Even if workers’ comp is not required for your retail shop, the protection of a workers’ compensation policy could be a huge asset.
If an injury occurs on the job at your store, the business can be held responsible. Workers’ compensation insurance can help cover injury-related costs to help protect the financial stability of your business.
Jump ahead to learn:
- Why do retail businesses need Workers’ Compensation insurance?
- What are the most common business risks for retail storefronts?
- How much does Workers’ Comp cost for a retail business?
- How NEXT can help protect your retail business
Why do retail businesses need Workers’ Compensation insurance?
Workers’ comp coverage can help cover the costs of:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Job retraining
- Permanent disability benefits
- Death benefits
- Employers liability in the event of a lawsuit
Workers’ compensation insurance is a type of business insurance. It can help protect business owners of any size from financial losses after a work-related injury or illness.
Workers’ Comp may be required by state law
In most states, workers’ compensation insurance is required by law if you have employees. But even if you’re a sole proprietor (meaning a business of one) a workers’ comp policy could be required.
Workers’ Comp can help cover the cost of work-related injuries
Some retail jobs can be very physical, meaning workplace injuries such as slip-and-fall incidents, repetitive stress trauma, injuries from fallen objects and more can be common.
If you or your employee gets hurt, medical bills could add up quickly.
Your income or your employee’s income could be protected under Workers’ Comp
If someone covered by the insurance needs time away from work to heal after a covered injury or illness, a percentage of their income could continue until they’re able to get back to work.
A Workers’ Comp policy could help you gain more business
Some retail partners could require you to carry a certificate of insurance (proof of insurance) for workers’ compensation.
But even if it’s not required, carrying this essential insurance protection could make your business look more polished and professional than your competitors.
What are the most common business risks for retail storefronts?
These are some of the common risks and workers’ compensation insurance claims that retail workers could be exposed to:
Accidental injuries like slips and falls
Your employee slips on a wet floor and hits their head, requiring a visit to the emergency room.** Workers’ compensation insurance for retail businesses could help cover their medical bills.
Lost wages after an injury or accident
A worker injures their back while moving around merchandise or displays. Workers’ comp insurance can help policyholders cover lost wages while they recover.
Work-related permanent injury or death
Severe work injuries are rare in this industry, but in the event that a serious or life-threatening accident occurs, your workers’ comp insurance could help cover some of the associated costs.
Depending on the extent of the injury, this may include long-term disability benefits, burial expenses or survivor benefits for an employee’s family.
An employer liability lawsuit
An injured employee could file a lawsuit against your business claiming that your negligence put them at risk. If this happens, workers’ comp insurance could help with the legal costs to defend yourself.
If you run your own retail store, you can add business owner’s coverage to ensure that you’re covered if you get injured at work.
How much does Workers’ Comp insurance cost for a retail business?
The cost of workers’ compensation insurance (also called the premium) for retail businesses can depend on a number of factors, including:
- Your number of part-time and full-time employees
- Your payroll expenses
- Your claims history
- How long you’ve been in business
- The state where you work
NEXT is a small business insurance company that specializes in tailored, affordable workers’ comp insurance policies that provide the right coverage for your business.
