Buy Pharmacy Liability Insurance – Compare Quotes & Costs [2022]

Pharmacy Liability Insurance Policy Information

Pharmacy Liability Insurance. The role of pharmacies continues to expand, including providing consultations and vaccinations. With this expansion comes increased exposure for liability claims.

In a recent claim study, the two most common allegations against pharmacies were wrong drug and wrong dose. Together, these two allegations comprised 75% of all lawsuits against pharmacies.

Drug stores sell prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to customers. Operations can range from the small pharmacy that only fills prescriptions, to retail stores that offer pharmacy services along with the sale of sundries, to huge super or discount drug stores that sell all varieties of general merchandise.

Pharmacy’s can be locally owned, attached to and related to physicians’ offices, clinics, or hospitals, or part of a regional or national chain or franchise. Medical supplies and equipment rentals may be part of the operations. Lunch counters or cafeterias may be on premises.

Food items or snacks may be sold. Some will offer a variety of services that have little or no relationship to drug sales, such as cosmetic or beauty supplies or even beauty shops, shoe repair, or key duplication.

Alcoholic beverages may be sold for off-premises consumption. Some may offer health care services, including sports physicals and the administration of vaccines.

Most pharmacy liability insurance policies are in the form of a Business Owners Policy (BOP). A BOP typically offers small businesses coverage for property and liability risks in one package.

Pharmacy liability insurance protects your store from lawsuits with rates as low as $97/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked pharmacy insurance questions:

• How Much Does Pharmacy Liability Insurance Cost?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Pharmacies Need?

Drug Store’s And Pharmacies’ Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure comes from slips and falls due to public access to the premises. Floor coverings must be in good condition with no frayed or worn spots on carpet and no cracks or holes in flooring. Steps and uneven floor surfaces should be prominently marked. Sufficient exits must be provided and be well marked, with backup lighting systems in case of power failure. Extra care must be taken to provide adequate aisle space and waiting areas as some customers may be sick or have impaired mobility.

The rental of medical equipment can result in additional injuries to customers who already have health problems. Equipment must be inspected and maintained after each use. Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls. If the business is open after dark, there should be adequate lighting and appropriate security for the area. Personal injury exposure can arise from invasion of customers’ privacy should confidential medical information be released to unauthorized sources.

There is also the exposure from apprehending and detaining suspected shoplifters. The use of closed-circuit camera systems prevents such incidents from evolving into a “he said, she said” situation. Employees must be trained to deal with all such delicate situations properly.

Products and professional exposure are tied together. The training, experience, background, and expertise of anyone handling and dispensing of drugs are very high concerns and need thorough review. Most states require that only health care professionals with appropriate credentials be permitted to issue prescriptions. However, recent legislation has opened prescription-writing to druggists in certain states, substantially increasing the exposure to loss in those states.

Some drugstores now offer limited health care services including screenings and the administrating of vaccines. If performed by an employee, proper licensure is required. If performed by a vendor, certificates of insurance showing professional liability are required.

If liquor is sold, employees must be trained to verify that customers are not underage and to recognize signs of intoxication.

Workers compensation exposure is due to lifting which can cause back injury, hernias, sprains, and strains, and from slips and falls. Employees should be provided with safety equipment, trained on proper handling techniques, and have conveying devices available to assist with heavy lifting. Shelves should be easily accessible for storage. Stepladders should be available.

Housekeeping in storage areas is vital to prevent trips and falls. In any retail business, hold-ups are possible. Employees should be trained to respond in a prescribed manner. Cooking operations can result in cuts, slips, falls, and burns. Delivery drivers may be subject to robbery if they transport high value street drugs.

Property exposure may be low if ignition sources are limited to electrical wiring, heating and cooling equipment. Oxygen tanks can explode and should be kept away from heat sources. If there is food service, cooking equipment must be properly protected with fire extinguishers close at hand. If a fire should occur, the loss could be substantial as the FDA requires most drug and alcohol stocks exposed to fire or smoke to be destroyed due to the possibility of contamination.

Theft is a major exposure due to the amount of narcotics and other popular street drugs kept on hand, liquor and tobacco products. Individual items may be shoplifted. Appropriate security measures must be taken including physical barriers to prevent entrance after hours and an alarm system that reports directly to a central station or the police department.

