Nuts, bolts, paint and the policy behind them.
Property and inventory, general and product liability, crime, delivery auto and workers' comp for independent hardware, paint and home improvement stores.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Heavy shelves, flammable stock and contractor customers
A hardware store carries more than a typical shop: paint, solvents and propane on site, tall shelving that can tip or drop stock on a customer, and services like key cutting, paint mixing, glass cutting or tool rental that bring their own claims. Many stores also deliver lumber or supplies to job sites.
I place hardware and paint stores with markets that write the class, building one package around property and stock, general and product liability, crime, and the trucks and staff that keep the doors open.
- Property and stockBuilding, fixtures, inventory and paint-mixing equipment.
- General liabilityCustomer injuries from falling stock, ladders and wet floors.
- Product liabilityClaims tied to products you sell, often shared with the maker.
- Commercial autoDelivery trucks running to homes and job sites.
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 building details.
- Stock: inventory value, including paint, propane and chemicals.
- Services: key cutting, paint mixing, glass cutting, tool rental.
- Deliveries: vehicles, drivers and how far they go.
- Revenue and payroll: annual figures and number of staff.
- History: current policies and any claims.
Hardware store insurance, answered
Does a BOP work for a hardware store?
Often, yes, for smaller stores. Stores with large stock, heavy delivery or tool rental may need a package policy instead, which I can quote side by side.
Is a product I sold but didn't make covered?
Product liability can respond to claims from products you sell, subject to the policy terms. The maker is usually named too, and supplier contracts matter.
What about tools I rent out?
Rental equipment is often excluded or limited on a standard store policy. Tell me about rentals so I can add the right coverage.
Does paint and propane change my coverage?
Flammable stock affects how insurers view the fire risk. Storage, cages and sprinklers all help, and I list them on the application.
Are contractor accounts a problem?
No, but deliveries to job sites and charge accounts can add auto and crime exposure, so I ask about both.
Do you offer hardware 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.
Tell me about your store. I'll shop it.
What you sell, your stock value and any rentals or deliveries 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.