Hardware Stores Insurance
Protect your hardware store from customer injuries, product claims and stock losses with cover designed for DIY and hardware retailers.
Get in touchWhat is hardware stores insurance?
Hardware Stores insurance is a specialist policy designed to protect retail businesses from the risks of selling products, managing premises and employing staff. It typically includes public liability, employers liability, stock cover and buildings and contents insurance.
Running a retail business involves risks from customer injuries and product claims to theft and property damage. The right insurance protects you against claims that could otherwise threaten your business.
Find insurers who understand retail and ecommerce businesses, so your cover reflects the products you sell and the channels you trade through.
Public Liability
Covers claims from customers for injury at your hardware store.
Employers Liability
Required by law if you employ anyone, covering employee injury or illness claims.
Buildings and Contents
Covers your premises, shelving, equipment and stock.
Products Liability
Covers claims from hardware products you sell.
Who needs hardware stores insurance?
Independent hardware stores
Operating a high street ironmongers or hardware shop
DIY superstores
Running a large-format DIY and home improvement store
Trade counters
Supplying hardware and materials to tradespeople
Online hardware retailers
Selling hardware and tools through a website
Regulatory and compliance requirements for hardware stores
Hardware stores must comply with the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and construction product regulations. Tools, building materials, and electrical items must meet safety standards. Non-compliant products (faulty power tools, unsafe building materials) expose you to customer injury claims and Trading Standards enforcement.
If you sell electrical tools or equipment, items must be CE marked and meet electrical safety directives. Power tools must have appropriate warnings and operating instructions. Faulty power tools (electrical hazards, mechanical failures) create serious injury risk; products liability cover is critical.
Chemical products (paint, solvents, adhesives) must comply with hazardous substances regulations (COSHH). Labels must include safety warnings and hazard classifications. If a customer is injured by improper use or exposure, you may be liable if warnings are inadequate or product guidance is incorrect.
If you offer delivery or installation services (fitting doors, windows, or shelving), you may face additional liability. Installation liability requires professional indemnity or specialist coverage; standard retail cover does not extend to installation work by your staff or contractors.
How much does hardware stores insurance cost?
£500–£1,400 annually for an independent hardware store with annual turnover under £500k
Real claims: what hardware stores insurance covers
A customer uses a faulty power drill sold in your shop; electrical malfunction causes a shock injury: £5,100
Products liability cover paid the medical costs and settlement for the electrical fault
£5,100
A customer is injured by chemical exposure from incorrectly labelled paint stripper; hospital treatment: £4,800
Products liability and hazardous substances liability covered the claim
£4,800
A heavy tool falls from a shop shelf onto a customer's foot; fracture and lost wages claim: £6,200
Public liability policy paid the medical costs and compensation
£6,200
WHY CECIL
Built differently.
Cover for hardware stores risks
Hardware Stores face specific risks from product claims to customer injuries. Cecil finds insurers who understand your retail sector and cover these risks properly.
Stock and premises protected
Your stock and premises are your primary assets. Cecil ensures your policy covers the full value of your inventory and business property.
Products liability included
If a product you sell causes injury or damage, products liability covers the claim. Cecil makes sure this is part of your retail insurance package.
Competitive quotes for retailers
Get options from specialist insurers to find retail insurance from specialist providers. Cover that reflects the specific risks of your business, not a generic commercial policy.
Common questions about hardware stores insurance
Do hardware stores need public liability insurance?
Yes, public liability is essential for retail businesses. Customer injuries on your premises and product-related claims are real risks that require proper cover.
Does hardware stores insurance cover stock theft?
Yes, your buildings and contents policy typically covers stock theft, subject to security requirements. Cecil ensures your stock is covered at its full value.
Do hardware stores need products liability insurance?
If you sell products to customers, products liability covers claims if those products cause injury or damage. It is an essential part of retail insurance.
What level of public liability do hardware stores need?
Most retailers carry between £1m and £5m of public liability cover. Shopping centre landlords and market operators may specify minimum levels.
Does hardware stores insurance cover online sales?
Products liability covers your products wherever they are sold. If you sell online, make sure your insurer knows about your ecommerce operations.
What insurance do hardware stores need?
Public liability, employers liability, all-risks stock cover (tools have high theft value), and products liability are all essential. If you stock hazardous chemicals or offer installation services, add specialist coverage.
Does hardware store insurance cover electrical tool defects?
Yes. Products liability covers injury from faulty electrical tools, power tools, or any CE-marked equipment. Ensure all electrical products are properly tested before sale and CE marked.
What are my responsibilities for chemical product sales?
You must ensure chemical products are properly labelled with hazard warnings and COSHH information. Products liability covers injury from chemical exposure if labelling or warnings are inadequate. If a customer ignores proper warnings, liability may be limited.
Do I need extra insurance if I offer delivery or installation?
Yes. Standard retail cover does not extend to installation. If you fit windows, hang doors, or install shelving, add professional indemnity or specialist installation cover. Ensure installation staff are trained and insured.
Is hardware store stock cover expensive?
No more than other general retailers. However, theft is common (tools are high-value and portable), so all-risks cover (including theft) is advisable. Stock cover should reflect the replacement cost of your typical inventory.
Interested in Hardware Stores insurance?
We will be in contact when Cecil launches.