Services
This playbook is your go-to resource for understanding the coverage needs of service-based businesses — from operational risks to protections that support client-focused work.
The following playbook is intended to provide guidance on Merchants’ appetite and most desired risk characteristics. Your Merchants team is available to speak about the entirety of a risk that may have characteristics not exactly fitting our desirability.
We also encourage you to refer to Merchants Appetite Guide under the Resources/Tools menu of the Commercial Gateway in Merchants agent portal website for class-specific eligibility.
Description of Operations
The Services category encompasses a wide range of businesses and professionals dedicated to providing specialized, client-focused offerings that enhance quality of life, address personal needs, or support business operations. This broad sector includes everything from pet care providers and veterinary clinics to funeral homes, beauty salons, and printing services. While the nature of these services varies—from the compassionate handling of end-of-life arrangements to the creative production of printed materials—they share a focus on delivering expertise, convenience, and tailored solutions to meet customer requirements.
Operations within this category often require a combination of professional training, regulatory compliance, and a customer service-oriented approach. Many service providers operate on an appointment or project basis, but others may accommodate walk-in or emergency needs. Whether it’s maintaining a pet’s health, offering personal grooming, producing marketing materials, or coordinating a memorial service, businesses in the Services category typically emphasize trust, quality, and responsiveness to build lasting relationships with their clientele.
Playbook Specializations
Beauty & Personal Care
Risks related to chemical treatments, licensing, and sanitation standards.
Funeral Home
Risks related to embalming, transportation, fiduciary duties, and public services.
Pet Care
Risks related to animal handling, medical procedures, and controlled substances.