Customers judge a gas station by its canopy, pumps and price sign. Insurers look at them closely too, because they're exposed to wind, hail, snow and vehicles every day — and they're expensive to replace.
Canopies
A modern canopy with lighting, fire suppression and structural supports is a significant investment. Some property policies treat canopies as outdoor property with limited coverage, or exclude collapse from snow load unless specifically covered. Schedule your canopy with its full replacement cost, and confirm that wind, hail, ice, snow weight and vehicle impact are covered causes of loss.
Dispensers
Today's dispensers with chip readers, media screens and vapor recovery cost far more than older units. Make sure they're included in your values at replacement cost, not depreciated value. Vehicle strikes and drive-offs with the nozzle still attached are frequent losses. Your carrier usually pays your claim and then pursues the at-fault driver's insurer.
Price signs
Electronic price signs and pylon signs often fall under small outdoor sign sublimits. List them separately with their actual replacement cost.
Wind and hail deductibles
Many policies in Missouri and Kansas carry separate wind and hail deductibles, sometimes a percentage of the insured value. Know your deductible in dollars before storm season.
Prevention
- Install and maintain bollards at pump islands and in front of storefront glass.
- Keep breakaway valves in good condition to limit damage from drive-offs.
- Inspect canopies after heavy snow and ice.
- Clear snow from canopy tops when safe to do so.
Business income
If a canopy collapses or pumps are destroyed, business income coverage pays lost profits and continuing expenses while you rebuild.
Your canopy is your billboard. Insure it like the investment it is.
This material is for general information only. Coverage depends on the actual policy language, and availability varies by carrier.