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Check Cashing Insurance Policy Information

Check Cashing Insurance. Many businesses and individuals use checks as a means to pay for rendered goods and services. For a lot of people, this method of payment isn't convenient.

Not only is a bank account needed to cash a check, but it can take several days - if not more - for a check to clear. Whether people don't have a bank account or they do but they need cash fast and don't have the time to wait for a check to clear, they turn to check cashing services.

Since there will always be checks and there will always be a need to cash the documents, owning and operating check cashing business can be a worthwhile endeavor.

Check cashing service companies cash customers' checks for a fee or a percentage of the check that is cashed. Some will not cash personal checks. They issue money orders, transmit funds electronically, and extend short-term loans called payday advances, generally at a high rate of interest plus a processing fee.

They operate from small offices and can be franchise operations or independently owned businesses. They are open for extended hours for their customers. Just like a business in other industries, if you're planning on opening a check cashing service, making sure that you set yourself up for success is vital.

Choosing a good location, securing any necessary licensed and permits, and setting up a premium-quality software management system are just some of the components that you'll need to attend, there's another crucial element that you're going to need to invest in: check cashing insurance.

in fact, insurance coverage is one of the most vital components of owning and operating a successful check cashing service.

Why is commercial insurance so important? What type of coverage do you need? Read on to find the answers to these questions and more.

Check cashing insurance protects your check cashing store from lawsuits with rates as low as $77/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked accounting insurance questions:

• What Is Check Cashing Insurance?
• How Much Does Check Cashing Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Check Cashing Stores Need Insurance?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Check Cashing Services Need?
• What Does Check Cashing Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Why Do Check Cashing Stores Need Insurance?

As the proprietor of a check cashing service, you face numerous risks.

Also just like business owners in any other industry, as the owner and operator of a check cashing service, you are liable for any mishaps that may occur.

Examples of some of the things that could go wrong with your check cashing business include:

• A customer, vendor, or any other third-party could sustain an injury on the premises of your check cashing store and file a lawsuit against you.
• One of your employees could suffer a work-related injury that requires medical care.
• The building you operate your check cashing service out of could be damaged in an act of nature.
• The software system you use could be targeted by a cyberattack and result in a data breach.
• Your business may need to be closed down for a prolonged period of time, and that closure could result in a loss of income.

And these are just a few examples of the situations that could occur, and if they do, you are responsible for the associated costs. As you can imagine, the costs could be exorbitant, and if you have to pay for them out of your own pocket, you could end up in a serious financial situation.

If you have the right type of check cashing insurance coverage, however, and something unexpected occurs, instead of paying the associated costs yourself, your insurer will cover them for you.

In other words, having the right type of insurance for your check cashing business can protect you from serious financial hardship.

Check Cashing's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposures come from slips and falls due to public access to the premises. As customer safety and security are very important, the firm may have one or more armed security guards on duty during operating hours. All employees must be trained in proper procedures during a holdup to minimize the possibility of violence or kidnap of customers.

Floors should be in good condition, with steps and uneven surfaces prominently marked. The number of exits must be sufficient and well-marked, with backup lighting in the event of a power failure. Steps should have handrails, be well-lighted, marked, and in good repair. 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.

There should be security in the parking lot equal to or better than the surrounding area. If the business is open after dark, lighting must be adequate.

Personal injury exposure arises from a breach of customers' privacy, confidentiality of their financial records, and the apprehension of suspected robbers.

The use of closed-circuit camera systems prevents such incidents from evolving into a "he said she said" situation. Employees must be trained to handle such situations properly.

Workers compensation exposures may be severe because of the crime potential and the possibility of injury or death to guards, cashiers, and managers during an armed robbery. Cashiers should be separated from customers by barriers such as high counters.

Those working with customers at walk-up or drive-in windows should be protected by bulletproof glass enclosures. Cashiers are exposed to repetitive motion injuries from working on computers. All workstations should be ergonomically designed to reduce the chance of such injuries.

Property exposures are primarily from fire due to the electrical wiring for computers, printers, and other electronic office equipment, heating, and air conditioning systems. All wiring must meet current codes, be well maintained, and be adequate for the service's operations.

Circuitry on electronic equipment may be easily damaged from smoke, water, and heat, resulting in a total loss even with a small fire. The building and its contents may be damaged during break-ins, robberies, and vandalism.

Appropriate security measures include 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. Extra expense coverage should be considered for the company to continue operations after a loss.

Crime exposures are primarily from employee dishonesty, either from the theft of cash or from the improper transfer of funds. As check cashing services require a large amount of cash on hand to support operations, money and securities exposure is high from armed robbery and safe burglary.

Check cashing firms need a Financial Institutions Bond to cover these exposures. Background checks should be done on anyone having access to money. Regular monitoring and auditing of the books by outside auditors are necessary to prevent and identify problems.

Each employee should take at least one continuous week of vacation a year. Money kept in cash drawers should be moved regularly to the safe to prevent a large buildup of cash available to thieves.

Bank drops should be made periodically throughout the day. Since there may be a significant accumulation of cash on premises, appropriate security is important.

Inland marine exposures are from accounts receivable if there are billings to customers, computers for tracking financial transactions, and valuable papers and records for customers' information. Backup copies of all records, including computer records, should be made and stored off premises.

Business auto exposures are generally limited to hired and non-owned for employees using their own vehicles to run errands. If vehicles are provided to employees, there should be policies for personal and permitted use of the vehicles.

