General merchandise dealers offer a wide range of items — which tend to be low in value and easily replaceable.
Minimum Recommended Coverage
Business Personal Property
Business Income
Accounts Receivable
Computers
Goods in Transit
Employee Dishonesty
General Liability
Employee Benefits
Umbrella
Business Automobile Liability & Physical Damage
Hired and Non-ownership Auto
Workers' Compensation
Other Coverages to Consider
Building
Leasehold Interest
Real Property Legal Liability
Money and Securities
Forgery
Computer Fraud
Employment Related Practices
Exposure Risks
PROPERTY EXPOSURESfrom ignition sources are usually limited in a simple wholesale operation. If any items contain flammables, careful control and evaluation is needed. Items to consider for fire exposures are the type of storage racks; whether palletized or on the floor; whether or not wood pallets are made by the operation; and the size, shape, cut-offs, and fire walls within the storage facility. Damageability is moderate but will depend on the products.
INLAND MARINE EXPOSUREScome from Goods in Transit. Most goods can be salvaged and do not have a high breakage potential.
CRIME EXPOSUREis from Employee Dishonesty. All ordering and inventory control must be separated in order to maintain checks and balances.
PREMISES LIABILITYis limited, provided no customer pickup is permitted. If customers pick up goods, loading docks must be user-friendly and areas for pickup must be clearly marked, with customers confined to the specific areas.
PRODUCTS EXPOSUREis low unless there is direct importing. Vendor’s endorsements from the manufacturers are helpful.
AUTOMOBILE LIABILITYcomes from two different sources. First, there is the salespersons’ fleet. Where do they travel? Where are vehicles maintained? Is personal use permitted? Second is the vehicles that deliver. What is the radius of operations? What is the procedure for drivers who are involved in accidents or violations? Where are vehicles stored when not in use? Is there unloading? For all auto exposure, MVRs must be ordered on a regular basis, and vehicles must be maintained with documentation kept in a central location.
WORKERS COMPENSATION EXPOSUREcomes primarily from lifting, which can cause back injury, hernia, sprain, and strain. What kind of training do employees receive, and what types of material lifting or conveying devices are used within the warehouse or wholesale facility? There is also the automobile delivery hazard. What is the training of drivers? Are periodic physicals required? Are driving records reviewed periodically? Do drivers do the unloading? Is this done manually, or are lifting and conveying devices used during loading and unloading?
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