Mercantile Insurance

Flexible Coverage for Retail Stores & Storefront Operations

Retail risks often fall through the cracks — especially when there’s a mix of property exposure, public foot traffic, or theft concerns. We help independent agents place storefront risks that don’t meet standard carrier guidelines.


Our mercantile program is built for general retail, convenience stores, grocers, and other walk-in businesses that need tailored protection through surplus lines.

What We Write

  • Convenience stores & small grocers


  • General merchandise shops



  • Clothing & apparel stores


  • Beauty supply & cosmetics stores


  • Discount, thrift, or secondhand shops


  • Household goods & furniture retailersLiquor & tobacco shops (with GL + property appetite)


  • Specialty retailers with inventory or fire risk


  • Retail locations with prior claims or break-ins
A woman is standing in a clothing store looking at clothes.

Coverages Available

General Liability

Premises liability for customer slip & fall, product risks

Property Coverage

For building, contents, inventory, and signage

Business Income

Loss of income due to covered property damage

Theft, Vandalism & Burglary

Higher sublimits available

Equipment Breakdown

For refrigerators, HVAC, point-of-sale systems

Excess Liability

Optional for higher-limit needs

When to Use

Our Program

  • Store has high foot traffic or prior GL claims


  • Property is in a high-crime area or past break-ins


  • Business includes tobacco, alcohol, or lottery


  • Located in a rural or PPC-challenged area



  • Retailer has non-renewals or unusual stock risks


If a standard market won’t quote it, we’ll look at it.

A woman is standing in a clothing store looking at clothes.

Regional Insight

Retail operations in Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi & Arkansas often face challenges with older buildings, mixed tenant spaces, or theft-prone locations. We work with carriers that understand the realities of small-town and urban storefronts in this region.

FAQs

  • Do you cover convenience stores with gas pumps?

    No. We write in-store mercantile risks only. We do not currently offer coverage for locations with gas or underground storage tanks.

  • Can you write property-only or liability-only?

    In most cases, package policies are preferred, but we may consider monoline coverage depending on the risk.

  • Do you need security details?

    Yes — especially for stores with a theft history or in higher-crime areas. We’ll ask about lighting, cameras, safes, and alarm systems.

Let’s Get It Quoted

Have a retail risk you’re unsure how to place?


Call (865) 909-0181 or email jacki@sgatn.com with your submission. 


We’ll take a look and give you a quick yes or no.