Are you an agent placing coverage for a neighborhood hardware store, lumber & millwork supplier, or small contractor-supply retailer? American Lumber Underwriters offers a dedicated Hardware Store Insurance program designed for independent hardware and supply retailers that serve both retail customers and contractors. Our program combines multiple lines of coverage and flexible underwriting through our position as the Managing General Underwriter for five admitted carriers.
Program Overview — American Lumber Underwriters
This program is built for hardware stores with multiple specialty departments (paint matching, keys, power-tool repair, lumber cutting, special orders, etc.). We package General Liability, Property, Workers’ Compensation, Business Owners Policy (BOP), Professional Liability, Auto Liability and Umbrella coverage to produce broad, practical protection for everyday exposures your clients face.
Common services and departments
- Computer paint matching
- Keys duplicated / locks re-keyed
- Power tool service and repair
- Pipe cutting and threading
- Cutting and ripping lumber
- Special orders and contractor supplies
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
- Independent hardware stores, small regional chains, and lumber & building supply retailers.
- Stores that serve both walk-in retail customers and local contractors (e.g., rental/repair benches, lumber cutting services).
- Small-to-mid-size operations with on-site services (tool repair, cutting/threading) and limited hazardous operations.
Not a fit: large national “big-box” chains, heavy manufacturing, or accounts with large-scale fuel dispensing, full-service equipment rental fleets, or extensive on-site manufacturing. For borderline or higher-hazard risks, contact underwriting for pre-submission review.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Multi-line solutions — place GL, Property, WC, BOP, Auto, Professional Liability and Umbrella together for coordinated limits and consistent service.
- Underwriting flexibility — as the MGA for five admitted carriers, American Lumber Underwriters can tailor program structures across carriers to meet complex needs.
- Industry expertise — underwriters understand retail exposures specific to hardware stores: slip-and-fall, product and operations exposures tied to tool repair and lumber services, employee injuries in cutting and repair departments, and delivery/auto exposures.
- Practical endorsements and options — available endorsements and extensions to reflect typical hardware-store operations (discuss options with underwriting).
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Underwriting focuses on size of the operation, revenue mix (retail vs. contractor sales), onsite services (repair benches, woodworking, chemical storage), and loss history. Please submit details on annual sales by class, payroll, list of onsite services, building construction and protection class, and a current loss run for the past 3–5 years.
If you need minimum premium or specific binding requirements, contact our underwriting team — they can provide state-specific minimums and appetite guidance prior to submission.
Territories and Availability
This program is available in the following states: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI, WY. For states not listed or for out-of-state placements, contact underwriting for options.
Why Place Hardware Store Business with American Lumber Underwriters
- Managing General Underwriter with direct access to five admitted carriers — greater flexibility to match coverages and pricing to account-specific risks.
- Dedicated underwriting expertise for lumber, building materials and hardware retail operations.
- Streamlined submission process and responsive service to help you bind accounts and service renewals efficiently.
To learn more about the Hardware Store Insurance program or to request a quote, please give us a call today or send us an email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hardware accounts are a good fit for this program?
Independent hardware stores, lumber & building supply retailers and small regional chains that provide retail sales plus contractor services (e.g., lumber cutting, tool repair, special orders) are an ideal fit. The program favors small to mid-size operations without large-scale fueling or heavy manufacturing on-site.
Which coverages can I place through American Lumber Underwriters for a hardware store?
You can place General Liability, Property, Workers’ Compensation, Business Owners Policy, Professional Liability, Auto Liability and Umbrella through this program. Underwriting can discuss additional endorsements relevant to hardware operations during the submission.
What information does underwriting need with a submission?
Provide a detailed submission including annual sales by class, payroll, description of on-site services (repair benches, cutting/threading, hazardous materials storage), building construction and protection details, and current loss runs. Photos and a list of subcontracted services are helpful for faster review.
Are there states where this program is not available?
The program is available in the states listed above. If you have an account outside those states or a unique risk profile, contact underwriting to explore options or alternative carrier capacity.
How do I find out minimum premium or binding requirements?
Minimum premium and specific binding requirements vary by state and carrier. Please contact American Lumber Underwriters’ underwriting team for state-specific minimums and quote thresholds before submission.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.