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Safety and Loss Control
Let’s Talk About Protecting Your Funeral Service Business
We've listed some common concerns most funeral directors have, along
with some ways we can partner to protect your business. When you're ready
to speak to an agent, find one near you using our Professional
Locator.
(Please note all coverage may not be available in all states.)
| Your worries | The solutions | |
|---|---|---|
| What you think about | How you can help yourself | How Nationwide can help |
| Mistakes can happen – from body misdelivery to an issue with burial permits to a staff member mishandling an emotional situation. | Regular employee soft-skills training sessions | Funeral Directors' Professional Liability Coverage |
| Since funerals can have large groups of people attending them, how can I protect myself against slips and falls or accidents at the gravesite or in my funeral home? | Funeral Home
Safety Bulletin Online Safety Courses | General
Liability Coverage Medical Payments Coverage |
| Vehicles are used in funeral processions and in transporting the deceased. What do I need to protect my business? | Fleet Accident
Procedures Safety Bulletin Driver Distraction Safety Bulletin | Business Auto
Coverage Non-owned Auto Coverage(for employees using their own vehicles on company business) Hired Auto Coverage(for rental cars) |
| Candles, chemicals and cremation equipment make fire a concern. |
Make sure all chemicals are stored in proper containers and disposed
of properly. Make sure lit candles are a safe distance away from drapes and other flammables. Make sure you have enough fire extinguishers strategically placed throughout your business. | Property
Coverage Business Income Coverage Accounts Receivable Coverage |
| Funerals can be so emotionally charged that people may faint and hurt themselves, become ill or even hurt each other. | Designated Employees should be trained in first aid & CPR techniques | General
Liability Coverage Medical Payments Coverage Funeral Directors’ Professional Liability Coverage |
| What if my funeral home is broken into or vandalized? | Crime Prevention Tips Safety Bulletin | Property
Coverage Crime Coverage Personal Property of Others Coverage Loss of Business Income Coverage |
| My employee may become sick at work – from disease or from chemicals – or strain their backs from the heavy lifting that is part of the job. | Online Safety Training Courses | Workers
Compensation Coverage Stop Gap Coverage |
| What if my tools and equipment are damaged? | Equipment
Breakdown Coverage Loss of Business Income Coverage Property Coverage Inland Marine Coverage to protect your casket lowering devices and other equipment taken offsite |
|
| What if personal items from the family, such as photos and jewelry are stolen or damaged while in my possession? | Make sure your funeral directors keep accurate records of all of your customers' property in your possession | Personal Property of Others Coverage |
| My signs, outdoor property and stained glass windows could be damaged from weather, cars, trees or vandals. |
Have a regular maintenance program in place for your outdoor
property Make sure you purchase a sign that can withstand the elements in your area. | Outdoor Sign
Coverage Property Coverage |
| My refrigeration units could break down or shut off due to a power outage. |
Use surge protectors whenever possible. Have a regular maintenance program in place for refrigeration equipment. Purchase a backup generator | Equipment
Breakdown Coverage Business Income Coverage Utility Services Coverage Spoilage Coverage |
| The medical waste or wastewater can possibly pollute the area. | Pollution Liability Coverage | |
| Because so many people come through the funeral home, I worry about damage to my furniture, antiques and other decorative pieces. | Keep up-to-date records of a valuable property along with their value | Fine
Arts Coverage Musical Instruments Coverage Property Coverage Inland Marine Coverage |
| What if a death certificate or contract is inadvertently destroyed, such as by fire or water |
Store valuables in a fireproof safe or cabinet Keep a backup copy of electronic records and contracts at an offsite location | Valuable Papers Coverage |
| What if an employee steals something from the funeral home? |
Run background checks on all employees Verify previous employment and check references Perform frequent audits | Employee Dishonesty Coverage |
| My funeral home needs to be an inviting place. I can’t have water damage to my building from weather or from pipes. | Proper maintenance of plumbing and sump equipment | Property
Coverage Water Sewer Back-up Coverage |
| We help park cars during a service. What if something happens to them? |
Driver Distraction Safety Bulletin Fleet Accident Procedures Safety Bulletin | Valet Parking Coverage |
| I have a number of employees and want to steer clear of any issues with discrimination, harassment or wrongful termination. | Employment Related Practices Liability Coverage |
