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Pawn Shop Insurance Policy Information

Pawn Shop Insurance. Being the owner and operator of a pawn shop can be an exciting endeavor. You have the opportunity to work with a diverse clientele, sell unique items, and even provide your customers with the extra cash they may need to get them out of a financial bind.

Pawn shops offer secured loans to clients, accepting items of value, such as cameras, collectibles, coins, electronics, jewelry, musical instruments, power tools, sporting goods, or watches, as collateral. A receipt or ticket is given to the client for the item being used as collateral.

The pawn shop retains the customer's item until the loan is repaid. If the loan is not repaid within a specified period of time, the item is sold, and the pawn shop retains the proceeds. The loan agreement must spell out who is responsible for insuring the items held as collateral.

Pawn shops may purchase items directly from clients for resale, or trade existing inventory for other items. Many are licensed to receive and resell firearms and ammunition. Procedures must be in place to verify the identity of the client and the ownership of items purchased or used as collateral as thieves may attempt to use the pawn shop to fence stolen goods.

Some pawn shops may repair or recondition items for sale. Pawn shops must be licensed at a state and/or local level. The licensing requirements enable law enforcement agencies to review the items held to make sure the shop is operating in a legal manner.

Regardless of how exciting your business may be, there are risks associated with owning and operating a pawn shop. If something does go wrong, you are liable. In order to protect yourself from the possible financial repercussions that could be associated with problems that may arise, you need to make sure you have the right pawn shop insurance.

What kind of commercial insurance do pawn shop owners need? Read on to find out how to properly protect your business, yourself, and the people you serve.

Pawn shop insurance protects your store from lawsuits with rates as low as $37/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked pawn shop insurance questions:

• What Is Pawn Shop Insurance?
• How Much Does Pawn Shop Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Pawn Shops Need Insurance
• What Type Of Insurance Do Pawn Shops Need?
• What Does Pawn Shop Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Why Do Pawn Shops Need Insurance?

Pawn shop owners and operators are exposed to many of the same risks that business owners in all industries face; a customer could be injured while visiting your shop or your pawn shop could be damaged in a fire, for example. You also face risks that are unique to your specific industry.

For instance, someone could file a lawsuit against you claiming that you sold them a defective product or that the amount of money you offered for an item you bought was significantly lower than the actual value of the item.

If something does go wrong, as the owner and operator of your pawn shop, you are legally liable for all of the associated expenses. Imagine how much money you could potentially end up having to pay out if a client were to file a lawsuit against you or your shop were to be damaged in a storm?

To protect yourself from serious monetary losses, investing in the right type of pawn shop insurance coverage is vital. If you're insured, instead of having to pay the expenses out of your own pocket, your carrier will cover them for you.

Furthermore, insurance is compulsory for pawn shops; if you aren't properly insured, you could be looking at serious fines and may even lose your business.

Pawn Shop's Risks & Exposures

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. All goods should be kept on easily reached shelves, so customers do not pull items down on themselves. The stock dropped on floors by customers must be retrieved promptly.

Floor coverings 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. Enough exits must be provided and be well marked, with backup lighting 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.

Personal injury exposures include allegations of discrimination, invasion of privacy should confidential financial information be revealed to others, and from apprehending and detaining shoplifters and handling of unruly customers, which may result in claims of assault and battery, false arrest or detention, unauthorized or intrusive searches, or wrongful ejection from the premises. All employees must be trained in dealing with these issues appropriately.

Products liability exposure depends upon the type of product, its age, condition, and use. The dealer should attach labels warning of possible lead exposure to cloisonne jewelry, ceramics, or pewter or silver-plated items. If the pawn shop repairs or reconditions items, the exposure increases.

Workers compensation exposures are moderate due to employees standing for long hours, the use of computers, and stocking which requires lifting and placing items on floors or shelves for display. Continual standing can result in musculoskeletal disorders of the back, legs, or feet. Trips, slips, and falls are common.

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. Shelves should be easily accessible for storage. Stepladders should be available.

Employees should be provided with safety equipment, trained on proper handling techniques, and have conveying devices available to assist with heavy lifting. Cleaning workers can develop respiratory ailments or contact dermatitis from working with chemicals.

Due to the cash-oriented nature of the business and the value of items handled, all employees should be trained to deal appropriately with hold-ups and unruly customers. Security may be required to protect employees.

Property exposure is moderate as ignition sources are limited to electrical wiring and heating and cooling systems. These should be maintained and meet current codes for the occupancy. Malfunctioning wiring on used electrical equipment may short or spark when tested by customers. Should a fire occur, substantial fire and water damage may result to stock.

Goods held as collateral should be kept separated from goods held for sale. Ammunition should be stored away from combustibles. Theft and crime can be very high as many of the items are small but expensive, such as coins, jewelry, or watches. Smaller items should be kept in locked showcases inaccessible to customers to prevent shoplifting. High-value items may be stolen in larger quantities after hours.

Appropriate security measures should be in place 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. If there is more than $2,500 in jewels, a jewelers block policy should be purchased due to most property policy theft limitations.

Valuation can be a problem due to the age and rarity of some items held as collateral. The shop should keep accurate records of the description and cost of each item to verify the actual cash value of missing, damaged, or destroyed items after a loss.

Business interruption exposures are moderate. While backup facilities are readily available, replacement stock will be difficult to obtain quickly.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and loss of money and securities either from holdup 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.