Business interruption exposure can be high if alternative facilities are not available after a loss.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities either from holdup or safe burglary. Background checks should be conducted on all employees handling money. There must be separation of duties between persons handling deposits and disbursements and handling bank statements. Receipting, inventory monitoring, and regular auditing are important.

Money should be regularly collected from cash drawers and moved away from the collection area, preferably to a safe on premises. Bank drops should be made regularly to prevent a buildup of cash on the premises. Narcotics should be inaccessible to customers and non-pharmacy employees and under constant surveillance to reduce the possibility of inventory shortage.

Inland marine exposures are from accounts receivable if the store offers credit, computers to transact sales and monitor inventory, and valuable papers and records due to customers’ and vendors’ records. Backup copies of all records, including computer records, should be made and stored off premises.

Business auto exposure may be limited to hired non-owned for employees running errands. If delivery services are provided, all employees driving vehicles must have valid licenses and acceptable MVRs. Vehicles must be regularly maintained with records kept.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 5912 Drug Stores and Proprietary Stores
• NAICS CODE: 446110 Pharmacies and Drug Stores
• Suggested ISO General Liability Code(s): 12374 Drugstores – No Table or Counter Service For Beverage or Food, 12375 Drugstores
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8045 Store – Drug – Retail

5912: Drug Stores and Proprietary Stores

Division G: Retail Trade | Major Group 59: Miscellaneous Retail | Industry Group 591: Drug Stores And Proprietary Stores

5912 Drug Stores and Proprietary Stores: Establishments engaged in the retail sale of prescription drugs, proprietary drugs, and non-prescription medicines, and which may also carry a number of related lines, such as cosmetics, toiletries, tobacco, and novelty merchandise. These stores are included on the basis of their usual trade designation rather than on the stricter interpretation of commodities handled. This industry includes drug stores which also operate a soda fountain or lunch counter.

• Apothecaries-retail
• Drug stores-retail
• Pharmacies-retail
• Proprietary (non-prescription medicines) stores-retail

Pharmacy Liability Insurance – The Bottom Line

It’s hard to set a baseline rate for pharmacy insurance because it’s based on a variety of factors unique to you and your company. Things like security features, liability issues, and the services that you provide will make a difference in the coverage you need, which ultimately determines your premium. Researching options and collecting quotes is your best bet before you buy.

When purchasing a pharmacy liability insurance policy, people should always buy from an agent who understands and can explain all the details of the policy and is also familiar with the pharmacy business. Another thing to look for is who and what is insured under the policy.

This is important as the pharmacy owner will want to know who exactly is insured under their policy and what they are covered against.

The pharmacy industry is rapidly changing and expanding. With new and challenging practice areas come a proportional increase in exposure to professional liabilities. Pharmacy insurance is designed to safeguard your livelihood, your business, and your peace of mind.

Types Of Small Business Insurance – Requirements & Regulations

Perhaps you have the next great idea for a product or service that you know will appeal to your local area. If you’ve got a business, you’ve got risks. Unexpected events and lawsuits can wipe out a business quickly, wasting all the time and money you’ve invested.

Operating a business is challenging enough without having to worry about suffering a significant financial loss due to unforeseen and unplanned circumstances. Small business insurance can protect your company from some of the more common losses experienced by business owners, such as property damage, business interruption, theft, liability, and employee injury.

Purchasing the appropriate commercial insurance coverage can make the difference between going out of business after a loss or recovering with minimal business interruption and financial impairment to your company’s operations.

Insurance is so important to proper business function that both federal governments and state governments require companies to carry certain types. Thus, being properly insured also helps you protect your company by protecting it from government fines and penalties.

Small Business Insurance Information

In the business world, there are many risks faced by company’s every day. The best way that business owners can protect themselves from these perils is by carrying the right insurance coverage.

The The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is the U.S. standard-setting and regulatory support organization. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer review, and coordinate their regulatory oversight.

Commercial insurance is particularly important for small business owners, as they stand to lose a lot more. Should a situation arise – a lawsuit, property damage, theft, etc. – small business owners could end up facing serious financial turmoil.

According to the SBA, having the right insurance plan in place can help you avoid major pitfalls. Your business insurance should offer coverage for all of your assets. It should also include liability and casual coverage.

