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Why do butcher shops need insurance?
Sharp tools, slippery floors, and the risk of foodborne illnesses are just a few reasons why butchers need insurance. It can pay for an injured employee's medical expenses, or shield you from legal costs when a customer falls ill. Some policies may be required by a lease, contract, or state law.
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What types of butcher insurance do I need?
These insurance policies cover the most common risks at meat stores.
Business owner’s policy
This insurance package includes both commercial property insurance and general liability coverage at a discount. Small butcher shops with low risks are often eligible for a BOP.
BEST FOR
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Accidental damage to customer property
- Damaged or stolen business property
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers' comp for butcher shops that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work-related medical bills that health insurance might deny.
BEST FOR
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Lawsuits from employee injuries
General liability insurance
A general liability policy covers basic third-party business risks, such as a customer who trips and suffers an injury at a meat market. It’s required for most commercial leases.
BEST FOR
- Customer bodily injuries
- Damaged customer property
- Slander and other advertising injuries
Commercial auto insurance
This policy covers legal expenses from an accident involving your butcher shop's delivery van or other vehicle. Most states require this type of car insurance for vehicles owned by a business.
BEST FOR
- Injuries caused by your vehicle
- Property damage caused by your vehicle
- Vehicle theft and vandalism
Cyber insurance
This type of insurance coverage helps butcher shops recover financially from a cyberattack or data breach. It's recommended for any business that stores customer information.
BEST FOR
- Customer notification costs
- Fraud monitoring services
- Cyber extortion payments
Commercial property insurance
This insurance policy can help pay for stolen or damaged business equipment, or a renovation after a fire or storm. You can bundle it with general liability insurance in a BOP at a discount.
BEST FOR
- Fires
- Storm damage
- Theft and vandalism
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.
How much does butcher insurance cost?
A butcher shop with a few workers will pay less for insurance than a larger business.
Factors that affect your premiums include:
- Services offered, such as delivery
- Business property and equipment
- Location, such as Florida or California
- Insurance products purchased
- Policy limits and deductibles
- Additional insureds and other endorsements
How do I get butcher shop insurance?
It's easy to get butcher shop insurance or deli insurance if you have your company information on hand. Our application will ask for basic facts about your business, such as revenue and number of employees. You can get a quote, buy a policy online, and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:
- Complete a free online application.
- Compare insurance quotes and choose a policy.
- Pay for your policy and download a certificate.
Insureon's licensed agents work with the nation's leading insurance companies to find the right insurance plan for your butcher shop, whether you work independently or hire employees.
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FAQs about butcher insurance
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Do you need a license to be a butcher?
While there is no license specifically for butchers, each state has its own requirements for butcher shops. For example, you will likely need:
- A business license. States and other municipalities usually mandate a business license for any type of business, along with other basic requirements like a seller's permit that allows you to collect sales tax from customers.
- A health permit. Any business that sells or serves food must have a health permit, which you can obtain from your local health department. This will include a physical inspection of your meat shop.
- A food handlers card. Employees who serve food and their managers must be trained in basic food safety practices and obtain a food handlers card. Again, the specifics depend on the laws in your state.
What other types of insurance are recommended for butchers and meat shops?
The types of coverage you need depend on your specific risks, such as whether you drive your personal vehicle for work purposes. You might also need coverage for exclusions on other policies.
Here are several other policies that butchers should consider:
- Product liability insurance: This policy covers legal costs if a customer is harmed by a product sold at your shop. For example, a customer might claim that meat bought at your shop led to a severe case of food poisoning. This coverage is typically included in your general liability insurance.
- Product recall insurance: If a shipment of meat was recalled due to possible listeria contamination or a similar threat, this policy would help pay for your financial losses.
- Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA): Personal auto insurance won't cover accidents that happen when you're driving for work, which is why you and your employees might need this coverage. HNOA pays for legal costs in the event of an accident involving a personal, rented, or leased vehicle used by your business.
- Equipment breakdown insurance: This policy covers financial losses related to the sudden breakdown of a refrigerator, freezer, point-of-sale device, or other piece of equipment. However, it doesn't cover normal wear and tear or losses from spoiled or contaminated food.
- Liquor liability insurance: If a customer becomes intoxicated at your business and goes on to injure someone or damage their property, this policy will cover your legal costs. It's especially important in states with dram shop laws, which hold businesses liable for acts committed by overserved customers.