Staffing agencies work hard to recruit, vet, and place qualified temporary employees. But even with the best screening processes, risks remain — especially when temps handle client-owned property. One of the most overlooked exposures is theft.
A Business.com survey of 1,000 workers shows that a majority of employees admit to stealing time, supplies, or other assets from their employers, adding up to billions in annual losses. That’s why temp staffing agency insurance that includes property and inland marine coverage is an essential conversation for agents to have with their staffing clients.
So why should staffing agencies consider these coverages, even when they already carry general liability?
Where Do Staffing Agencies Face Property-Related Risks?
When temporary workers enter a client’s workplace, they’re trusted with access to tools, equipment, inventory, and facilities. This opens the door to a range of risks:
- Accidental damage: A worker drops a client’s expensive camera or breaks machinery.
- Loss in transit: Client property gets damaged or stolen while being transported.
- Theft or misuse: Even vetted employees may take supplies or manipulate hours.
Business.com’s survey found that:
- 67% admitted to committing at least one form of workplace theft.
- 27% reported taking company supplies.
- 24% admitted to manipulating their hours — averaging 4.5 extra “stolen” hours per week.
- Managers were twice as likely as non-managers to steal money from employers.
For staffing agencies, these findings reinforce that asset theft or mishandling isn’t limited to “bad hires.” It’s a widespread workplace issue, and agencies that don’t prepare for it risk client disputes and reputational harm.
How Property and Inland Marine Insurance Fill Coverage Gaps
General liability policies protect staffing agencies against third-party bodily injury or property damage. But they don’t always cover client assets entrusted to temporary employees, making property and inland marine insurance essential.
- Property insurance: Protects assets at a fixed location, including items in the agency’s custody
- Inland marine insurance: Extends coverage to property that’s on the move or temporarily in the care of the staffing agency
If one of your client’s placements drops a client’s $15,000 piece of equipment while moving it between sites, inland marine coverage helps cover the loss — something general liability may not address. By filling these gaps, agencies can assure their clients that they take responsibility for safeguarding entrusted property.
How Agents Can Position These Coverages With Staffing Clients
For insurance agents, raising the issue of client property protection is a way to demonstrate value and deepen client relationships. Many staffing executives don’t realize that general liability alone may leave them exposed. Here are some ways to frame the conversation.
- Highlight client expectations: Companies hiring temps may assume their property will be protected. Having coverage helps agencies deliver on that promise.
- Reinforce trust: Remind staffing clients that protecting client-owned property strengthens their reputation and makes them a safer business partner.
- Reduce disputes: Coverage minimizes the chance of costly disagreements if property is lost, damaged, or stolen under a temp’s watch.
Strengthen Client Relationships by Addressing Overlooked Risks
Staffing agencies can’t eliminate theft, accidents, or misuse — even with background checks and diligent screening. However, they can reduce the financial and reputational damage by having the right coverage in place.
For insurance agents, raising the need for property and inland marine protection isn’t just about selling a policy — it’s about helping staffing firms safeguard client trust, avoid disputes, and stand out as reliable partners.
Talk to your clients about how temp staffing agency insurance can cover overlooked risks and reinforce their credibility in the competitive staffing marketplace.
FAQ Agents Can Expect From Staffing Clients
Isn’t general liability enough for a staffing firm?
No. General liability covers bodily injury or third-party property damage, but it doesn’t always extend to client-owned assets in your custody or in transit.
What’s the difference between property insurance and inland marine coverage?
Property insurance protects assets at a fixed location, while inland marine covers property in transit or temporarily entrusted to the staffing agency.
Do small staffing firms really need this coverage?
Yes. Even one incident involving a client’s property can cause significant financial loss and reputational damage, regardless of agency size.
How can I explain the value of this coverage to my staffing clients?
Position it as a trust-builder: “Your clients are handing over their property to your workers. Having coverage shows you take that responsibility seriously.”
About World Wide Specialty Programs
For the last 50 years, World Wide Specialty Programs has dedicated itself to providing the optimal products and solutions for the staffing industry. As the only insurance firm to be an ASA commercial liability partner, we are committed to that partnership and are committed to using our knowledge of the industry to provide staffing firms with the best possible coverage. For more information about Staffing Professional Liability Insurance or any other coverage we have available to protect your staffing business, give us a call at (877) 256-0468 to speak with one of our representatives.