Types Of Small Business Insurance

Choosing the right type of coverage is absolutely vital. You’ve got plenty of options. Some you’ll need. Some you won’t. You should know what’s available. Once you look over your options you’ll need to conduct a thorough risk assessment. As you evaluate each type of insurance, ask yourself:

• What type of business am I running?
• What are common risks associated with this industry?
• Does this type of insurance cover a situation that could feasibly arise during the normal course of doing business?
• Does my state require me to carry this type of insurance?
• Does my lender or do any of my investors require me to carry this type of policy?

A licensed insurance agent or broker in your state can help you determine what kinds of coverages are prudent for your business types. If you find one licensed to sell multiple policies from multiple companies (independent agents) that person can often help you get the best insurance rates, too. Following is some information on some of the most common small business insurance policies:

Business Insurance Policy Type What Is Covered? General Liability InsuranceWhat is covered under commercial general liability insurance? It steps in to pay claims when you lose a lawsuit with an injured customer, employee, or vendor. The injury could be physical, or it could be a financial loss based on advertising practices. Workers Compensation InsuranceWhat is covered under workers compensation insurance? This type of insurance protects a business and its owner(s) from claims by employees who suffer a work-related injury, illness or disease. Workers comp typically provides the injured employee with benefits to cover medical expenses, a portion of his/her lost wages, rehabilitation costs if applicable, and permanent partial or permanent total disability. Product Liability InsuranceWhat is covered under product liability insurance? I pays an injured party’s settlement or lawsuit claim arising from a defective product. These are usually caused by design defects, manufacturing defects, or a failure to provide adequate warning or instructions as to how to safely use the product. Commercial Property InsuranceWhat is covered under business property insurance? General liability policies don’t cover damages to your business property. That’s what commercial property insurance is for. It protects all of the physical parts of your business: your building, your inventory, and your equipment, giving you the funds you need to replace them in the event of a disaster. If you work from home, you might consider a Home Based Business Insurance policy instead. Business Owners Policy (BOP)What is covered under a business owners policy (BOP)? This is a policy designed for small, low-risk businesses. It simplifies the basic insurance purchase process by combining general liability policies with business income and commercial property insurance. Commercial Auto InsuranceWhat is covered under business auto insurance? This type of insurance covers automobiles being used for business purposes. This could include a fleet of business-only vehicles or a single company car. In some cases it might cover your car or your employee’s car while they’re being used for business. These policies have much higher limits, ensuring you can cover your costs if one of these vehicles gets into an accident. Commercial Umbrella PoliciesWhat is covered under commercial umbrella insurance? This type of policy is a sort of “gap” insurance. It covers your liability in the event that a court verdict or settlement exceeds your general liability policy limits. Liquor Liability InsuranceWhat is covered under liquor liability insurance? It covers bodily injury or property damage caused by an intoxicated person who was served liquor by the policy holder. Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions)What is covered under professional liability insurance? This type of business insurance is also known as malpractice oe E&O. It covers the damages that can arise from major mistakes, especially in high-stakes professions where mistakes can be devastating. Surety BondWhat is covered under surety bonds? Bonding is a contract where one party, the SURETY (who assures the obligee that the principal can perform the task), guarantees the performance of certain obligations of a second party, the PRINCIPAL (the contractor or business who will perform the contractual obligation), to a third party, the OBLIGEE (the project owner who is the recipient of an obligation).

Who Needs General Liability Insurance? – Virtually every business. A single lawsuit or settlement could bankrupt your business five times over. You might also need this policy to win business. Many companies and government agencies won’t do business with your company until you can produce proof that you’ve obtained one of these policies.

Business Insurance Required by Law

If you have any employees most states will require you to carry worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance. Some states require you to insure yourself even if you are the only employee working in the business.

Your insurance agent can help you check applicable state laws so you can bring your business into compliance.

Other Types Of Small Business Insurance

There are dozens of other, more specialized forms of small business insurance capable of covering specific problems and risks. These forms of insurance include:

• Business Interruption Insurance
• Commercial Flood Insurance
• Contractor’s Insurance
• Cyber Liability
• Data Breach
• Directors and Officers
• Employment Practices Liability
• Environmental or Pollution Liability
• Management Liability
• Sexual Misconduct Liability

Whether you need any or all of these policies will depend on the results of your risk assessment. For example, you probably don’t need an environmental or pollution policy if you’re running an IT company out of a leased office, but you would need data breach and cyber liability policies to fully protect your business.