Pawn shops conduct much of their business in cash. 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, bailees customers for pawned items, computers to transact sales and monitor inventory, jewelers block if there is more than $2,500 in jewels, and valuable papers and records for vendors' and customers' information.

Backup copies of all records, including computer files, should be made and stored off premises. Fine arts coverage should be considered if the store stocks particularly valuable items. If the shop picks up or delivers items, there will be goods in transit.

Commercial auto exposure is generally limited to hired or non-owned liability for employees running errands. If the shop picks up or delivers items, all drivers must have a valid license and acceptable MVR. Vehicles should have regular maintenance with records kept.

What Does Pawn Shop Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Pawn shops can be sued for various reasons, such as:

Breach of contract: If a pawn shop fails to fulfill the terms of a contract, such as returning the item upon payment or paying the agreed amount of money for the item, the customer may sue them for breach of contract. A pawn shop can obtain a commercial general liability (CGL) insurance policy that includes coverage for breach of contract. If a customer sues the pawn shop for breach of contract, the insurance policy can help pay for legal fees, settlements, or judgments.

Personal injury: If a customer or visitor is injured on the pawn shop premises, such as slipping and falling, they may sue the pawn shop for personal injury. A CGL insurance policy can also provide coverage for bodily injury or property damage that occurs on the pawn shop premises. If a customer sues the pawn shop for personal injury, the insurance policy can help cover the costs of the lawsuit.

Property damage: If a pawn shop employee damages a customer's item while handling it or while in the pawn shop's possession, the customer may sue for property damage. A pawn shop can obtain a commercial property insurance policy that covers damage to the shop's property and the property of others. If a customer sues the pawn shop for property damage, the insurance policy can help pay for the damages.

False advertising: If a pawn shop misrepresents the value, condition, or authenticity of an item, a customer may sue them for false advertising. A CGL insurance policy can also provide coverage for claims of false advertising. If a customer sues the pawn shop for false advertising, the insurance policy can help pay for legal fees, settlements, or judgments.

Theft: If a pawn shop employee steals a customer's item or if the pawn shop is accused of selling stolen goods, they may be sued for theft. A pawn shop can obtain a crime insurance policy that covers losses resulting from theft, burglary, or robbery. If a customer sues the pawn shop for theft or if the pawn shop is accused of selling stolen goods, the insurance policy can help cover the losses.

In summary, insurance can help protect pawn shops from lawsuits by providing coverage for a range of scenarios. By obtaining the appropriate insurance coverage, pawn shops can ensure that they are financially protected in the event of a lawsuit.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 5932 Used Merchandise Stores
• NAICS CODE: 522298 All Other Nondepository Credit Intermediations
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8017 Store - Retail NOC

Description for 5932: Used Merchandise Stores

Division G: Retail Trade | Major Group 59: Miscellaneous Retail | Industry Group 593: Used Merchandise Stores

5932 Used Merchandise Stores: This industry includes stores primarily engaged in the retail sale of used merchandise, antiques, and secondhand goods, such as clothing and shoes; furniture; books and rare manuscripts; musical instruments; office furniture; phonographs and phonograph records; and store fixtures and equipment. This industry also includes pawnshops.

• Antique stores-retail
• Book stores, secondhand-retail
• Building materials, used-retail
• Clothing stores, secondhand-retail
• Furniture stores, secondhand-retail
• Furniture, antique-retail
• Glassware, antique-retail
• Home furnishing stores, secondhand-retail
• Home furnishings, antique-retail
• Manuscripts, rare-retail
• Musical instrument stores, second-hand-retail
• Objects of art, antique-retail
• Pawnshops
• Phonograph and phonograph record stores, secondhand-retail
• Shoe stores, secondhand-retail

Pawn Shop Insurance - The Bottom Line

For more information on pawn shop insurance, speak with an experienced broker who specializes in commercial insurance and understands the unique risks that pawn shops face.

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.

• Adult Novelty
• Antique Dealers
• Appliance & Electronics Store
• Army Navy Surplus Stores
• Art Dealers
• Art Gallery
• Arts & Crafts Supply Stores
• Bicycle Shop
• Boat Dealers
• Book Store
• Bridal Shop
• Candy Confectionery Store
• Carpet Store
• Cell Phone Stores
• Clothing Store
• Collectibles Memorabilia Store
• Consignment Stores
• Convenience Store
• Cosmetics Store
• Costume Stores
• Dry Cleaning
• Embroidery Services
• Equipment Rental
• Fabric Stores
• Fish Markets
• Flea Markets
• Florist
• Funeral Home
• Furniture Store
• Gift Store
• Greeting Card Stores
• Hardware Store
• Harness & Saddle Shops
• Home Improvement Store
• Infant, Baby & Children's Clothing Stores
• Jewelry Store
• Lamp Stores
• Lingerie Store
• Luggage Store
• Meat Market & Butcher Shop
• Men's Clothing Stores
• Music Store
• Newsstand
• Office Supply Store
• Paint & Wallpaper Store
• Pawn Shop
• Pet Store
• Pharmacy Liability
• Plumbing Supplies Fixtures Store
• Poultry Dealers
• Rent To Own Stores
• Scrap Metal Dealers
• Sewing Store
• Shoe Store
• Sporting Goods Store
• Stationary Store
• Thrift Store
• Ticket Agency
• Tire Store
• Tobacco Store
• Toy Store
• Travel Agency
• Trophy Stores
• Tuxedo And Formal Wear Rental Store
• Vape
• Vending Machine Operators
• Wig Store
• Women's Clothing Stores
• Specialty Retail Stores

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.