Business
A practical insurance checklist for small-business owners
Reviewed by Maria Navarrete-Collins
The short answer
Coverage depends on the business, but many companies should review general liability, business property, commercial auto, workers' compensation and risks specific to their work.
Who may need this coverage
- Contractors and trade businesses
- Shops, salons, restaurants and offices
- Businesses with employees or subcontractors
- Owners who use vehicles or tools for work
Why it matters
Personal policies usually exclude business activity. A commercial package is also what allows you to provide the certificates customers and general contractors request.
Situations in which it may be needed
- A customer injured at your location
- Tools or inventory stolen from a vehicle or job site
- An employee injured on the job
- Damage to a client's property during work
Risks of being uninsured or underinsured
- A claim denied because it involved business use
- Losing a contract for lack of required coverage
- Paying employee injury costs directly
- Business interruption with no income support
What this coverage commonly helps protect
- General liability claims from customers and third parties
- Buildings, equipment, inventory and tools
- Vehicles used for business purposes
- Employee injury costs through workers' compensation
What it may not cover
- Professional advice claims without specific coverage
- Employee dishonesty unless it is added
- Cyber incidents without a cyber endorsement
- Wear, maintenance and equipment breakdown in many cases
Questions to ask your agent
- What liability limits do my contracts require?
- Is my equipment covered off premises?
- Do my vehicles need commercial auto coverage?
- What does workers' compensation require for my payroll?
A practical checklist
- Inventory tools, equipment and stock with values
- List every vehicle used for work
- Collect contract insurance requirements in one place
- Document payroll and subcontractor use
- Review coverage whenever the business grows
Related coverage
Business Insurance
Protection for business property, liability, vehicles and daily operations.
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Coverage descriptions are general educational summaries. Actual coverage, limits, conditions and exclusions depend on the issued policy and may vary by state. Contact a licensed insurance professional to review your specific needs.