Business Insurance

Business insurance coverage protects businesses from losses due to events that may occur during the normal course of business. There are many types of insurance for businesses including coverage for property damage, legal liability and employee-related risks. Companies evaluate their insurance needs based on potential risks, which can vary depending on the type of environment in which the company operates.

Breaking down Business Insurance

It is especially important for small business owners to carefully consider and evaluate their insurance needs because they may have more personal financial exposure in the event of loss. If a business owner does not feel he or she has the ability to effectively assess business risk and the need for coverage, they should work with a reputable, experienced and licensed insurance broker. You can obtain a list of licensed agents in your state through your state’s department of insurance or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Several types of business insurance that small business owners might consider

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance insures against negligence claims that result from mistakes or failure to perform. There is no one-size-fits-all professional liability coverage. Each industry has its own unique concerns that should be addressed. On average, small business owners can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per year for liability insurance coverage.

Property Insurance

Property insurance covers equipment, signage, inventory, and furniture in the event of a fire, storm or theft. However, it doesn’t cover mass-destruction events like floods and earthquakes. If your area is at risk for these issues, you’ll need a separate policy.

Home-Based Businesses

Homeowner’s policies don’t cover home-based businesses like commercial property insurance covers businesses. If you’re operating a home-based business, inquire about additional coverage for equipment and inventory.

Product Liability Insurance

If your business manufactures products to sell, product liability insurance is very important. Any business can find itself named in a lawsuit due to damages caused by its products. Product liability insurance protects a business in such cases.

Vehicle Insurance

Any vehicles used for business should be fully insured. At the very least, businesses should insure against third-party injury, but comprehensive insurance will cover the vehicle in an accident, as well. If employees are using their own cars for business, their own personal insurance will cover them in the event of an accident. One major exception is if a person is delivering goods or services for a fee, including delivery personnel.

Business Interruption Insurance

This type of insurance is especially applicable to companies that require a physical location to do business, such as retail stores. Business interruption insurance compensates a business for its lost income during events that cause a disruption to the normal course of business.

How to get insurance for you business?

In summary, having the right type of insurance coverage can be crucial for small business owners in protecting their treasury management from potential financial losses. It is best to consult with an insurance professional to determine what types of business insurance coverage would be appropriate for your specific business needs.