying the legal costs of the suit.

A commercial general liability policy covers a full range of most things that can become liability issues. This includes liability coverage for incidences such as:

  • Third party injuries or property damage
  • Damages resulting from flooring products that are sold by recommendation and that cause injury or illness to a third party
  • Damages caused by employees working on your behalf off site
  • Claims arising from installations
  • Claims occurring due to auto accidents in your company vehicle

Rug And Carpet Store's Risks & Exposures

Carpets

Premises liability exposure is high due to the number of visitors to the store. To prevent slips and falls, there should be good lighting and adequate aisle space. Floor covering must be in good condition with no frayed or worn spots on carpet and no cracks or holes in flooring. Steps and uneven floor surfaces should be prominently marked. Sufficient exits must exist and be well marked, with backup systems in case of power failure. Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls.

If the business is open after dark, there should be adequate lighting and appropriate security for the area. There should be a disaster plan in place for unexpected emergencies. Employees making deliveries or installing carpeting may damage customers' premises. If the store recommends independent contractors, certificates of insurance should be maintained to verify that the contractors carry adequate limits of liability.

Personal injury exposures include allegations of discrimination and from apprehending and detaining shoplifters, which may result in claims of assault and battery, false arrest or detention, unauthorized or intrusive searches, or wrongful ejection from the premises. Shoplifting procedures must be fully understood and utilized by all employees.

Products liability exposure is normally low unless there is direct import of the products. Foreign-made items should come from a domestic-based wholesaler. Any direct importer should be considered as a product manufacturer.

Workers compensation exposures are moderate due to employees standing for long hours, the use of computers, and restocking which requires lifting. Continual standing can result in musculoskeletal disorders of the back, legs, or feet. Trips, slips, and falls are common, as are cuts and punctures from broken glass. When work is done on computers, employees are exposed to eyestrain, neck strain, and repetitive motion injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome.

Lifting can cause back injury, hernias, sprains, and strains. Employees should be provided with safety equipment, trained on proper handling techniques, and have conveying devices available to assist with heavy lifting. Housekeeping in storage areas, especially during peak times, is vital in preventing trips and falls. Cleaning workers can develop respiratory ailments or contact dermatitis from working with chemicals. Drivers of delivery trucks can be injured in accidents. Installers can suffer knee and foot injuries, cuts and punctures, and eye, skin, and lung irritations from exposure to adhesives.

Property exposure is moderate due to the susceptibility of the stock to damage from smoke, fire, and water. Even a small fire can result in a large loss. Adhesives are flammable and should be properly labeled and stored separately from other stock. Carpeting scraps produce a lot of dust particles that can spontaneously combust if not properly stored. As rugs, particularly oriental rugs, can be expensive, theft is a major concern.

Appropriate security measures must be taken including physical barriers to prevent entrance to the premises after hours and an alarm system that reports directly to a central station or the police department. Business interruption is moderate. While backup facilities are readily available, sales may peak at particular times during the year.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and loss of money and securities either from hold up or safe burglary. Background checks should be conducted on all employees handling money. There must be a separation of duties between persons handling deposits and disbursements and reconciling bank statements. Money should be regularly collected from cash drawers and moved away from the collection area, preferably to a safe on premises. Bank drops should be made throughout the day to prevent a buildup of cash on the premises.

Inland marine exposures are from accounts receivable if the store offers credit, computers to transact sales and monitor inventory, and valuable papers and records for customers' and vendors' information. If the store provides delivery or transports rugs between stores, there will be a goods in transit exposure. Backup copies of all records, including computer files, should be made and stored off premises.

Commercial auto exposure comes from both pickup and delivery. Drivers should have a valid license and acceptable MVR. Vehicles must be maintained with full documentation kept.

What Does Carpet Store Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Carpet Store Insurance Claim Form

Carpet stores, like any other business, can face various legal challenges that may result in lawsuits. Some common reasons carpet stores may be sued include:

Slip and fall accidents: Customers or employees may slip or trip and fall in the store, leading to injuries. For example, a customer may slip on a wet spot on the floor or trip on a carpet edge that is not properly secured.
Insurance coverage: General liability insurance can provide coverage for slip and fall accidents. It can help pay for medical expenses, legal defense costs, and damages if the carpet store is found liable.

