Indoor Growers and Garden Centres Insurance

September 8, 2025

How Western Coast Insurance Services protects Indoor Growers and Garden Centres with Insurance

Caryl Schrack is a Commercial Underwriter at National Insurance Operations for Western Coast Insurance Services. Caryl is an expert on business insurance for indoor growers and garden centres.

Caryl answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) about insurance for indoor growers and garden centres.

What is Western Coast Insurance’s insurance advantage for indoor growers and garden centres?

Western Coast Insurance offers a well-designed package program with flexible options that meet the needs of most typical smaller greenhouse operations and garden centres.

What business insurance is recommended for indoor growers and garden centres?

Western Coast Insurance Service’s program offers all-risk property coverage on eligible greenhouses and associated structures. In addition to property coverage, we’re able to offer the following:

• Contractors’ Equipment
• Wind & Hail
• Cyber & Data
• Profits Coverage, also called business interruption or business income coverage
• Machinery Breakdown
• Growing Crops Coverage

How can Western Coast Insurance Services help indoor growers and garden centres get the coverage they need while helping them save on their premiums?

This is a great example of why it’s important to work closely with the client to gain a full understanding of the entirety of the risk and determine which coverages are truly required.

When it comes to premium savings, there are a few strategies we can explore:

• Different deductible options can be discussed to help manage premium costs.
• If eligible, a claims-free discount may be applied to further reduce premiums.

By tailoring coverage to the specific risk profile and exploring available savings options, we can help ensure the client is properly protected without overpaying.

What is the difference between indoor growers and garden centres?

Indoor growers and garden centres typically go hand-in-hand. The indoor growers refer to greenhouse growing operations, while garden centres represent retail businesses. A proposal can be for either one, but typically it involves a combination of both.

What does Western Coast need to know about the applicant’s greenhouses?

It’s important to know what crops are being grown and whether the greenhouses are owned or leased. The program only provides coverage for crops that are grown within the insured greenhouses and not outdoors in a field.

What type of greenhouses are eligible under Western Coast Insurance Service’s greenhouse insurance programs?

Only steel frame greenhouses with either double polyethylene (except if located in Vancouver, Lower Mainland and Central and Lower Vancouver Island where single poly is acceptable), polycarbonate, tempered glass or PVC tensile membrane are eligible for the program.

The age of those coverings and their details directly influence the rating, as a depreciation schedule, based on the type of covering, is a key component in determining insurance premiums.

Why is liability insurance important for indoor growers and garden centres?

Liability is a key component of the greenhouse program and is a mandatory part of the policy. It ensures that the premises and operations are properly protected.

The client determines how much liability insurance they need. The amount is typically based on the scope of their business activities, such as crop production, cafe operations, U-pick services, or farm tours. The minimum coverage available under the program is $2 million.

Do you recommend higher deductibles to keep insurance premium costs lower?

Higher deductibles are available and if the insured is able to manage them, they can help reduce the overall premium within the program. The lowest deductible offered is $5,000, with additional options at $10,000, $25,000, and even $50,000, which we currently have in place on one policy.

How are claims handled for garden centres or indoor growers?

Western Coast’s greenhouse program includes dedicated in-house claims service, ensuring prompt and personalized support when it’s needed most.

Why is commercial property insurance important for indoor growers and garden centres?

Property insurance is essential for greenhouse growers and garden centres, helping protect against potential damage or loss. Coverage options include stock, equipment, growing crops, crop spoilage and equipment breakdown coverage.

Do you recommend that indoor growers and garden centres need add-ons like flood coverage and sewer backup coverage?

Our greenhouse program does not include flood or earthquake coverage, although there have been discussions about potentially adding these options in the future. Sewer backup is an included indoor growers and garden centres coverage.

Western Coast Insurance Services will help you find the right balance between savings and peace of mind. Our business insurance experts will help you protect your indoor greenhouse and retail operations with commercial insurance that’s tailored to your needs.