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These businesses distribute general hardware and cutlery to retailers such as hardware stores, home improvement stores and general stores. Products distributed may include bolts, nuts, washers, rivets, screws, locks and hand tools including power tools. Specialized products that are purchased by sporting goods and home improvement stores may be included, such as bicycles, lawn and garden supplies, lawnmowers, fertilizers and building materials and supplies. Products are intended for mostly home and automotive use and are not usually used commercially.

General Liability Insurance for Hardware Distributors – Hardware distributors have slight premises liability exposures unless they permit customers to pick up items directly from the warehouse. In this case, higher hazard employee areas should be physically separated from customer areas by barriers or doorways with signage indicating entry is restricted to employees. If customer access is necessary, the customer should be escorted by an employee and should wear a hard hat or any other required protective equipment. Customer accessible areas should remain clean and hazard free at all times. Toxic and hazardous products that are sold should be clearly marked with appropriate warning labels and instructions in order to prevent products liability. Power tools should also include proper usage instructions. Importing goods from other countries will increase the risk of products liability.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Hardware Distributors – Hardware products, such as nails, screws, saws, garden tools, power tools, etc., can be dangerous to warehouse employees. Employees of hardware distribution centers should be taught to properly handle hardware items. Personal protective equipment should be worn, such as safety shoes and gloves. Other concerns that are typical of warehouse employees are injuries that occur while lifting, loading, unloading, or delivering goods. Training programs should be enforced.

Business Auto Insurance for Hardware Distributors – The gross vehicle weight of delivery trucks and vans can increase the severity of damage caused as a result of an automobile accident. Delivery drivers may be required to have commercial drivers licenses and drug tests performed upon request. Drivers should be trained to properly operate delivery trucks in order to reduce automobile accidents. Vehicles should be in good repair and serviced often. Service records should be kept on file. Drivers for hardware distribution centers should all have acceptable driving records and their MVRs should be run on a regular basis.

Property Insurance for Hardware Distributors – If flammable solvents and materials are sold by the hardware distribution center, then the potential for fire damage is significantly increased. Flammable products should be properly handled and stored away from heat sources. The design and construction of the building should minimize fire loss. Warehouses that are constructed of fire restive and masonry non-combustible materials will have a lower fire risk. Fire suppression systems will help reduce the likelihood of a total loss. Hardware items are not likely to be permanently damaged while being transported as long as they are properly loaded and secured. As a result, Inland Marine risks are fairly low.

Crime Insurance for Hardware Distributors – Burglary risk of money and securities can be reduced for hardware distributors by the use of double cylinder deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and bars around low visibility windows. Employees may steal hardware items from the distribution center. Applicants should be thoroughly screened prior to being hired. Security cameras and alarms may deter dishonest employees. Inventory should be regularly monitored and controlled. New orders should be processed by employees who do not handle inventory counting procedures.