Small Business Insurance That is Competitively Priced and That Provides the Gold Standard in Protection in 3 Fast and Easy Steps

• Complete Quick Quote Form in about 2 minutes
• An experienced insurance agent will call you for phone quote
• Accept quote and coverage confirmation may be emailed in minutes.

These businesses distribute fresh cut flowers, flower arrangements, growing plants and florist supplies. Florist supplies may include clippers, twine, containers, floral picks, ribbon and spray paint. Retailers, including florist stores and other businesses that sell fresh cut flowers and growing plants, purchase these goods to use and sell in their stores.

General Liability Insurance for Florist Distributors – Florist distributors normally have low exposures for premises liability unless customers are permitted on site. In this case, all areas should be restricted from customer access except the loading areas designated specifically for them. Other potential visitors include truck drivers waiting for the plants, flowers, and other cargo to be unloaded, salesmen, and retail buyers. Outside areas such as parking lots, sidewalks, and other walkways should be well lit and free of defects such as holes, cracks, and trash. Products liability risks are increased by the sale of poisonous plants. Adequate warning labels should be attached to these plants. If any flowers contain dye that may stain clothing, then they should be appropriately labeled with usage instructions.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Florist Distributors – Floors may be wet when watering plants and flowers at florist distribution centers. Wet floors could cause employees to slip and fall. Procedures should be in place to ensure wet floors are mopped and dried immediately in order to prevent employee injury. Installation of non-slip flooring would also help reduce injury in areas that are prone to being wet on a frequent basis. Back injury may occur when lifting heavy objects, loading and unloading docks, or delivering flowers. Employees may be injured from handling the florist tools and supplies such as cutting shears, wire cutters and stem strippers. Adequate training programs should be implemented to ensure employee safety.

Business Auto Insurance for Florist Distributors – Vehicles provided for delivery are often larger and heavier than most vehicles on the road. Auto liability risks are greater due to the increased potential of damage during an accident. Therefore, drivers must be screened prior to employment, have satisfactory driving records, and have their MVRs checked every year. Adequate driver training must be required for operating delivery vehicles. Florist distributors company vehicles are to remain in good working order at all times. Regular vehicle maintenance is required with verifying records on file.

Property Insurance for Florist Distributors – Plants and flowers are delicate and need to be stored according to their individual needs. Refrigeration units are required for some flowers and, therefore, should be in working order. Backup procedures should be available if power is lost. Fire could result in a total loss because of the sensitive nature of plants and flowers. Electrical wiring should be in good condition and inspected weekly for frayed wires. All repairs should be made immediately by a licensed electrician or other certified refrigeration equipment vendor. Flowers have a limited shelf life and should be rotated regularly. The florist business experiences peak seasons around Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Christmas. Florist distributors should have an endorsement or reporting form added to the policy for additional protection during these times. Plants and flowers may possibly be damaged while in transit, resulting in increased Inland Marine risks.

Crime Insurance for Florist Distributors – The risk of employee theft for florist distributors is greatest during peak seasons due to the increased number of employees and the higher volume of inventory. Ordering procedures should be handled by employees separate from those who handle inventory controls. By separating duties, the risk of employee dishonesty is reduced. The use of security cameras may also help reduce employee theft. Outsiders can engage in theft by making payment for products with invalid credit cards or checks. Employees should receive training and have available the latest technology for identifying fraudulent or invalid checks and credit cards.