Do You Need Seasonal Business Insurance?

By: Ben Cavallo, CIC, AAI, CISR

Together with partner Keith Signoriello, Ben Cavallo is the principal and co-owner of C&S Insurance.

woman wearing glasses with her brown hair tied back is showing a man in a white collared shirt a piece of paper, pointing to it with a black pen.

There’s a timely question that many business owners grapple with: Do I need seasonal business insurance?

This coverage offers enhancements during specific periods of the year when your business may see a surge in operations, sales, or activities. Think of it as a booster specifically for when there’s a significant change in risk exposure.

Summer camps, outdoor event venues, and ski resorts are just a few examples of businesses that rely on seasonal times to generate the most revenue. But what happens if there’s a natural disaster, theft, or accident that unexpectedly stops operations?

Seasonal business insurance can provide peace of mind that you have financial protection against property damage and liability claims. To help you determine if this type of coverage is right for you, we put together the following comprehensive guide with explanations of coverage, frequently asked questions, and more.

Features of Seasonal Business Insurance
Benefits of Seasonal Business Insurance
Considerations Before Opting for Seasonal Business Insurance
FAQ

Features of Seasonal Business Insurance

Like most policies, seasonal business insurance can be customized to your specific needs, but the following are some common features:

  1. Flexibility in coverage period. Tailor your coverage to fit the ebb and flow of your business operations.
  2. Unexpected event loss. When weather or another unanticipated event forces a business to close when it would typically be open.
  3. Weak season. To assist when business is not as profitable as expected, and you find yourself with a sizable financial hit.

Benefits of Seasonal Business Insurance

When business owners attest to the benefits of seasonal business insurance, these are some of the most common advantages they highlight:

  • Protection from events that are out of your control but can greatly impact the well-being of your livelihood
  • Tailored coverage depending on where, when, and how your business operates
  • Peace of mind, above all else, that you are adequately protected

Let’s take a look at an example of seasonal business insurance in action:

The Retail Store and Holiday Rush

Let’s consider a retail store that specializes in festive decorations. Inventory is moderate for most of the year, however, as the holiday season approaches — from Halloween to Christmas — stock levels surge dramatically. The store might carry more expensive items, increase inventory, or even house rare, limited-edition pieces.

During this peak season, the potential loss from theft, fire, or other disasters becomes much higher due to the increased inventory. It’s not just about the cost of the items, but the potential lost sales and customer trust if something were to happen during this critical period.

This is when increasing the content coverage of inventory becomes extremely beneficial. A standard policy might only cover a set dollar amount. That figure may be adequate for the rest of the year, but during the holiday season, coverage could fall drastically short of the actual value of the increased stock.

By opting for seasonal business insurance, the retailer can increase their content coverage just for the peak period, ensuring they’re adequately protected against potential losses.

Considerations Before Opting for Seasonal Business Insurance

Here are a few important considerations while you determine if seasonal business insurance is right for your operation:

  • Assess your risk: Determine the periods when your business faces increased risk.
  • Know your inventory: Regularly evaluate your stock, especially if you have fluctuating inventory levels.
  • Consult with an expert: Every business is unique. Talking to an insurance professional can help you determine the right level and type of coverage for your specific circumstances.

FAQ

What is seasonal business insurance?
Seasonal business insurance is an add-on to your existing business coverage. It protects you from bearing the financial burden of repairs if a natural disaster or other extremely disruptive event were to take place, as well as loss and theft.

Am I a good candidate for seasonal business insurance?
It is best to contact a professional if you’re considering seasonal business insurance. A member of our team is happy to walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

What is not covered with seasonal business insurance?
There is no single answer to this question. Policies are generally customizable, and working with an expert can ensure that you have the coverage you need in place.

Conclusion

In short, seasonal business insurance provides the support you need to give your undivided attention to business operations, while we focus on making sure it can withstand unexpected challenges. So, as the seasons change and your business evolves, take the time to make sure your insurance evolves with it. Looking for more information related to your business’ insurance coverage? Check out our Business Insurance eBook.

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