Any driver must have a valid driver's license and acceptable MVR. Vehicles must be well maintained with records kept in a central location.

What Does Check Cashing Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Check cashing services, like any business, can face lawsuits for various reasons. Here are some examples:

Alleged Check Fraud: If a check cashing service is accused of cashing fraudulent checks, they may be sued by the check's rightful owner or the bank that issued the check. This could result in financial damages being awarded against the check cashing service.
How insurance can help: If the check cashing service has a commercial crime insurance policy, it may provide coverage for losses due to check fraud. This can help the business pay for the damages awarded in the lawsuit, including legal fees and restitution.

Negligence or Errors: Check cashing services may be sued for negligence or errors in processing checks, such as failing to verify the identity of the check presenter or improperly processing a check. This could result in financial losses for the check cashing service and potential legal liabilities.
How insurance can help: If the check cashing service has professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, it may provide coverage for damages resulting from negligence or errors. This can help the business cover the costs of defending against the lawsuit and paying for damages.

Employee Theft or Fraud: If an employee of a check cashing service engages in theft or fraud, such as embezzling funds or stealing checks, the business may face a lawsuit for the losses suffered by the affected parties.
How insurance can help: A commercial crime insurance policy can provide coverage for losses due to employee theft or fraud. This can help the check cashing service pay for the damages awarded in the lawsuit, including restitution and legal fees.

Discrimination or Harassment: Check cashing services can also face lawsuits related to discrimination or harassment, such as allegations of discriminatory treatment based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics, or claims of workplace harassment or hostile work environment.
How insurance can help: Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) can provide coverage for damages resulting from discrimination or harassment lawsuits. This can help the check cashing service cover the costs of defending against the lawsuit, as well as paying for any damages awarded.

It's important to note that insurance policies can have different terms, conditions, and coverage limits, and not all policies may cover all types of lawsuits or damages. Check cashing services should work with a knowledgeable insurance professional to understand their specific insurance needs and ensure they have adequate coverage to protect their business from potential lawsuits.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 6099 Functions Related to Depository Banking, Not Elsewhere Classified
• NAICS CODE: 522390 Other Activities Related to Credit Intermediation
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8810 Clerical Office Employees NOC, 8742 Salespersons or Collectors - Outside

Description for 6099: Functions Related to Depository Banking, Not Elsewhere Classified

Division H: Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate | Major Group 60: Depository Institutions | Industry Group 609: Functions Related To Depository Banking

6099 Functions Related to Depository Banking, Not Elsewhere Classified: Establishments primarily engaged in performing functions related to depository banking, not elsewhere classified.

• Automated clearinghouses
• Check cashing agencies
• Check clearinghouse associations
• Clearinghouse associations bank or check
• Deposit brokers
• Electronic funds transfer networks including switching
• Escrow institutions other than real estate
• Fiduciary agencies other than real estate or trust
• Foreign currency exchanges
• Money order issuance
• Regional clearinghouse associations
• Representative offices of foreign banks, excluding agents and branches
• Safe deposit companies
• Tax certificate sale and redemption agencies
• Travelers' check issuance

Check Cashing Insurance - The Bottom Line

To find out more about the exact types of check cashing insurance policies you'll need, how much coverage your store needs - speak with an experienced insurance broker who understands the unique risks of check cashers.

Additional Resources For Financial Institutions Insurance

Discover the types of commercial insurance that banks, finance companies and other financial institutions need to protect their asset management, deposit, lending, investment and other operations.

• Banks
• Check Cashing
• Credit Union
• Currency Exchanges
• Finance Companies
• Insurance Company
• Mortgage Broker
• Specialty Financial Institutions And Services
• Specialty Insurance Services

Financial institutions, including banks and finance companies, are responsible for managing and handling large amounts of money on a daily basis. With this responsibility comes a certain level of risk and potential for financial loss due to unexpected events such as natural disasters, cyber attacks, or employee theft.

Business insurance can help protect these financial institutions from financial loss due to unexpected events. For example, a natural disaster such as a flood or earthquake could result in physical damage to a bank's property or equipment, leading to costly repairs and lost revenue. Insurance can cover these costs and help the bank get back up and running as quickly as possible.

In addition, financial institutions are also at risk for cyber attacks and data breaches. These types of incidents can lead to significant financial loss, as well as damage to the institution's reputation. Insurance can provide coverage for the costs associated with responding to a cyber attack, including legal fees, notification and credit monitoring services for affected customers, and public relations efforts to repair any damage to the institution's reputation.

Finally, financial institutions must also consider the risk of employee theft or fraud. Commercial insurance can provide coverage for losses due to employee dishonesty, helping to protect the institution's financial stability and reputation.

In summary, financial institutions have a lot at stake when it comes to protecting their assets and reputation. Commercial insurance can help mitigate the risk of financial loss due to unexpected events, ensuring that these institutions are able to continue serving their customers and fulfilling their financial responsibilities.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Extra Expense, Equipment Breakdown, Financial Institutions Bond, Accounts Receivable, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Directors' and Officers' Liability, Employee Benefits, Fiduciary Liability, Professional, Umbrella, Hired and Non-Owned Auto, Workers Compensation & Surety Bonds.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Buildings, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Computer Fraud, Extortion, Fine Arts, Signs, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Law Enforcement Professional, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage And Stop Gap Liability.