The Clock Doesn’t Stop When the Doors Do

In Hutchinson, KS, seasonal businesses operate on a unique calendar. One week, you’re serving customers under a blazing summer sun; the next, you’re locking up for months as snow blankets the sidewalks. However, winter’s “off-season” doesn’t mean you’re off-duty when it comes to risk. Pipes can freeze in an empty building. Wind can tear siding loose. A single break-in can undo years of hard work. At DJ Kauffman Agency, Hutchinson, KS, we’ve seen business owners breathe easy in October, only to face a claim in January that their policy didn’t fully cover.

Coverage That Works During Hibernation

A policy designed for year-round retail might fall short when your business remains closed for weeks. Vacancy clauses can limit protection if your property is unused for too long. Inventory stored for next season is still vulnerable to theft, fire, and burst pipes, and if your policy doesn’t specifically address these risks, you could be left unprotected. Liability doesn’t disappear either; someone slipping on ice in your parking lot in February can still trigger a claim. That’s why DJ Kauffman Agency, Hutchinson, KS, tailors coverage to match the way your business actually operates—busy in summer, quiet but not risk-free in winter.

A Winter-Ready Insurance Checklist

Drain and shut off water lines to reduce the risk of freezing, and notify your insurer that you’ve done so. Keep the heat at a steady, low temperature to protect pipes and prevent dampness from settling in. Store inventory off the floor, away from exterior walls, and document everything with timestamped photos. Review your policy for seasonal adjustments now, not after the first freeze, to ensure you have coverage for property, liability, or equipment in storage.

Winter is coming, whether your doors stay open or not. The right insurance won’t stop a storm, but it can prevent a bad season from becoming the end of your business.