Introduction
If you own a gas station in Wyoming, Illinois, Colorado, or nearby states, you know summer storms can bring trouble. Strong winds, hail, heavy rain, and lightning can damage your business in minutes.
The best way to protect your gas station is to plan ahead. One smart move is to have gas station insurance storm coverage that fits your needs. This insurance helps pay for repairs, cleanup, and lost income after a storm. In this article, you’ll learn about storm risks, the right insurance coverages, and how to get your gas station ready for storm season.
Key Takeaways
✅ Gas stations face unique storm risks.
Summer storms can bring high winds, hail, floods, and lightning, which may damage canopies, pumps, buildings, tanks, and electrical systems.
✅ The right insurance is essential.
Comprehensive gas station insurance storm coverage should include:
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Commercial property insurance
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Business interruption insurance
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Pollution liability insurance
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Commercial auto insurance
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Equipment breakdown coverage
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Separate flood insurance
✅ Review your coverage every year.
Revisit your insurance policies before storm season to ensure limits are up to date, coverage gaps are filled, and any new equipment or structures are protected.
✅ Risk reduction measures make a difference.
Strengthening canopies, improving drainage, adding storm shutters, and training staff can lower the chance of damage and may reduce insurance costs.
✅ Act quickly after a storm.
After a storm, prioritize safety, document damage, protect the site from further harm, and file your insurance claim right away with help from your Kelstar advisor.
✅ Preparation brings peace of mind.
With the right coverage and storm-readiness plan, gas station owners can minimize downtime, protect their investment, and recover faster after severe weather.
Common Summer Storm Risks for Gas Stations
Gas stations face special dangers during storms. There’s fuel stored underground, metal equipment, and large open areas that are easy targets for bad weather.
High Winds and Tornadoes
Winds can tear off canopies, knock down signs, and throw debris into buildings or vehicles. In tornado-prone areas, the damage can be even worse.
Example: A gas station in Casper, Wyoming, had its canopy ripped off in a windstorm. It crashed onto fuel pumps, causing $150,000 in damage. The station closed for weeks during repairs and inspections.
Hailstorms
Hail can break windows, dent cars, and damage roofs and signs.
Example: A Colorado station had to pay $40,000 for repairs after hail smashed the canopy, roof, and a company van.
Flash Floods
Flooding can:
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Make underground fuel tanks float or leak.
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Damage building foundations.
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Ruin electrical systems.
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Spread fuel and other pollutants into the soil.
Lightning Strikes
Lightning can spark fires, wreck electronics, and knock out power, all of which can shut down your station.
Insurance Coverages That Protect Your Gas Station
Having the right insurance will help you recover after storm damage. Here are key policies to consider.
Commercial Property Insurance
This covers damage to buildings, canopies, pumps, and equipment. Check that:
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Your coverage limits match today’s rebuilding costs.
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Wind, hail, and lightning damage are included.
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You have separate flood insurance (since standard property policies don’t cover floods).
A replacement cost policy helps pay to rebuild or replace damaged items instead of paying their lower, depreciated value.
Business Interruption Insurance
When a storm forces you to close, this insurance can:
Example: A Rockford, Illinois, station received $60,000 to cover lost income during three weeks of closure after wind damage.
Commercial Auto Insurance
If your station owns trucks or vans, this coverage helps if they’re damaged by hail, floods, or debris.
Pollution Liability Insurance
Storms can cause leaks that pollute soil and water. This insurance helps pay for:
Example: Flooding damaged a tank at a Greeley, Colorado, station, causing a fuel leak. Cleanup cost $250,000, but pollution insurance covered it.
Equipment Breakdown Insurance
This covers fuel pumps, registers, and electronics damaged by power surges or lightning.
Flood Insurance
Standard property insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance protects:
Example: A Colorado station had $200,000 in flood damage after a river overflowed. Without flood insurance, the owner paid the full cost.
Why Review Your Insurance Each Year?
Review your insurance before storm season to make sure it still fits your needs:
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Have building costs gone up?
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Have you added equipment or vehicles?
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Are you missing coverage?
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Does business income insurance reflect your current sales?
Let your agent know if you’ve made safety upgrades. These may help reduce your insurance costs.
How to Protect Your Station Before a Storm
Making improvements can help prevent damage and may lower your insurance premiums.
Strengthen Structures
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Use canopies built for stronger winds.
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Add storm shutters or impact-resistant glass.
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Secure signs with stronger mounts.
Improve Flood Protection
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Check drainage around your property.
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Install flood barriers or backflow valves.
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Anchor tanks to prevent floating.
Boost Electrical Safety
Train Your Staff
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Teach employees how to shut down pumps safely.
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Practice storm safety procedures.
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Keep photos and records of your station to help with insurance claims.
Example: An Illinois station spent $10,000 on storm shutters and better drainage. A hailstorm caused little damage, saving the owner tens of thousands in repairs. The station’s insurance costs also went down.
What to Do After a Storm Damages Your Station
If a storm hits:
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Make sure people are safe.
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Take clear photos and videos of the damage.
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Protect your station from further harm (board up windows, cover damaged spots).
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Contact your insurance company right away.
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Work with your Kelstar Insurance advisor on your claim.
Pre-storm records can help speed up your claim and ensure you get a fair payout.
Conclusion
Storm season can bring major damage to gas stations. But with the right insurance coverage and good preparation, you can protect your business, employees, and customers. Gas station insurance storm coverage helps pay for repairs, cleanup, and lost income. Stronger buildings and safety features can also reduce damage and insurance costs.
Kelstar Insurance helps gas station owners choose the right coverage. We work with over 50 insurance companies to find plans that fit your needs.
Make sure your gas station is ready for storm season. Visit kelstarinsurance.com/contact or call 307-316-8240 to talk with a Kelstar Insurance advisor today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do gas stations need special insurance for storms?
Gas stations have fuel tanks, pumps, canopies, and electrical equipment that are at high risk during storms. Wind, hail, floods, and lightning can cause serious damage or leaks. Special insurance helps cover repairs, cleanup, and lost income if a storm shuts down your station.
Does my property insurance cover flood damage?
No. Most commercial property insurance does not cover flood damage. You need to buy a separate flood insurance policy to protect your gas station from flood-related damage.
What happens if a storm causes a fuel leak at my station?
If a storm damages a tank or pipe and causes a fuel leak, pollution liability insurance can help. It pays for cleanup, damage to other properties, and fines from the government. Without this coverage, you might have to pay these costs yourself.
How can I lower my gas station’s risk during storms?
You can:
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Use stronger canopies and storm shutters.
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Improve drainage and add flood barriers.
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Anchor tanks so they don’t float during floods.
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Install lightning protection.
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Train staff on storm safety steps.
These actions may also help lower your insurance costs.
Why should I review my insurance each year?
Building and equipment costs go up over time. You may also add new tanks, vehicles, or buildings. Reviewing your insurance helps make sure your coverage matches your current needs and keeps you protected if a storm hits.
What should I do right after a storm damages my gas station?
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Make sure everyone is safe.
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Take photos and videos of damage.
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Protect your property from more harm (like boarding up broken windows).
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Contact your insurance company right away.
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Work with your Kelstar Insurance advisor to help with your claim.
How can Kelstar Insurance help?
Kelstar Insurance works with over 50 insurance companies. Our team helps gas station owners find the right coverage at the right price. We can also help you review your coverage each year and guide you through claims if a storm causes damage.
This article has been a collaboration between Kelstar Insurance and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Created on July 04, 2025, it combines AI-generated draft material with Kelstar Insurance's expert revision and oversight, ensuring accuracy and relevance while addressing any AI limitations.