Monday, December 26, 2011

Small Business Insurance Quotes


Small business insurance quotes, while provided aplenty on the Internet, may or may not provide all the protection a particular business may require. There is too much at risk when operating a small business to take any chances of operating without the protection of business insurance. It takes the help and guidance of a qualified insurance agent or broker to help small businesses understand the dynamics involved in obtaining coverage that is risk specific. A tire salesman, for example, has a much different exposure than the Chinese restaurant where he goes to lunch.

Commercial insurance policies are best written for each individual risk as opposed to being written for the individual. While it is possible to obtain multiple small business insurance quotes, it is also important to make sure that they compare across the lines of coverage that are being offered.

Policy limits may apply to the physical property as well as the general liability exposure. Liability is the all-important third party protection that not only extends to customers on the insured's property, but also to the products and completed operations that the business performs.

All too often, the unforeseen exposure may only be discovered when a suit is filed, making the safety net of business insurance an invaluable part of the business arsenal when it comes to protection. Typically, a good agent will be in communication with an insurance company's underwriter where they can both be instrumental in tailoring a package that not only covers the exposures sufficiently, but will also include the appropriate credits so that agreement on price can be made without unnecessarily limiting coverage. With business insurance, it is not advisable to manipulate the coverage to mitigate the price. There is far too much at risk.


As any small business owner recognizes, there is a lot of blood, sweat and tears that go into getting the business up and running. Since insurance rates are regulated by the U.S. Department of Insurance, it's a safe bet that lines of coverage will compare rather well between small business insurance quotes. It is then left up to the competition between carriers where they will allow credits to bring the premiums down. Further, a good agent will work with an existing insured or potential client so that every effort is made to ensure the safest risk possible and therefore the highest level of credits available to further help reduce the premiums.

There are many efforts that can be made to provide a safe environment for customers, as well as employees. Slip and fall hazards can easily be avoided, yet often, these are the cases that are most often settled without dispute due to the costs they may incur. Installing safety railing or painting a step to make it more visible are just examples of some of the simple steps that can be taken in an effort to prevent needless accidents.

Starting a Small Business - Insurance Tips


When you start your own business there are lots of elements you'll want to consider within your business strategy plan. An Insurance policy mitigates your risk, small business insurance is just about the most important factors within your strategic business plan. When looking in to Business insurance packages, there are many kinds of insurance you'll want to check into and now we can look at the various insurance policies. While we will look at insurance coverage's that are based upon many types of businesses, you might want to speak with an experienced insurance agent with regards to your businesses requirements.

Commercial General Liability

This is the first protection you will want to take into consideration because it is on the list of needed insurance policies it is possible to acquire. The following insurance policy coverage that defends your company for both bodily injury and property damage claims. This means that this protects your company for accidents that your fault, and insures your company for scenarios when an individual or property is broken and / or wounded. Every business enterprise will need to have this particular coverage because this will handle many types of claim instances. This particular policy defends your business for libel and slander as well as slip and fall incidents. This type of coverage does insure you for several claim circumstances, it doesn't cover them all. The types of insurance not covered under your standard liability policy are; Liquor Liability, Assault & Battery, Commercial Property, Workers Compensation, Professional Liability or Business Auto. The coverage limits for this type of insurance policy goes up to one certain limit and for a limit on top of it, you will need an Excess Insurance Policy. An Umbrella Policy may also go over your Auto Liability as well as your Workers Comp coverage increasing those limits of liability. When deciding just how much Liability Insurance you must consider what amount you have to lose.


Small Business Property Insurance

Now you have a policy coverage which can protect you for both the building you own as well as the property inside of it. Generally, the following coverage plan covers the Building and/or contents for many kinds of incidents such as fire. This coverage doesn't insure property that leaves the premises, for that you'd need an Inland Marine insurance. An Inland Marine policy can cover small equipment to large construction tools or all kinds of other kinds of Property that would be removed from the businesses premises.

Small Business Auto Insurance

This coverage is auto insurance for your business autos. Typically a small business requires increased coverage limits of auto insurance compared to your own personal auto policy. Your small business auto policy would have increased limits of liability coverage, but the insurance coverage's are relative. Your typically looking at liability insurance coverage along with the following; Medical Payments, Uninsured Motorists coverage, Comprehensive, Collision, Towing & Rental Coverage. If you ever rent an auto or your have a staff member drive their own personal automotive on an errand, you need to have Hired & Non Owned Auto Liability. Whenever your LLC or Corporation owns the vehicle, then you should make sure the autos are insured on a Commercial Auto Insurance policy.

Workers Compensation

This particular insurance coverage, also known as Employers Liability, would be the coverage which protects the employees and can pay for claims in which any employee was hurt on the job. Yet again, yet another critical coverage considering that Medical Treatment is incredibly costly. Without having insurance you're self insuring and you will be liable for just about any healthcare expenses or law suit. This coverage does not cover discrimination or sexual harassment claims for that you'd will need an Employment Practices Liability Insurance.

Insurance is an important part of any Organization. It protects your business for various kinds of claims. It's important for you to understand just what you are getting, in which area's this insurance will cover you, and just what is not insured within an insurance policy. Make sure to always understand your policy. Insurance are generally complicated knowing that is the reason you really need to buy from an insurance broker that's versed in Small Business Insurance.