If you own and/or manage a grocery store, then you need workers' compensation insurance. Workers' compensation is mandatory in most states. Even if it's not, you would be careless to operate without it. Grocery stores workers compensation insurance covers claims that arise when one of your workers is injured at work. When one or more of your employees is injured within the course and scope of his/her employment, the workers' compensation insurance company will pay for medical expenses and lost wages. Without it, you could be ordered by a court to pay for the medical costs and paychecks that your employees miss while they're off work for a work-related injury.
Grocery stores can be dangerous places. Your employees have to lift boxes, transport pallets, and bend and stoop throughout the day. Before you open your store, make sure you have the proper workers' compensation policy in place. Speak with your business partners and several insurance companies and find the policy that's right for you. If you have questions about which claims are accepted and which are not, your insurance representative can explain the acceptance/denial process in further detail.
In addition to workers' compensation, you should also consider general liability insurance. This will cover losses that arise when you or your employees injure a customer or damage property. At a grocery store, you never know when an accident will occur. An aisle may be wet from a spilled liquid and someone could slip. When this occurs, you'll want the peace of mind that comes with having an appropriate general liability plan.
If you own a grocery store, you need to protect your freezers, produce, and other perishable products. One way to do this is to buy property and equipment insurance. Speak with your partners and insurance company about your options. You won't always be able to repair or replace equipment on your own, especially if one of your large freezers or your electricity breaks down. If this happens, you need to know that you can protect your product or replace it quickly so you don't lose business. Property and equipment insurance is critical for these reasons.
Grocery stores workers compensation, general liability, and property and equipment coverage are insurance plans that you can't do without. If you try to operate without workers' compensation, you could be fined or lose your license to operate. Not only is it a good idea, but in most states in the country, it's the law. Protect your employees, your product, and your store and purchase the workers' compensation policy that's right for you and your business.
Similarly, you won't fare well if you don't have general liability and property coverage. You need to prepare now for the accidents and challenges that are sure to come in the future. Be smart, be vigilant, and protect your grocery store from unnecessary harm.