Retail Business Insurance in Tennessee

Business types with their own guide

• Retail Store Insurance Customer slip-and-falls, and more. Read the retail store insurance guide.
• Boutique and Clothing Store Insurance Theft of high-value items, and more. Read the boutique and clothing store insurance guide.
• Convenience Store Insurance Robbery and cash theft, and more. Read the convenience store insurance guide.
• E-commerce Business Insurance Products that injure customers, and more. Read the e-commerce business insurance guide.
• Hardware Store Insurance Falling stock or ladders injuring customers, and more. Read the hardware store insurance guide.
• Pet Store Insurance Animal bites and scratches to customers, and more. Read the pet store insurance guide.
• Florist Insurance Cooler failure that ruins inventory, and more. Read the florist insurance guide.
• Furniture Store Insurance Damage to customer homes during delivery, and more. Read the furniture store insurance guide.
• Electronics Store Insurance Theft of high-value inventory, and more. Read the electronics store insurance guide.
• Liquor Store Insurance Sales to someone who later causes harm, and more. Read the liquor store insurance guide.

More retail businesses

These business types share many of the same risks. Each has a short overview below.

Sporting goods store

Sporting goods stores sell equipment that can injure people if it fails, and some sell firearms or ammunition, which many policies treat differently. Products liability, crime coverage, and property coverage for inventory are key.

Bookstore

Bookstores have lower product risk but host events, readings, and kids’ story times. General liability for visitors, property coverage for inventory, and a business owner’s policy usually fit well.

Thrift, consignment, and used goods store

Used goods stores take in items from the public, which can bring product questions and consignor property in your care. Ask how consigned items are covered, along with general liability and theft coverage.

Garden center and nursery

Nurseries manage live plants, outdoor displays, chemicals, and delivery trucks. Weather damage to stock, customer slips on wet paths, and vehicle coverage for deliveries are the main concerns.

Discount and department store

Larger stores see heavy foot traffic, seasonal staff, and high theft exposure. General liability, crime coverage, business income, and workers’ comp (required for most Tennessee employers with five or more employees) are central.

Hobby and craft store

Hobby shops often host classes and game nights. General liability for visitors, products liability for kits and supplies, and property coverage for inventory are the core.

Medical supply store

Selling or renting mobility aids and home medical equipment raises product and professional questions. Ask about products liability and whether fitting or delivery services need professional coverage.

Vitamin and supplement store

Supplements can lead to product claims if a customer has a reaction. Products liability, plus a business owner’s policy for the storefront, are common starting points.

Coverages common in retail

• Business owner’s policy (BOP) Bundles general liability with coverage for your business property, and often business income, for many smaller businesses.
• General liability Helps if your business is blamed for injuring someone or damaging their property, and usually pays for a legal defense.
• Commercial property Covers your building (if you own it), equipment, furniture, and inventory after covered losses like fire or theft.
• Business income Can replace lost income and pay ongoing bills if a covered loss forces you to close for a while.
• Crime and employee dishonesty Covers theft of money or property by employees, and in some forms, fraud by outsiders.
• Cyber liability Helps respond to data breaches, ransomware, and payment fraud, including notifying customers.
• Products liability Covers injury or damage caused by products you make, sell, or distribute. Usually part of general liability.

All coverage is subject to underwriting and policy terms. Not every business needs every coverage.

Tennessee rules to know

Workers’ comp. Most Tennessee employers outside construction and coal mining must carry workers’ compensation once they have five or more employees, full- or part-time, per the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Even below that number, many owners choose to carry it.

We can review your requirements and help you shop workers’ compensation and other coverages, subject to underwriting.

Certificates of insurance

Landlords, clients, venues, and general contractors often ask for a certificate of insurance before you start. If they want to be an additional insured, the policy usually needs an endorsement. Our certificate of insurance checklist explains what to check.

Related guides

• All business types
• Business insurance in Middle Tennessee
• General liability insurance
• Small business insurance checklist (PDF)
• Starting a business in Tennessee