For boutiques, shops and stores across Middle Tennessee
Retail Store Insurance for Middle Tennessee Businesses
Hi, I’m Dustin Rodgers. Local shops make our towns feel like home, and your shelves, stock and staff deserve real protection. Call us, or request a quote below.
Local help for local shops
Talk with a real person on Providence Pkwy about your store.
The short answer
What insurance does a retail store in Tennessee need?
Most retail stores look at general liability, property coverage for inventory and fixtures, and workers’ comp once they have five or more employees. A business owner’s policy often combines liability and property. Your lease may have its own requirements.
Whether you run a boutique or a busy storefront, we’ll learn how your shop works and explain your options plainly.
Coverage
What coverage can we help your store with?
We can help you look at general liability, property and inventory, business income, workers’ comp, crime, goods in transit, and a commercial umbrella. Coverage is subject to policy terms, underwriting and availability. Which coverages are available depends on carrier eligibility and underwriting, and every policy has its own limits, exclusions and terms. We’ll go over what applies to your business before you decide anything.
-
General liability
If a shopper trips over a display or a sign falls on someone, this coverage may respond to the claim.
-
Workers’ compensation
Covers medical care and some wage replacement when a worker strains a back unloading freight or falls from a step stool.
-
Commercial auto
For a vehicle titled to the business, or employees running store errands.
-
Goods in transit
Can help protect stock while it’s being delivered or taken to a market or pop-up.
-
Crime and employee theft
Can help with covered losses from theft by employees or others, where available.
-
Commercial umbrella
A higher liability ceiling sitting over general liability and auto.
-
Property and inventory
Protection for stock, shelving, signs and build-out, with business income options if a covered loss shuts the doors.
-
Busy seasons
Ask whether your inventory limit can rise for holiday stock.
Which coverages are available depends on carrier eligibility and underwriting, and every policy has its own limits, exclusions and terms. We’ll go over what applies to your business before you decide anything.
Workers’ comp in Tennessee
Do I need workers’ comp in Tennessee?
Sources: Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation: Who Must Carry Insurance
- Five employees or moreMost Tennessee businesses outside construction generally need workers’ comp once they have five or more employees, including part-time workers.
- Owners and officersHow owners, partners and corporate officers are counted can vary by business structure. We’ll go over yours.
- A 1099 doesn’t settle itThe state looks at how the work is controlled, not just how someone is paid. A worker you pay on a 1099 may still count as an employee.
Know your risks
What risks come with running a store?
Shop owners tell us they lose sleep over shopper injuries, theft, storms and missing the holiday rush.
- Customer injuriesTrips and falls in the store or parking area.
- TheftShoplifting, break-ins and employee theft are each handled differently.
- Storm damageWind, hail and water can damage stock and close the store.
- Lost busy seasonBusiness income may help after a covered loss.
- Products you sellAsk how your policy handles claims tied to products you sell.
Leases, contracts and requirements
Leases and requirements for retail stores
Landlords and shopping centers often ask for specific coverage and a certificate. Bring your lease to us.
-
Your lease
Shopping-center leases commonly name a minimum liability amount and ask that the property owner be added to your policy.
-
Markets and pop-ups
Event organizers often ask for a certificate of insurance before you set up.
-
Online sales
Tell us if you sell online or ship products, so we can look at how that’s covered.
We’re an insurance agency, not a licensing office or attorney. Rules change, and cities and counties can add their own, so always confirm current requirements with the right state or local office.
Certificates of insurance
Need a certificate of insurance?
Landlords, lenders, event venues and clients often want a certificate of insurance. Call us at 615-562-5100 with the certificate holder’s name and address and what they’re asking for.
A certificate only shows the coverage your policy already has. It can’t add coverage or change your policy. Additional insured, waiver of subrogation and primary and noncontributory requests depend on your policy’s terms, so send those to us early and we’ll tell you what’s possible.
What to have ready when you call
- The certificate holder: Their full legal name and mailing address.
- The job: The project name or address, if they want it listed.
- Their requirements: The insurance page of the contract, or the list of limits and endorsements they asked for.
Areas we serve
Where do we work with retail stores and shops?
