Exploring the coverages you may need when considering purchasing commercial insurance is crucial. Most businesses with employees are required by law to carry employers’ liability insurance.
Liability insurance is crucial if you interact with the public, and professional indemnity insurance is useful if your company offers advice. Depending on the type of company you own, you need a different type of insurance.
The different types of commercial insurance you can take out
In general, insurance is intended to protect you from perils that you cannot cover. To get this protection, you pay a commercial insurance premium without guaranteeing you will get it back.
Property Insurance
Your company’s physical assets are protected against loss by property insurance. Typically, this insurance protects your business premises, personal property (such as office furniture and equipment), and vehicles against damage or theft.
The policies cover both the physical cost of the asset and the income it would have produced. Earthquake and flood insurance are often optional extras to your policy. To be sure, check with your agent or advisor.
Workers’ compensation insurance
Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory for businesses that employ people in the United States. Worker’s compensation insurance provides risk management to support your company’s expansion and protect against high costs.
The State Compensation Fund is a reliable source of workers’ compensation insurance for most new California businesses. Still, if your business expands, you may want to purchase a more comprehensive policy.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance protects you and your business against unintentional damage to third parties, including customers, employees, and other companies. Accidental damages can be the result of negligence or malpractice.
These damages cover physical injury caused by defective products and operations and personal injuries, such as libel or slander. This type of liability may involve financial aspects such as medical expenses, court-ordered repairs, and fines.
You may be required by law to carry liability insurance, depending on your type of business, the location of your business, and other factors. Liability insurance may be necessary in some circumstances to maintain a professional license.
Typically, liability insurance policies do not cover intentional torts or breaches of the contract. Review with your insurance advisor and attorney to know what is covered and what is not.
How do I know which insurance is right for me?
While many people think that organizing your business as an LLC or corporation will provide you with sufficient protection, the truth is that these safeguards are limited and will only keep you out of bankruptcy to a certain extent.
Businesses should opt for insurance packages that protect their property and operations from unforeseen risks. All businesses with employees need, at a minimum, liability, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance.
To purchase the right policy, you should consider several relevant factors. Some important points are:
Know your risk
While some companies have limited liability and risk exposure, others are more vulnerable. Assessing your risk is the first step to ensuring you have the appropriate coverage.
List potential catastrophes or legal actions that could impact your business so you can present them later to an insurance expert.
Find an insurance agent
To get the best policy for your business, you should look for a licensed insurance agent. Since these agents receive commissions from the insurance companies they sell policies for, choosing an agent you feel comfortable with is important.
Find different quotes
Not all quotes are the same. Be sure to get quotes from several organizations before purchasing a plan. The variety of prices and offers may surprise you. Your insurance agent can help you in this regard.