What is Business Insurance?
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Business insurance protects your small business from financial damages that can result from accidents, property damage, professional errors, workers’ compensation claims and other situations. Having accurate coverage is critical in minimizing the negative impact of claims against your business.
Types of Business Insurance
From basic protection to specialized coverage, the Small Business Insurance Program offers several types of commercial insurance so you can get the best combination of coverages for each stage of your business’s development.
General Liability
Most small businesses need this coverage. It guards against third-party claims that arise from your business operations. Sometimes people refer to this coverage as "business insurance."
Commercial Auto
You need this coverage if you use your vehicles for business, such as traveling to job sites or making deliveries. It provides liability and physical damage protection for your business vehicles.
Workers Compensation
This coverage protects you and your employees. It helps pay for expenses, such as medical costs and lost wages, related to employees who become injured or ill on the job.
Professional Liability
Professional liability coverage protects businesses that offer professional services or advice against claims of professional negligence. It’s also known as Errors and Omissions insurance (E&O).
Business Owners Policy
This coverage packages business liability and property coverage into one policy. It’s a common choice for small businesses with commercial buildings or personal property.
Cyber Insurance
This coverage protects against electronic threats, such as data breaches. Businesses that store or process sensitive data, like credit card info, should consider this insurance.
What does it cost?
Business insurance cost
In 2022, the national median cost of business insurance for new customers ranged from $42 per month for professional liability to $70 per month for a business owners policy (BOP).
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Your cost is based on various factors, including the industry you’re in and the specific types of jobs you do. For example, one landscaping company might only mow lawns, while another offers additional services, such as tree trimming. They’re both landscapers, but their risk exposure is different and will be reflected in their rates.
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Discover more factors that influence business insurance cost and what you can do to get the coverage you need at the best price. Get your quote today!
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Customized Coverage
Coverage you can count on
We offer customized coverage that matches your business’s level of exposure to certain risks. A customized policy includes the coverages you need, with limits that match your specific requirements. Customized coverage is flexible, so if your situation changes—or you simply change your mind—you can update your policy anytime.
Be wary of “one-size-fits-all” policies. They can have gaps in coverage that leave you exposed. For example, you might assume general liability covers any type of business liability, but it doesn’t.
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We focus on customizing your policy upfront to avoid these types of problems and so you can feel confident you’re getting the right insurance the first time.
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Learn the differences between general liability and professional liability insurance by contacting us today!
Additional Insurance Products
From commercial property insurance to employee healthcare, we offer protection for the ways you run your business. Personalize your policy with the coverages that are right for you.
Liquor Liability Insurance
Liquor liability insurance is coverage for businesses that make, sell or serve alcoholic beverages. It's also known as dram shop insurance.
Rideshare Insurance
Rideshare insurance is intended to fill the gaps between the insurance ridesharing companies like Uber or Lyft provide for their drivers and their drivers’ personal policies.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is a benefit that lets your business offer quality medical care to your employees and their dependents.
Employee Pet Insurance Benefit
Employee pet insurance is a voluntary benefit that can help cover medical expenses for your employees’ pets.
Inland Marine Insurance
Inland marine insurance is coverage for moveable property, such as tools, equipment and other goods. It protects items while in transit over land or stored away from your business.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance
Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) protects businesses against claims related to employee discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination.
FAQs
Common questions about business insurance
What does business insurance cover?
Business insurance describes individual coverages that can protect a small business. Your level of protection depends on the specific coverages you choose to carry.
For example, “business insurance” can refer to a single coverage, such as general liability, but it can include many more, like professional liability and workers’ compensation.
Which business insurance coverages do I need?
The coverages you need depend on your unique situation, but nearly all businesses should consider general liability. It’s the most common coverage and protects against various claims involving third-party injuries or property damage (e.g., slip and falls, broken windows).
Additionally, you’ll probably need commercial auto insurance if you or your employees drive for work-related tasks. Most states also require you to carry workers’ compensation if you have employees.
Why do I need business insurance?
You need business insurance to protect against financial loss if there’s an accident. For example, say you’re legally responsible for a customer’s injury. Without insurance, the medical bills and legal fees could become difficult to afford. Business insurance can help prevent this type of damage.
Does business insurance cover lawsuits?
It can. Depending on the specifics, most lawsuits would be covered by either general liability or professional liability. General liability protects against third-party injuries or property damage, while professional liability focuses on negligence related to business services and advice.
Do I need business insurance if I’m a sole proprietor?
Yes. Business insurance is important for sole proprietors because they’re responsible for their business’s debts. In other words, their personal assets, such as bank accounts or property, might be targeted to satisfy a business debt. No matter how small your business is, you should plan for the financial impact accidents can cause.
Should online businesses have business insurance?
Business insurance isn’t required for all online businesses, but most should consider coverage to protect against liability. For example, cyber insurance can cover businesses that process customer payment information or store sensitive data from damages if there’s a security breach.
Does my homeowners insurance cover my business if my office is at my home?
No. Homeowners insurance won’t cover tools, equipment, and inventory used for business purposes. You can get coverage for these items with a business owners policy (BOP).
Can Small Business Insurance Com help me get business insurance in my state?
Yes. We can help you find a variety of business insurance coverages, including general liability and professional liability, in all states except Hawaii. We also offer workers’ compensation and business owners policies in select states. Contact us to see your options.
Let us help you with a quote
We want you to feel confident and secure with your small business insurance. Here’s just a few of the many reasons you should choose us to help you find the best insurance for your business:
Flexibility
We can help you secure coverage at any stage of your business’s development and offer the flexibility to adjust coverages as your business grows. Our agents will work with you to make sure you’re getting protection that meets both your needs and budget.
Convenience
We offer several ways to get customized business insurance. You can start a quote online, by phone, or through a local agent. Updating your policy is easy, and we can usually activate your request the same day you make it.
Expert Support
As an experienced business insurance provider, you can be confident in our support. Our team of specially trained, in-house agents can help you every step of the way to make sure you’re getting the best coverage for your business today and tomorrow.
