Occupational liability insurance for rented office space

[coxengines]

We have hired a full-time employee and are moving to a larger office. As part of the lease agreement we need to maintain a mill of liability insurance.

Although this sounds easy and straightforward enough, we are having difficulty obtaining coverage due to the nature of our business (we are the only eStore operator in this little town).

We managed to get a quote for "Answering Service"; which I cannot acquiesce to as it is untrue. Another possible coverage was if we took out comprehensive product liability coverage first (very expensive and we don't want it).

The hang-up undoubtedly lies with the way our business is presented to underwriters by the insurance agents. The last one just gave up with the comment “I'm sorry but this web business is above my knowledge”.

They simply don’t understand the nature of on-line selling. It’s actually low-risk for an insurer, with zero physical customer traffic.

Do any of you out there maintain rented premises for your eBay and/or other eStore and where and how did you obtain insurance coverage?

Bernie

[pierrelebel]

"It’s actually low-risk for an insurer"

I wish that were true. It is not.

Insurers look at the very high risk of liability if the products are sold to the USA (and worldwide).

It is easier to obtain inventory and liability insurance if your office is a retail or wholesale place of business with "some" online business.

[coxengines]

Pierre,

You fell into the same trap that all those insurance agents fell into.

I am NOT looking for inventory and product liability insurance.

I am merely looking for liability insurance for the office premises. I.e. the Fedex guy trips on the carpet and decides that's worth a million bucks.

It's a condition imposed by the lessor to ensure we have adequate insurance and they are not the ones (as building owners) that have to invoke their insurance if someone gets injured in our office.

The employee is covered by the (mandatory) WorkSafe BC program.

Bernie

[pierrelebel]

" am NOT looking for inventory and product liability insurance"

I know. I understand.

I only suggest to be pragmatic and get the job done at relatively low cost..

[coxengines]

Ok. So, we are a retail store then and complement this with on-line sales.

My fear is that if there ever is a claim...

Bernie

[dipmicro]

This is from guy who was arguing with me against opening a retail location :^O

I am using StateFarm, they seem to be able to insure anything.

Opening a retail store with limited opening hours would be my step as well.

[coxengines]

This is from guy who was arguing with me against opening a retail location

Touche!

But then, I don't have or want a retail store.

I'll try Statefarm.

Bernie

[femmefan1946]

Our store uses Hugh Wood International who insure our shop, our shipments, our eBay and other online sales, our stock while travelling, our stock while at shows, and I don't know what all else.

They are a specialty insurer of collectors and dealers in collectibles. They are the insurer for the American Philatelic Society, including their circuit books and exhibitions.

They are a British company with offices in Toronto.

[coxengines]

Thanks and I may call upon them as as well femmefan.

Bernie

[coxengines]

Finally got it taken care of for $500/year as "Order Processing Facility".

Bernie

[dipmicro]

Who is your insurer if you do not mind me asking ?

The amount sounds right. Our business portion of insurance is approx $55/m

[coxengines]

Roman,

The underwriting entity is

Mutual Fire Insurance Company

Bernie