Get business insurance (2024)

Business insurance protects you from the unexpected costs of running a business. Accidents, natural disasters, and lawsuits could run you out of business. Protect yourself with the right insurance.

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Pick the type of business insurance you need

You get some protections from the kind ofbusiness structure you choose. Alimited liability company (LLC) or a corporation status can protect your personal property from lawsuits. However, that protection has limits.

Unexpected catastrophe? Business insurance can fill in any gaps in coverage. This will make sure both your personal and business assets are fully protected..

You also may be legally required to purchase certain types of business insurance.

The federal government requires every business with employees to have the following:

Some states also require additional insurance. Laws requiring insurance vary by state. Visit your state’s websiteto find out the requirements for your business.

Six common types of business insurance

After you purchase insurance that's required by law, you can find insurance to cover any other business risk. As a general rule, you should insure against things you wouldn’t be able to pay for on your own.

Speak to insurance agents to find out what kinds of coverage makes sense for your business. Then compare terms and prices to find the best deal for you. Here are six common kinds of business insurance to look for:

Insurance type

Who it's for

What it does

General liability insuranceAny businessThis coverage protects against financial loss as the result of bodily injury, property damage, medical expenses, libel, slander, defending lawsuits, and settlement bonds or judgments.
Product liability insuranceBusinesses that manufacture, wholesale, distribute, and retail a productThis coverage protects against financial loss as a result of a defective product that causes injury or bodily harm.
Professional liability insuranceBusinesses thatprovide services to customersThis coverageprotects against financial loss as a result of malpractice, errors, and negligence.
Commercial property insuranceBusinesses with a significant amount of property and physical assetsThis coverage protects your business against loss and damage to company property due to a wide variety of events. These include fire, smoke, wind and hailstorms, civil disobedience and vandalism.
Home-based business insuranceBusinesses that are run out of the owner’s personal homeCoverage that’s added to homeowner’s insurance as a rider can offer protection for a small amount of business equipment and liability coverage for third-party injuries.
Business owner’s policyMost small business owners, but especially home-based business ownersA business owner’s policy is an insurance package that combines all of the typical coverage options into one bundle. They simplify the insurance buying process and can save you money.

Four steps to buy business insurance

  • Assess your risks.Think about what kind of accidents, natural disasters, or lawsuits could damage your business. Is your business located in a commercial area that is at risk from seasonal events? Commercial property insurance will help protect against loss.
  • Find a reputable licensed agent.Commercial insurance agents can help you find policies that match your business needs. They receive commissions from insurance companies when they sell policies, so it's important to find a licensed agent that’s interested in your needs as much as his or her own.
  • Shop around.Prices and benefits can vary significantly. You should compare rates, terms, and benefits for insurance offers from several different agents.
  • Re-assess every year.As your business grows, so do your liabilities. If you have purchased or replaced equipment or expanded operations, contact your insurance agent. You should discuss any changes in your business and how they affect your coverage.

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Get business insurance (2024)

FAQs

What is the best type of insurance for a small business? ›

The most common are general liability and professional liability. Getting the right business insurance coverage isn't any different than protecting your home with homeowners insurance – they're both some of the most important investments you'll ever make.

Do you need insurance for an LLC in NY? ›

Unfortunately, the LLC business structure typically only protects personal property from lawsuits, and even that protection is limited. While an LLC will protect your personal assets and ensure that they are treated separately from your business, your business may still need its own insurance policy.

What type of insurance is sold to small businesses? ›

At minimum, you should start with these types of small business insurance: General liability coverage. Workers' compensation coverage. Commercial auto coverage.

How much is a $2 million dollar insurance policy for a business? ›

On average, an insurance policy that offers coverage for up to $2 million can cost about $30 a month in premiums.

What is the best place to get business insurance? ›

Nationwide is the No. 1 small business insurance company in our rating, offering a range of coverage options, including a business owners policy (BOP) that bundles general liability, commercial property, and equipment breakdown.

How much does a $10 million dollar business insurance policy cost? ›

Cost. As a general rule of thumb, figure that each million dollars of insurance cost $1,000.

How much is a $5 million dollar insurance policy for a business? ›

A $5 million umbrella policy costs around $375 to $525 per year, on average.

Should I shop around for business insurance? ›

As a general rule, you'll want to get business insurance quotes from at least three different companies.

Should I file as sole proprietor or LLC? ›

An LLC has distinct advantages in the areas of legal protection and liability. While there are filing fees for setting up an LLC, that cost can be well worth it when compared to the thousands of dollars you could be liable for as a sole proprietor. On the other hand, it costs no money to start a sole proprietorship.

Is a DBA or LLC better? ›

While both DBAs and LLCs are registered with the state and allow you to conduct business using a new name, only the LLC allows you to protect your assets from business creditors. The decision can influence liability protection, tax flexibility, and more.

How much does it cost to file an LLC in NY? ›

The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $200. The fee may be paid by cash, check, money order, MasterCard, Visa or American Express. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the “Department of State.” Do not send cash through the mail.

What type of insurance do I need as a small business owner? ›

Six common types of business insurance
Insurance typeWho it's for
General liability insuranceAny business
Product liability insuranceBusinesses that manufacture, wholesale, distribute, and retail a product
Professional liability insuranceBusinesses that provide services to customers
3 more rows
Apr 8, 2024

Should a small business have insurance? ›

If you've asked yourself, “Do I need insurance for my small business?” The answer is yes. A small business insurance policy can help with protecting your assets and company. Without this coverage, small businesses may have to pay to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property on their own.

Is small business insurance deductible? ›

So, it's no surprise that many entrepreneurs find themselves wondering if their business insurance tax deductible. The answer is generally yes. The Internal Revenue Service views some insurance premiums as a cost of doing business and may accept them as tax deductions.

What type of insurance is most profitable? ›

Life insurance is the most profitable—and the hardest—type of insurance to sell. With the highest premiums and the longest-running contract, it brings in cash over a long period of time. In the first year, agents make the largest annual sum on a policy, bringing in anywhere from 40–120% of the policy premium.

What type of insurance is sold to small business owners that must meet overhead? ›

Business overhead expense insurance, or BOE insurance, is a type of disability insurance policy designed for small business owners. If the business owner experiences a covered a covered disability, the benefits can pay for overhead expenses up to the maximum monthly benefit.

How can small businesses reduce health insurance costs? ›

7 Effective Ways to Reduce Group Health Insurance Plans
  1. Hire More Employees. ...
  2. Hire Young Employees. ...
  3. Provide Preventative Wellness. ...
  4. Exclude Dental and Vision Coverage. ...
  5. Offer a Health Savings Account. ...
  6. Choose a Plan with Maximum Out of Pocket Requirements. ...
  7. Compare Insurance Providers.

What is a small business property insurance? ›

Business property insurance covers your buildings, the contents within those buildings, and loss of income if you're out of business due to a claim. It can help protect your business in case of unexpected accidents or tragedies like fire, theft, wind damage, or even a building's collapse under the weight of snow.

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