Gas Stations Coverage Guide
Underground storage tanks make pollution liability mandatory in most states. Add slip-and-falls, robbery exposure, and the convenience-store loss profile, and gas stations are one of the toughest classes for retail underwriting.
Critical Coverage
General Liability
Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
What it covers
Slip/fall, fire from refueling incidents, customer injury from pump/dispenser malfunction.
Common misconception
Gas stations face higher slip/fall exposure than typical retail (fuel spills on pads, ice).
What it does NOT cover
Pollution (separate). Employment.
The gap — what happens without it
Customer slips on diesel spill at pump — $36K. GL pays.
What drives your premium
Pumps, hours, location
Endorsements to ask about
Garage liability for repair work. Liquor if applicable.
Commercial Property
Covers your building, equipment, and inventory
What it covers
Buildings, canopies, dispensers, inventory.
Common misconception
Canopies are damaged often by tall vehicles.
What it does NOT cover
Flood. Equipment mechanical breakdown.
The gap — what happens without it
Truck strike on canopy — $80K damage. Property pays.
What drives your premium
Building, canopy, equipment
Endorsements to ask about
Equipment breakdown. Spoilage. Ordinance/law.
Pollution Liability
Covers environmental contamination claims excluded by GL
What it covers
Underground storage tank leaks, fuel spills, contaminated soil/groundwater. Mandatory in most states for licensed operators.
Common misconception
Operators think tank monitoring catches leaks early. Slow leaks can persist for years before detection — cleanup costs $250K+ regularly.
What it does NOT cover
Pre-existing contamination. Knowingly violated regs.
The gap — what happens without it
Slow UST leak detected during routine compliance test — soil contamination, groundwater plume, $480K cleanup. Pollution pays. CGL would deny.
What drives your premium
Tank age, double-wall vs. single, monitoring systems, state, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Above-ground spills. Aboveground tank coverage. Transportation pollution.
Important Coverage
Workers' Compensation
Covers employee injuries and illnesses on the job
What it covers
Robbery-related injuries, slip/fall, repetitive motion.
Common misconception
Late-night clerks face armed-robbery exposure.
What it does NOT cover
Owner exemption.
The gap — what happens without it
Clerk held up — PTSD claim $30K. WC pays.
What drives your premium
Payroll, location, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Workplace violence.
Commercial Umbrella
Extends limits above your primary policies
What it covers
Excess over GL/auto/EL/pollution.
Common misconception
Pollution claims regularly exceed $1M.
What it does NOT cover
Punitive (some).
The gap — what happens without it
Major UST leak hits $2.4M total cleanup + claims — umbrella pays excess.
What drives your premium
Underlying, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Pollution follow.
Not sure what you need?
Text us your trade and state — we'll tell you exactly what coverages apply to your business and shop the market for the best rate.