The Core Coverages Every Gas Station Needs

• Commercial Property Insurance — Covers buildings, canopy, pumps/dispensers, underground wiring, signage, refrigeration, and business personal property (shelves, POS systems, store fixtures, inventory). Pay close attention to deductibles:

  • AOP (All Other Perils) Deductible applies to losses like fire, theft, vandalism, or water damage. Often a flat dollar amount (e.g. $5,000 or $10,000).

  • Wind/Hail Deductible is separate in Texas and usually a % of the insured value. On a $1M canopy, a 2% deductible = $20,000 out of pocket. Review carefully — large deductibles can cripple recovery.

• Business Income & Extra Expense — Pays for lost income and operating expenses when storms, fires, or breakdowns shut down fueling or C-store operations. This is the lifeline that keeps payroll and bills covered until you reopen.

• General Liability Insurance — Protects against slip-and-fall claims, fueling accidents, and damage to customer vehicles. Every station sees foot and vehicle traffic — GL is your foundation.

• Liquor Liability (Dram Shop) — If you sell beer or wine, Texas law makes you responsible for alcohol-related claims. Even packaged sales can create exposure. TABC compliance and ID checks reduce risk but don’t replace coverage.

• Umbrella / Excess Liability — Adds higher limits on top of GL and Auto. With high public exposure and liquor, $5M+ is common for lenders and landlords.

• Workers Compensation (Voluntary in Texas) — Not required by law, but strongly recommended. Pays for employee injuries (slips, burns, robberies). Stations are labor-intensive; WC coverage protects both the worker and the business.

High-Impact Coverages Stations Often Miss

Equipment Breakdown

Protects pumps, POS, underground wiring, refrigeration, and car wash machinery from sudden electrical or mechanical failure.

Spoilage & Utility Services

Pays for refrigerated and frozen inventory when outages or surges ruin perishable stock.

Crime Coverage

Stations are cash-heavy. Coverage for theft, burglary, and employee dishonesty is essential.

Cyber / POS Skimming

Protects against skimming, POS malware, ransomware, and data breaches. Includes forensic costs, customer notifications, and business interruption from cyberattacks.

Employment Practices Liability

Covers claims like wrongful termination, harassment, and discrimination. High turnover and late-night shifts make EPLI valuable for stations.

Pollution, Tanks & Fuel Operations

Pollution coverage is critical — but it comes after the core protections are in place.

UST/AST Pollution Legal Liability (H4)

Pays for clean-up, third-party claims, and compliance requirements for underground and aboveground storage tanks. Policies require accurate schedules, testing, and monitoring records.

Loading/Unloading & Delivery Spills (H4)

Protects against spills during fuel deliveries — a frequent source of claims. Contracts with haulers should require Additional Insured status and indemnity, but you still need backup coverage.

Fuel Contamination & Recall (H4)

Water or mis-delivery (wrong octane, diesel in gas tank) can damage hundreds of cars. Coverage pays for cleanup, repairs, and customer notification.

What Underwriters Will Ask For

• Property Info — Building values, canopy condition, pump/dispensers, refrigeration, POS, and signs.

• Deductible Strategy — Carriers want to see if you’ve planned for large wind/hail deductibles. Some will offer buy-down options if you want lower out-of-pocket exposure.

• Tank Compliance — UST/AST schedules, monitoring logs, testing results, retro dates, permits.

• Operations — Sales volume (fuel & C-store), tenant mix (QSR, smoke shop), hours of operation, liquor license details.

• Employee & Safety — Payroll by class, WC claims, robbery prevention procedures, training records.

• Security — Camera coverage, lighting, cash-handling procedures, crime score reports.

Tip: Present updated compliance, deductible strategy, and safety records with photos. A clean, complete file is often the difference between binding and a decline.

Renewal Strategy That Pays Off

• 120 Days Out — Tank compliance and environmental reports, updated property photos, liquor permits, employee training docs.

• 90 Days Out — Loss runs, claim narratives, maintenance logs for pumps, canopy, refrigeration, and POS.

• 60 Days Out — Vendor/hauler contracts with AI & indemnity, COIs for contractors, liquor training records.

• 30 Days Out — Confirm umbrella and pollution limits, wind/hail deductible strategy (or buy-down), and business income worksheet.

Key Takeaways

• Property, Business Income, GL, Liquor, Umbrella, and WC are the foundation.

• Deductibles matter — know your AOP and wind/hail terms.

• Business Personal Property (inventory, POS, fixtures) must be scheduled properly.

• Pollution coverage matters — but it’s only one piece of a bigger program.

• Crime, cyber, EPLI, and spoilage plug gaps most owners overlook.

• Underwriters reward early, complete submissions with better terms.