Buy Currency Exchange Insurance

Currency Exchange Insurance Policy Information

Currency Exchange Insurance. A money exchange office - in many locations commonly referred to as a bureau de change - provides the vital service of converting its customers' money into a different, desired, currency. In addition to converting money, they may also enable instant money transfers.

Money exchanges handle the conversion of one country's currency to another for a fee. As exchange rates continuously fluctuate due to shifting political and economic circumstances, most money exchanges have sophisticated electronic equipment to make sure the trading and conversion rates are as up-to-the-moment and accurate as possible.

They are in airports, larger hotels, or near tourist attractions to be easily accessible to travelers. The exchange may be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many banks will provide currency exchange services for their customers.

However, they often act only as money exchange brokers and take client funds to a money exchange, which may not result in a same-day conversion. As a result, banks are not always able to obtain a specific conversion rate for a customer to take immediate advantage of a rate fluctuation.

These ventures make a profit buy buying and selling various currencies, charging a small commission in the process. Despite the rise of cashless payment, physical currency exchange offices continue to be a much-needed amenity.

Owning and operating a money exchange office is not, however, without risks. What kinds of currency exchange insurance might these facilities need to fall back on if they are impacted by unforeseen circumstances? To find out more, read on.

Currency exchange insurance protects money exchange businesses from lawsuits with rates as low as $27/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked foreign currency exchnage insurance questions:

• What Is Currency Exchange Insurance?
• How Much Does Currency Exchange Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Currency Exchanges Need Insurance?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Currency Exchanges Need?
• What Does Currency Exchange Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Why Do Currency Exchanges Need Insurance?

Despite the fact that currency exchange desks will do everything in their power to run a smooth operation, these facilities face a number of hazards. In deciding how to protect your business from financial ruin, you have to consider both perils universal to all business owners and those unique to this industry.

An money exchange office could, for example, be struck by an act of nature - not much can be done to prevent wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, and similar devastating events, but they can severely damage your property and inventory (in this case in the form of cash) shockingly quickly.

An employee or member of the public could be injured on the premises, resulting in costly liability suits, or a piece of essential equipment may suddenly break down and require urgent repair or replacement.

Money exchange desks should additionally factor the risk that they could be impact by criminal acts into their risk management plans. Armed robbery is merely one concern; customers could also attempt to exchange counterfeit currency, or an employee could steal from the business.

These and other costly perils could have such a devastating impact on your financial health that you could, in the worst-case scenario, even be forced to close your exchange office.

Armed with currency exchange insurance, however, you will not have to bear these burdens alone. Your insurer will cover a substantial portion of the associated costs, so that your money exchange can recover and continue to be successful.

Currency Exchange's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure comes from slips and falls due to public access to the premises. As customer safety and security are very important, the exchange 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, stairs, and elevators need to be in good condition, with steps and uneven floor 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. If a substantial cash exchange is taking place, security guards should be available to escort the customer.

Personal injury exposure arises from breaches of customers' privacy, confidentiality of their financial records, and the apprehension of suspected robbers. The use of closed-circuit 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 are moderate due to the possibility of injury or death of 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.

As most work is done with the assistance of computers, employees are exposed to eyestrain, neck strain, and repetitive motion including carpal tunnel syndrome. 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 exchange's operations.

Circuitry on electronic equipment may be easily damaged from smoke, water, and heat, which will cause 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 exchange to continue operations after a loss.

Crime exposure is primarily due to employee dishonesty, either from the theft of cash or from the improper transfer of funds held for customers. As money exchanges require a large amount of cash on hand to support operations, money and securities exposure is high from armed robbery and safe burglary.

Money exchanges need a Financial Institutions Bond to cover these exposures. Background checks should be conducted for anyone who handles cash or has access to accounts. There must be regular monitoring and auditing of the books by outside auditors to prevent and identify problems.

All employees must take at least one continuous week of vacation a year. Safes, vaults, theft-proof cashier cages, guards, watchpersons, and alarms are needed to protect money. 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. Large exchanges should be handled only with prior notification. Controls and programming to prevent computer fraud should be reviewed. Extortion is a growing concern due to the high value of assets held by money exchanges.

Inland marine exposure is from computers and other electronic equipment used to track currency rates worldwide and valuable papers and records for customers' and regulatory information. If the exchange is involved in trading on the market, there may be accounts receivable.

Backup copies of all records, including computer records, should be made and stored off premises for ease of restoration in the event of a loss.

Business auto exposure is generally limited to hired and non-owned for employees running errands. If vehicles are provided to employees, policies should be in place 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 Currency Exchange Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Currency exchanges, like any financial business, can face various legal challenges that may result in lawsuits. Some of the common reasons currency exchanges may be sued include:

Alleged Fraud or Theft: Currency exchanges may be sued if there are allegations of fraud or theft related to the handling of currency transactions. For example, if a customer claims that they were given counterfeit currency by the currency exchange or that their currency was stolen during the transaction process, they may file a lawsuit against the currency exchange.
Insurance protection: A commercial crime insurance policy may provide coverage for losses resulting from employee dishonesty, theft, or fraud. This could help the currency exchange to recoup financial losses resulting from such allegations, including legal expenses associated with defending against the lawsuit.

Errors or Omissions: Currency exchanges may also face lawsuits due to errors or omissions in currency transactions, such as providing incorrect exchange rates, miscounting currency, or making mistakes in the transaction process. These errors or omissions could result in financial losses for customers, and they may seek compensation through legal action.
Insurance protection: Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, may provide coverage for claims arising from mistakes or negligence in the performance of professional services, including currency transactions. This could help the currency exchange to cover legal costs and any damages awarded to the customer in a lawsuit.

Regulatory Compliance Issues: Currency exchanges are subject to various regulations and laws, such as anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, know-your-customer (KYC) requirements, and other regulatory obligations. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in legal action, fines, and penalties.
Insurance protection: Regulatory and legal defense insurance may provide coverage for legal expenses associated with defending against regulatory compliance issues. This could include coverage for fines, penalties, and other costs incurred in connection with a lawsuit related to regulatory non-compliance.

Liability Claims: Currency exchanges may face liability claims for injuries or damages that occur on their premises, such as slips and falls, property damage, or other accidents. Customers or other third parties may file lawsuits seeking compensation for their injuries or damages.
Insurance protection: General liability insurance may provide coverage for bodily injury, property damage, and other third-party liability claims. This could help the currency exchange to cover legal expenses, medical bills, and damages awarded in a lawsuit.

It's important to note that insurance policies typically have limitations, exclusions, and deductibles, and coverage may vary depending on the specific terms and conditions of the policy. Currency exchanges should carefully review their insurance policies and work with a qualified insurance professional to ensure they have appropriate coverage to protect against potential lawsuits and other risks.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 6099 Functions Related To Depository Banking, Not Elsewhere Classified
• NAICS CODE: 523130 Commodity Contracts Dealing
• 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

Currency Exchange Insurance - The Bottom Line

To protect your company, employees and the people you serve, having the right currency exchange insurance coverage is vital. To discover types of policy options are available to you, how much coverage you should invest in and the premiums - speak to a reputable commercial insurance broker.

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.