Also learn about small business insurance requirements for general liability, business property, commercial auto & workers compensation including small business commercial insurance costs. Call us (855) 767-7828.

Additional Resources For Retail Insurance

Read valuable small business retail insurance policy information. In a retail business, you need to have the right type of commercial insurance coverage so that your store, employees, and inventory are protected.

• Adult Novelty
• Antique Dealers
• Appliance & Electronics Store
• Army Navy Surplus Stores
• Art Dealers
• Art Gallery
• Arts & Crafts Supply Stores
• Bicycle Shop
• Boat Dealers
• Book Store
• Bridal Shop
• Candy Confectionery Store
• Carpet Store
• Cell Phone Stores
• Clothing Store
• Collectibles Memorabilia Store
• Consignment Stores
• Convenience Store
• Cosmetics Store
• Costume Stores
• Dry Cleaning
• Embroidery Services
• Equipment Rental
• Fabric Stores
• Fish Markets
• Flea Markets
• Florist
• Funeral Home
• Furniture Store
• Gift Store
• Greeting Card Stores
• Hardware Store
• Harness & Saddle Shops
• Home Improvement Store
• Infant, Baby & Children’s Clothing Stores
• Jewelry Store
• Lamp Stores
• Lingerie Store
• Luggage Store
• Meat Market & Butcher Shop
• Men’s Clothing Stores
• Music Store
• Newsstand
• Office Supply Store
• Paint & Wallpaper Store
• Pawn Shop
• Pet Store
• Pharmacy Liability
• Plumbing Supplies Fixtures Store
• Poultry Dealers
• Rent To Own Stores
• Scrap Metal Dealers
• Sewing Store
• Shoe Store
• Sporting Goods Store
• Stationary Store
• Thrift Store
• Ticket Agency
• Tire Store
• Tobacco Store
• Toy Store
• Travel Agency
• Trophy Stores
• Tuxedo And Formal Wear Rental Store
• Vape
• Vending Machine Operators
• Wig Store
• Women’s Clothing Stores

Retail stores are susceptible to premises liability claims because of customer traffic, but large department and specialty stores are more susceptible than most.

All retail stores have significant property exposures. The on-hand stock represents a considerable investment, but the amount on hand fluctuates seasonally. For this reason, physical damage insurance on this property must be arranged carefully. When the insured occupies a non-owned building, insurance coverage must be arranged for the insured’s interest in extensive improvements and betterments made to the premises.

Crime insurance, in the form of employee theft and money and securities coverage, is also very important.

The businessowners policy was designed with retail exposures and operations in mind. For this reason alone, it should always be the first type of package coverage to consider. However, for those risks not eligible for the business owners policy program, the commercial package policy (CPP) is a practical and convenient way to combine a number of coverages into one policy.

Retail businesses generate income through interaction with customers. This interaction is also how a customer can sustain an injury and then sue the retailer for damages. Hazards, exposures and operations both on premises and off are important and must be covered, but liability the retailer may incur because of the merchandise sold must also be considered and insurance protection arranged.

Inventory or stock is the major property exposure for most retail operations. Because stock values tend to fluctuate or have significant peaks at certain times of the year, value reporting or peak season valuation options should be considered. Business income coverage, including business income from dependent properties coverage, may mean the difference between a retail operation staying in business or being forced into bankruptcy following a loss.

When the insured occupies a non-owned building, insurance coverage must be arranged for the insured’s interest in extensive improvements and betterments made to the premises.

Most retail businesses offer endless opportunities for a variety of criminal activities. For this reason, the coverages needed must be carefully evaluated. Holdup and robbery losses may be the most obvious concerns but employee theft, fraud and counterfeit money losses are also serious issues that cannot be dismissed.

Retail businesses are gaining greater exposure to international issues because of the growth in sales via the internet. As these sales increase, the added exposures faced by these retailers must be evaluated. While their operating horizons are expanding so are their potential loss exposures.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Business Income and Extra Expense, Equipment Breakdown, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits, Umbrella, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Computer Fraud, Forgery, Bailees Customers, Goods in Transit, Jewelers Block, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.