A deeper look: Retail
August 21, 2025
Commercial Lines
Gore is open to a wide range of retail operations—from beauty and apparel to food, electronics, and home goods. We look for clean, well-managed businesses with strong security and loss control. Read more about our appetite, underwriting tips, and how we support retail clients across Canada.
These businesses sell goods directly to consumers. Gore is looking for well-managed operations with strong track records. Ideal risks have modern security, strong loss control, and clean, customer-friendly environments.
Appetite at a glance
| Business category | Business category |
| Beauty & Health |
|
| Apparel |
|
| Electronics |
|
| Food |
|
| Hobbies & Crafts |
|
| Home Goods & Decor |
|
General underwriting considerations
Specialized coverage: Retail businesses rely on cash registers, refrigeration, and HVAC systems. If any of these break down, it can lead to lost sales, spoiled inventory, and costly repairs. Consider equipment breakdown coverage. Gore’s extended bundle also includes beneficial coverage for retail operations such as Deferred Payment Plan Stock.
Subject to terms and conditions, it covers stock sold on a conditional or installment basis. If insured damage occurs before full payment is received, the unpaid balance is covered (excludes purchaser default).
Client-specific exposures: Retail operations that directly import from outside North America may require additional review for the types of products imported. If there are sales outside of North America be sure to let us know, so we can review for acceptability.
Business interruption: Consider the type of retail operation, its reliance on foot traffic and supply chains, and the strength of its contingency planning. How prepared are they to navigate unexpected challenges to maintain business continuity?
Geographic scope: Canadian businesses
Submission quality: Detailing operations, and an understanding of all products sold helps us deliver a faster, smoother response.
Premises condition and age: For businesses operating out of older buildings (40+ years), ensure that electrical, plumbing, heating, and roofing have been updated.
Real-world example: Why we wrote this account
- Client profile: Carpet & Flooring Store
- Established: 1989
- Locations: 2
- Annual revenue: $5.5M
- Average Location Insured Value: $2.8M
- Risk highlights:
- Claims-free history and continuous coverage
- Buildings are older but fully updated (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roof)
Why it was a fit:
- Transparent quoting process with the broker and solid industry experience
- No gaps in coverage or non-payments
- Low-risk retail environment allowed for competitive pricing
What’s the latest?
Rating updates to Personal Property
October 16, 2025
We're updating Ontario Homeowners and Water Escape premiums to better reflect risk—changes take effect October 20 for new business and January 3 for renewals.
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