Shoe Store Insurance Policy Information

Shoe Store Insurance. The shoe business is one that continues to thrive despite fluctuations in the economy. Even without changes in styles and trends, shoes eventually wear out and must be replaced. If you have made the sound business choice of opening a shoe store, you need to protect your investment with a suitable shoe store insurance package that matches your coverage needs just as well as your shoes match your outfit.
Shoe stores can sell a variety of new and used shoes and accessories for men, women, children, and infants. Some specialize in sales to one type of customer, such as men, children or women, or sell a specific type of shoe, such as athletic shoes or boots.
A variety of accessories may be available, such as purses, hosiery, and trims. The store may be independent or part of a regional or national chain. Repair services or custom dying may be provided. Shoe prescriptions from podiatrists may be filled.
Shoe store insurance protects your shop 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 shoe store insurance questions:
- What Is Shoe Store Insurance?
- How Much Does Shoe Store Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Shoe Stores Need Insurance?
- What Type Of Insurance Do Shoe Stores Need?
- What Are Shoe Stores Risks & Exposures?
- What Does Shoe Store Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is Shoe Store Insurance?
Shoe store insurance is a type of insurance specifically designed for businesses that sell shoes. It provides protection for a variety of risks and exposures that shoe stores face, including property damage, liability, and theft.
This type of insurance typically includes coverage for the physical store, inventory, and equipment, as well as protection for employees and customers. It may also include coverage for lost income or business interruption in the event of a covered loss.
How Much Does Shoe Store Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small shoe stores ranges from $37 to $49 per month based on location, size, payroll, sales and experience.
Why Do Shoe Stores Need Insurance?

hoe stores need insurance to protect their business from potential risks and losses. These risks can include accidents or injuries that occur on the store's premises, theft or loss of inventory, damage to the store or its equipment, and financial liability for any lawsuits that may arise.
Insurance can help cover the costs of these unexpected events and ensure that the business is able to continue operating. Additionally, some types of insurance, such as worker's compensation, may be required by law in order to protect employees and customers.
Another reason why shoe stores need insurance is to protect against unexpected events that could disrupt the business. This can include natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, that could damage the store or its inventory. Insurance can help cover the costs of repairs and replacements, allowing the business to get back on its feet and continue operating as normal.
Shoe stores also face the risk of loss or damage to their inventory. This can be due to theft, accidents, or natural disasters. Insurance can help cover the costs of replacing the lost or damaged items, ensuring that the store is able to continue providing products to its customers.
Finally, shoe stores may also need insurance to protect against financial liability for any lawsuits that may arise. This could include claims of injury or accidents on the store's premises, or disputes with suppliers or customers. Insurance can help cover the costs of legal fees and settlements, allowing the business to focus on its operations rather than worrying about potential legal issues.
In summary, shoe stores need insurance to protect against potential risks and losses that could disrupt the business, such as accidents, theft, natural disasters, and legal issues. It is an essential part of running a successful business and can provide a sense of security and peace of mind for store owners and employees.
What Type Of Insurance Do Shoe Stores Need?
Shoe stores typically need several types of insurance coverage in order to protect their business and their clients. Here are some of the most common types of insurance that shoe stores should consider:
General Liability - General liability is a coverage that protects you from problems caused by harm to your customers or their property. If a customer injures themselves while inside your store, you could be held legally liable for their medical care costs. If the customer's purse is stolen on your premises or their car is damaged while parked in front of your shoe store, you can also be held liable. General liability pays the customer's damages.
Commercial Property - With business property coverage as an integral part of your shoe store business insurance, you have a way to make the necessary repairs to your building and replace anything that is destroyed in case there is a fire, severe snowstorm, water damage or other damages.
Workers Compensation - Should an employee become injured while on the job, workers comp will protect you and your business from having to pay for the damages, medical costs and loss of wages that an employee suffers. If the employee dies as a result of the injury, it can pay funeral expenses and support payments to the deceased employee's survivors. It's also a good idea because most states mandate workers compensation for any non owner or partner employees.
Business Auto - This is coverage for the cost of any damages to your business vehicle, as well as injuries to other drivers and damages that other vehicles may suffer in the event of an accident with your business auto.
Utility Interruption Loss Of Income - Coverage for loss of income caused by the necessary suspension of your business due to failure of communications, water, natural gas, or electrical service to the premises.