Our only office is in Mt. Juliet, and we work with businesses in Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, Watertown, Hermitage, Old Hickory, Nashville, Gallatin, Hendersonville and the rest of Middle Tennessee, all from our Mt. Juliet office.
- Wilson CountyMt. Juliet, Lebanon and WatertownHome of our office on Providence Pkwy.
- Davidson CountyHermitage, Old Hickory, Donelson and NashvilleWest on I-40 and Lebanon Rd.
- Sumner CountyGallatin and HendersonvilleNorth across Old Hickory Lake.
- All of Middle TennesseeMiddle TennesseeAnywhere in Middle Tennessee. Most of what you need can be handled by phone and email, and you’re always welcome at the office.
Our office sits on Providence Pkwy, just off I-40 in Mt. Juliet. We work with local businesses from Lebanon and Watertown to Hermitage, Nashville, Gallatin and Hendersonville. Wherever your business is, you can call one local office for your coverage.
Getting started
How does getting a quote work?
Call or request a quote
Call 615-562-5100 or use the form below. Tell us what kind of work you do and who you work for.
We talk it through
We’ll ask about your business, your staff, your space, vehicles and any lease or contract requirements, and explain your options in plain language.
You decide
We’ll go over the coverage options available to you, what each one does and what it costs, so you can choose what fits. No pressure.
More for Middle Tennessee businesses: restaurant insurance, professional office insurance, business auto insurance and small business insurance. In the trades? See our insurance for contractors. Not sure where to start? Read how much business insurance you may need.
Your agent
Meet Dustin Rodgers
I’m Dustin Rodgers, and I run Rodgers Insurance Agency from our office on Providence Pkwy in Mt. Juliet. I grew up in Middle Tennessee, and a lot of the people I work with are small business owners who build, fix and maintain this area for a living. I’ve been in the insurance business since March 2011.
When you call, you’ll talk with me or someone on my team who knows your file. We’ll listen to how your business actually runs, explain things in plain language, and be here when you need a certificate, a policy change or help with a claim.
- TN Insurance License #2027275
- In the insurance business since March 2011
- Trevecca Nazarene University
- Hume Fogg Academic High School
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated
Do retail stores in Tennessee need workers’ comp?
Tennessee generally requires it once a non-construction business reaches five employees, and part-timers count toward that number.
What is a business owner’s policy?
A business owner’s policy often combines general liability and property coverage for small businesses, where available.
Is shoplifting covered?
It depends on your policy. Theft coverage varies, and some losses may be excluded.
Is employee theft covered?
Usually only with crime coverage. Ask us about it.
Can I raise coverage for holiday inventory?
Some policies let you raise the stock limit for peak months. We can check whether yours does.
What if a storm closes my store?
That’s what business income coverage is designed for, within your policy’s terms. We’ll walk through how your waiting period works.
Do I need coverage for markets and pop-ups?
Organizers often ask for a certificate. Tell us where you sell.
My shopping center wants proof of coverage. Can you help?
Yes. Give our office the property manager’s name and address and we’ll send a certificate showing your current coverage.
Do you only insure shops near your office?
No. We serve Middle Tennessee from our Mt. Juliet office, and shops from Watertown to Nashville and up to Hendersonville work with us.
What do I need for a retail insurance quote?
It helps to have a rough inventory value, annual sales, how many people work for you, a copy of your lease, and any policy you carry now. Then we’ll follow up.
Request a business insurance quote
Tell us a little about your business, and we’ll call you back during business hours. Prefer to talk now? Call 615-562-5100.
It helps to have a rough inventory value, annual sales, how many people work for you, a copy of your lease, and any policy you carry now.
Stop By or Call Our Mt. Juliet Office
Have a lease or contract that asks for certain coverage, or just a question? Give us a call, or set a time to sit down with Dustin in person or by phone.
- Address
- 1982 Providence Pkwy Ste 257
Mt Juliet, TN 37122 - Directions
- Providence area, second floor, same building as Oscar’s Taco Shop
- Phone
- 615-562-5100
- Reviews
- Google reviews · Leave a review
- Hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Saturday–Sunday, closed