The holiday season brings increased foot traffic, extended hours, seasonal hires, and higher sales activity, creating both opportunities and added risks for small businesses. Whether you operate a retail shop, restaurant, service company, or distribution operation, the final quarter of the year can strain your team, your equipment, and your insurance program. Preparing now can help prevent costly disruptions and protect your employees, customers, and revenue during the busiest time of year.
Liability Exposure During Peak Traffic
More customers on the premises naturally increases the chance of slips, trips, falls, or product related injuries. Wet floors, crowded aisles, extra displays, and rushed staff can all contribute to accidents. General liability coverage helps protect your business when a customer is injured or their property is damaged at your location. Before the holiday rush, it is wise to confirm your limits, review any endorsements, and make sure new exposures, such as pop-up displays, holiday events, or off-site sales, are accounted for in your policy.
Theft, Cyber Fraud & Property Risks
Holiday inventory builds up quickly, attracting the attention of both shoplifters and organized retail theft groups. Seasonal hires may also introduce internal theft risks, especially when onboarding is rushed. At the same time, cybercriminals target small businesses during the holidays when payment systems and online activity increase. Property insurance and cyber coverage can work together to reduce your exposure, especially when paired with simple safeguards such as securing high value stock, reviewing alarm systems, limiting key access, and tightening point of sale protocols.
A few practical steps can help reinforce security during peak season:
- Conduct a quick pre-season security check, including cameras, lighting, locks, and alarm systems.
- Remind staff about procedures around cash handling, returns, deliveries, and closing routines.
Employee Safety & Workers’ Compensation
Fatigue, crowding, and rushed tasks increase workplace injury risks during the holidays. Retail and service employees may lift more, move faster, and work longer hours than usual. Temporary staff may not be familiar with your safety routines. Workers’ compensation provides wage and medical benefits for employees injured on the job, but the best protection is prevention. Simple refreshers on safe lifting, ladder use, stocking, cleaning spills promptly, and reporting hazards can help reduce injuries when the pace picks up.
Business Interruption & Seasonal Dependence
Unexpected losses, such as a winter storm, equipment breakdown, burst pipes, or a fire, can shut down operations during the most important revenue period of the year. Business interruption coverage can replace income while repairs are made and help cover expenses such as payroll and temporary relocation. For many small businesses, holiday revenue represents a disproportionate share of yearly sales, making this coverage especially critical.
Prepare Now to Protect Your Peak Season
The holiday season moves fast, but taking time to evaluate your insurance program now can help ensure your business is protected when demand is highest. Reviewing general liability, property, workers’ compensation, and cyber policies can reveal gaps before they become problems. Even small operational adjustments, such as reinforcing safety procedures or updating security systems, can meaningfully reduce risk.
Inszone Insurance supports small businesses with tailored coverage, proactive guidance, and service that keeps you moving through your busiest months. If you would like a year-end policy review or help strengthening your risk management plan, our team is ready to assist.
Juan Cruz
