High volume, low price and a lot of foot traffic.
Property and inventory, general and product liability, crime and workers' comp for independent dollar stores, variety stores and general merchandise shops.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Packed aisles and imported goods
Dollar and variety stores run on volume: crowded aisles, boxes on the floor during restocking, and a steady stream of customers, which makes slip and trip claims the most common one. Much of the stock is imported from makers you'll never meet, so product claims can land on the store. Shoplifting and cash at the register add theft risk.
I place variety stores with markets that write general merchandise retail, combining property and stock with general and product liability, and adding crime and workers' comp so one policy set covers the store, the till and the staff.
- General liabilitySlips, trips and falling stock in busy aisles.
- Product liabilityClaims from imported or private-label goods.
- Property and stockInventory, shelving, signs and registers.
- CrimeEmployee theft and cash losses.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Store: address, square footage and lease or ownership.
- Stock: inventory value and peak-season levels.
- Products: any food, cosmetics, toys or private-label goods.
- Security: alarms, cameras and cash handling.
- Revenue and payroll: annual figures and staff count.
- History: current policies and any claims.
Dollar store insurance, answered
Is shoplifting covered?
Usually not. Most property and crime policies exclude ordinary shoplifting and inventory shortage. Crime coverage is for employee theft and specific cash losses.
Why does product liability matter for a store?
If an imported toy or appliance hurts someone and the maker can't be reached, the store can be the one sued. Product liability can respond, subject to the policy terms.
Do landlords set insurance requirements?
Most leases require general liability at set limits and name the landlord as additional insured. Send me the lease and I'll match it.
Does selling food change my policy?
Packaged snacks and drinks are common and usually fine to disclose. Refrigerated or prepared food may add spoilage and other questions.
Do you offer dollar store insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Official sources
Tell me about your store. I'll shop it.
Your square footage, stock value and revenue are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. Your application link comes by email right away, and you get an update at every step until your quotes are ready.
(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.