Product liability claims: Carpet stores may sell carpets that are defective or have manufacturing defects, which can result in injuries to customers. For example, a customer may claim that a carpet caused an allergic reaction or skin irritation.
Insurance coverage: Product liability insurance can provide coverage for such claims. It can help cover legal defense costs, settlements, or judgments if the carpet store is found responsible for selling a defective product.

Property damage: Carpet stores may accidentally damage customers' property while installing carpets, such as damaging walls, furniture, or other belongings.
Insurance coverage: General liability insurance or commercial property insurance can provide coverage for property damage claims. It can help pay for the cost of repairs or replacements, legal defense costs, and damages.

Breach of contract: Carpet stores may face lawsuits related to breaches of contract, such as failure to deliver carpets as promised, not completing installations as contracted, or not providing services as agreed upon.
Insurance coverage: Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance or professional liability insurance can provide coverage for breach of contract claims. It can help cover legal defense costs, settlements, or judgments if the carpet store is found to have breached a contract.

Employee-related claims: Carpet stores may face lawsuits related to employment practices, such as discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination claims by employees.
Insurance coverage: Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) can provide coverage for such claims. It can help pay for legal defense costs, settlements, or judgments related to employee-related claims.

It's important to note that insurance policies and coverage limits can vary depending on the specific terms and conditions of the policy. Carpet stores should work with a qualified insurance professional to assess their specific risks and obtain appropriate insurance coverage to protect their business from potential lawsuits.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification


5713: Floor Covering Stores

Division G: Retail Trade | Major Group 57: Home Furniture, Furnishings, And Equipment Stores | Industry Group 571: Home Furniture And Furnishings Stores

5713 Floor Covering Stores: Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of floor coverings. Establishments included in this industry may incidentally perform installation, but contractors primarily engaged in installing floor coverings for others are classified in Construction, Industry 1752.

  • Floor covering stores-retail
  • Floor tile stores-retail
  • Linoleum stores-retail
  • Rug stores-retail

Carpet Store Insurance - The Bottom Line

To be certain that your business is fully covered, review your insurance needs with a licensed agent who is adept at determining the right levels, policy types, and coverages your business needs to be completely protected against potential liability and claims.

Your broker can also help you review your risks and your tolerance for risk to determine which assets you need to protect and how to best address your particular requirements. Your agent can help you compare rates and find a carpet store insurance policy that fits within your budget and that completely meets your needs.

Additional Resources For Retail Insurance

Read valuable small business retail insurance policy information. In a retail business, you need to have the right type of commercial insurance coverage so that your store, employees, and inventory are protected.


Retail Insurance

The retail industry is a vital sector of the economy, providing goods and services to consumers across the globe. It is also a sector that is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging on a regular basis.

Despite its importance, the retail industry is not without its risks. Retail businesses face a variety of threats, including theft, damage to property, and liability issues. These risks can have significant financial consequences for retail businesses, which is why commercial insurance is so important.

Insurance can provide retailers with protection against financial loss resulting from unforeseen events. For example, if a retail store is damaged by a natural disaster, insurance can help cover the cost of repairs and help the business get back on its feet. Similarly, if a retail employee is injured on the job, insurance can help cover their medical expenses and any lost wages.

In addition to protecting against financial loss, commercial insurance can also help retail businesses protect their reputation. If a retail business is sued or faces other legal challenges, insurance can provide financial support and legal representation. This can help to protect the business's reputation and maintain customer trust.

Overall, insurance is an essential component of a successful retail business. It helps to safeguard against financial loss and protect against potential legal challenges, which can be especially important for smaller businesses that may not have the resources to absorb these types of losses.

By investing in business insurance, retail businesses can ensure that they are well-equipped to handle the many challenges that come with operating in this dynamic industry.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Business Income and Extra Expense, Equipment Breakdown, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits, Umbrella, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Computer Fraud, Forgery, Bailees Customers, Goods in Transit, Jewelers Block, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.


Free Business Insurance Quote Click Here