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Intake Checklist

Retail Store — Commercial Insurance

Everything you need to collect before submitting a commercial account for a retail store, boutique, gift shop, or specialty retailer.

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How to use this checklist: Work through each section with your client — by phone, email, or in person. Check each box as you collect the information. Flagged items ⚠ UW are common underwriting triggers — collect extra detail before submitting.
1

Business Information

Legal Business Name
DBA / Trade Name (if different)
Entity Type
LLC / S-Corp / C-Corp / Sole Proprietor / Partnership
FEIN (Federal Employer ID)
Years in Business / Years at This Location
Store Address
Primary Contact Name, Phone & Email
Own or Lease the Space?
If leasing, landlord may require additional insured status or minimum liability limits
2

Operations & Merchandise

Type of Retail Operation
e.g. Clothing boutique, sporting goods, electronics, furniture, gift shop, hardware, jewelry, pet supplies, bookstore
Products Sold
List primary product categories — carriers rate based on product type and liability exposure
Annual Gross Sales / Revenue
Hours of Operation
Square Footage (total / sales floor / storage)
Multiple Locations?
Online / E-Commerce Sales?
Note % of total revenue — affects products liability and may trigger cyber coverage need
Products Manufactured or Private Labeled?⚠ UW
Manufacturing or private labeling your own products increases products liability exposure
Any High-Value Items Sold?⚠ UW
e.g. Jewelry, firearms, electronics, art, collectibles — may need scheduled property or inland marine
Firearms Sold or on Premises?⚠ UW
FFL holders require specialized coverage — note FFL license number
Agent tip: Products liability is included in most GL policies, but the type of product matters. Firearms, supplements, children's products, and medical devices can trigger exclusions or require separate coverage. Confirm product types before selecting a market.
3

Property & Inventory

Building Value (if owned)
Business Personal Property Value
Fixtures, shelving, displays, POS systems, furniture
Merchandise / Inventory Value
Peak season value vs. average — use the higher of the two
Off-Site Inventory? (warehouse, storage unit)
Business Income / Loss of Revenue Coverage Needed?
Year Building Was Built / Last Renovated
Construction Type
Frame / Joisted Masonry / Masonry Non-Combustible / Fire Resistive
Sprinkler System?
4

Crime & Security

Security Alarm System?
Central station monitored alarms often qualify for property discounts
Security Cameras (CCTV)?
Cash Kept on Premises Overnight?
Carriers typically limit money & securities coverage — confirm how much cash is kept on-site
Safe on Premises?
Employee Theft / Crime Coverage Needed?
Prior Theft, Burglary, or Vandalism Losses?⚠ UW
Agent tip: Retail crime losses (shoplifting, employee theft, smash-and-grab) are often not covered under a standard GL or property policy. Ask specifically whether the client wants crime coverage — many don't realize it's separate.
5

Employees & Payroll

Total Number of Employees
Annual Total Payroll
Use of Seasonal or Temporary Staff?
Holiday or summer surge employees — affects WC payroll mid-term
Employees Handle Cash / Process Payments?
Background Checks Run on Employees?
6

Lease & Landlord Requirements

Lease Requires Minimum GL Limits?
Many commercial leases require $1M or $2M per occurrence — get a copy of the lease insurance clause
Landlord / Property Manager as Additional Insured?
Waiver of Subrogation Required by Lease?
Tenant Improvements & Betterments Value
Renovations or build-outs the tenant paid for — these are the tenant's property even if attached to the building
Lease Expiration Date
Agent tip: Tenant improvements are frequently underinsured. The client may have invested $80,000 in a build-out but listed $0 for improvements on the application. Ask specifically what they spent on the space — that's what needs to be covered.
7

Vehicles & Deliveries

Company-Owned Vehicles?
Employees Use Personal Vehicles for Deliveries or Errands?
Triggers hired & non-owned auto exposure
Local Delivery Offered to Customers?
8

Prior Insurance & Loss History

Current GL Carrier & Policy Number
Current GL / BOP Expiration Date
Current WC Carrier & Expiration
Any Prior Cancellations or Non-Renewals?⚠ UW
GL / Products Claims — Last 5 Years⚠ UW
Slip-and-fall, products liability, property damage — request loss runs
Property Claims — Last 5 Years⚠ UW
WC Claims — Last 5 Years
9

Coverage Requested

Commercial General Liability
Desired limits — e.g. $1M/$2M
Commercial Property
BOP (Bundled GL + Property)
Often the most cost-effective option for small to mid-size retail
Business Income / Extra Expense
Crime / Employee Dishonesty
Workers Compensation
Hired & Non-Owned Auto
Umbrella / Excess Liability
Cyber Liability
Especially important if storing customer payment or personal data
Additional Insureds Required?
Landlord, franchisor, lender, shopping center management

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