Signs - Coverage for accidental direct physical loss to signs attached to buildings (whether indoor or outdoor) and to outdoor signs not attached to buildings at the described premises owned by you or in your care, custody or control.
What Are Shoe Stores Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure comes from slips and falls due to public access to the premises. 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 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.
Personal injury exposure is from apprehending and detaining shoplifters. Shoplifting procedures must be fully understood and utilized by all employees.
Products liability exposure is normally low. Direct importing of shoes and repair work can add to the exposure. Foreign-made items should come from a domestic-based wholesaler. Any direct importer should be considered as a product manufacturer. Errors in filling of prescription shoe orders for a customer can exacerbate existing foot problems.
Workers compensation exposure is from lifting, which can cause back injury, hernias, sprains, and strains. There is also the exposure of bending to measure feet and try shoes on customers and also slips and falls. Employees should be provided with safety equipment, trained on proper inventory handling techniques, and have conveying devices available to assist with heavy lifting.
If shoe repair services are offered, injuries due to sewing and cutting are possible. In any retail business, hold-ups may occur. Employees should be trained to respond in a prescribed manner.
Property exposures are low since ignition sources are limited to electrical wiring and heating and cooling systems. These should be maintained and meet current codes for the occupancy. The shoes are moderately susceptible to damage and only contribute moderately to any fire load. Polishes and lacquer are combustible but are generally kept in small packages.
As shoes can be high in value due to product licensing, 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. Business interruption exposures are generally low as backup facilities are readily available.
Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities either from holdup or safe burglary. Background checks should be conducted on all employees handling money. There must be separation of duties between persons handling deposits and disbursements and handling bank reconciliations. 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 due to customers' and vendors' records and prescription records. Backup copies of all records, including computer records, should be made and stored off premises. If the store alters or repairs items for customers, there will be a bailees exposure. There may be goods in transit between stores or if the store delivers items.
Commercial auto exposure is generally limited to hired and non-owned for employees running errands. If the store delivers items to customers, anyone who drives an insured vehicle must have a valid license and acceptable MVR. Vehicles must be regularly maintained with records kept.
What Does Shoe Store Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Shoe stores can be sued for various reasons, such as slip-and-fall accidents, defective products, false advertising, and employee negligence, among others. Insurance policies can protect shoe stores from financial losses that may arise from lawsuits.
Here are some examples of how insurance can help pay for lawsuits:
Slip-and-fall accidents: If a customer slips and falls in a shoe store and suffers injuries, they may file a lawsuit against the store for negligence. A general liability insurance policy can provide coverage for medical expenses, legal fees, and damages awarded to the plaintiff.
Defective products: If a customer suffers injuries or property damage due to a defective product sold by a shoe store, the store may be held liable. Product liability insurance can help pay for legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments.
False advertising: If a shoe store makes false or misleading claims in its advertising, customers may file a lawsuit for deceptive trade practices. Advertising injury liability insurance can help cover legal costs, damages, and settlements.
Employee negligence: If an employee of a shoe store causes harm to a customer due to negligence, the store may be held liable. Workers' compensation insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses and lost wages for the injured customer. Additionally, employment practices liability insurance can provide coverage for claims related to employment-related issues such as discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination.
In summary, insurance can provide financial protection to shoe stores facing lawsuits for various reasons, including slip-and-fall accidents, defective products, false advertising, and employee negligence. The specific type of insurance coverage required will depend on the nature of the claim.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 5661 Shoe Stores
- NAICS CODE: 448210 Shoe Stores
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8008 Store - Clothing, Wearing Apparel, or Dry Goods - Retail
Description for 5661: Shoe Stores
Division G: Retail Trade | Major Group 56: Apparel And Accessory Stores | Industry Group 566: Shoe Stores
5661 Shoe Stores: Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of men's, women's, and children's footwear, including athletic footwear. These establishments frequently carry accessory lines, such as hosiery, gloves, and handbags.
- Athletic shoe stores-retail
- Footwear stores-retail
- Shoe stores-retail
Shoe Store Insurance - The Bottom Line
When you open your doors to customers each day, your business will be exposed to financial risks. Accidents, injuries, slips, trips, and falls can all wind up costing you hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal bills. Employee accidents could lead to workers comp claims. Thieves could steal thousands of dollars in expensive inventory from your store. Ensure you have the right shoee store insurance coverage to mitigate these risks.
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.
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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.