Storefront Crash Business Protection: What Every Owner Should Know
Did you know that storefront crashes happen more than 100 times a day in the U.S.? That’s a scary stat – especially if you own or run a brick-and-mortar business.
According to the Storefront Safety Council:
- Over 100 crashes per day involve vehicles hitting buildings
- 46% lead to injuries
- 8% result in fatalities
That’s not just unfortunate – that’s a serious safety (and liability) concern. Let’s talk about how to get ahead of the problem with real storefront crash business protection.
Who Is Responsible After a Storefront Crash?
Quick rundown:
- Yes, the driver running through your cafe wall is responsible for any damage to your property and injuries to your employees and customers.
- Yes, their Car insurance should cover the damage – cue the liability limits.
- BUT – if this driver does not have enough insurance or is uninsured (hello, canceled policy due to a missed payment), your own business insurance may need to step in.
That’s where the right Business insurance coverage can save the day. Here’s what it might include – and how it plays out in real life:
Property Damage
Example: A car crashes into your glass storefront, destroying windows, doors, and part of the display area. Your Commercial Property Insurance (usually a part of your BOP policy) can help cover the cost of repairs and replacements.
Injuries to Employees or Customers
Example: One of your employees is injured during the crash. Workers’ Compensation Insurance can help cover medical bills and lost wages. If a customer is hurt, General Liability Insurance may help cover their medical expenses and legal fees.
Lost Income During Downtime
Example: Your shop is closed for two weeks while repairs are underway. Business Interruption Insurance can help replace lost income during that period, so you are not left scrambling to pay rent or staff.
How to Prevent Storefront Crashes in the First Place
Let’s be honest – insurance is there to help after something bad happens. But what if you could stop that car from ever hitting your business?
Enter: safety bollards.
These heavy-duty vertical posts (think steel or concrete) are installed in front of your building, consequently creating a physical barrier that keeps cars where they belong: on the road.
Installing bollards helps:
- Prevent vehicles from crashing into your building.
- Protect pedestrians, employees, and customers.
- Reduce your liability risks.
- It may even improve your storefront’s look.
When it comes to real storefront crash business protection, bollards + insurance = peace of mind.
Your Business Needs More Than Luck
If your storefront faces a parking lot, busy street, or anywhere near traffic, this isn’t an “it’ll never happen to me” situation. This is about being smart, prepared, and covered.
A solid storefront crash protection plan should include the following:
- Proper insurance.
- Preventative safety features like bollards.
- Regular policy reviews to make sure your business is up to date.
Live well, enjoy your business venture, and keep it safe.
Wondering what happens if you’re the one behind the wheel? Here’s what insurance covers if you crash into a storefront.