Commercial insurance provides coverage to businesses and their assets. It includes policies that protect against property damage, liability claims, employee-related risks, and business interruptions, among others.
Some key types of commercial insurance include:
- General Liability Insurance: Covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims.
- Commercial Property Insurance: Protects physical assets like buildings and equipment.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Covers employee injuries on the job.
- Professional Liability Insurance: Protects against claims of negligence or errors, also known as Errors & Omissions (E&O).
- Business Interruption Insurance: Compensates for lost income if a business is forced to pause operations.
- Commercial Auto Insurance: Covers vehicles used for business purposes.
Yes, even small businesses can benefit from commercial insurance. Small operations face many of the same risks as larger companies, including liability, property damage, and employee injuries, which can be costly without coverage.
Premiums vary widely based on factors like the size and type of business, coverage needs, location, number of employees, and claims history. Small businesses might pay a few hundred dollars per year, while larger companies may pay thousands or more.
Certain types of commercial insurance are required by law. For example, Workers’ Compensation is mandatory in most states if you have employees, and Commercial Auto Insurance is required if you use vehicles for business purposes. Requirements vary, so check your state’s regulations.
Yes, policies can be customized to meet specific needs. Many providers offer package policies, such as a Business Owner's Policy (BOP), which bundles general liability and property insurance. Custom add-ons or endorsements can be included based on the unique risks of your business.
A BOP is a package policy tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It typically combines General Liability and Property Insurance and may include other coverages, such as business interruption. It’s a convenient, cost-effective way to get essential coverages in one policy.
Assess the nature of your business, potential risks, and assets needing protection. Working with a qualified insurance agent can help identify the necessary coverage options based on your industry, business size, and location.
Cyber liability is typically not included in standard commercial insurance but can be added as a separate policy or an endorsement. Cyber liability insurance protects against data breaches, cyberattacks, and other technology-related risks.
Without commercial insurance, businesses are financially vulnerable to claims, lawsuits, property damage, and other risks. Uninsured incidents can lead to significant financial strain, operational interruptions, and, in severe cases, business closure.
It’s recommended to review your policy annually or whenever there’s a significant change in your business (e.g., new location, additional services, increased staff). Regular reviews help ensure that coverage aligns with current risks.
Endorsements, or riders, are modifications to a policy that add, reduce, or exclude coverage. They allow businesses to tailor policies to specific risks, such as adding cyber coverage or increasing property limits
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Since 1914, the New York Mutual Insurance Company has been serving policyholders – protecting businesses, mitigating losses, defending claims. Renters .