Did you know that 75 percent of businesses in the United States are not covered by business insurance?
Picking business insurance is a crucial aspect of running a successful business, especially depending on the industry in which your business is going to operate. To pick the best insurance for small businesses you need to know your options.
Thankfully you’ve come to the right place to learn tips for selecting the best business insurance providers and the types of insurance that best fit your business needs.
Continue reading to learn about seven factors that you need to consider when comparing insurance costs and choosing the right insurance for your small business.
1. Determine Your Risks
When picking business insurance it is important to determine the risks that come with the business you’re running. This will help you figure out which types of insurance coverage you’ll need for your operations. Different businesses and risks require different types of insurance.
To start with, determine if your company is going to be a limited liability company or a sole proprietorship. Limited liability companies are considered stand-alone entities while sole proprietorships are not. This means you could be liable for damages if an accident occurs.
Business insurance providers will also do their own risk assessment of your business before offering you their insurance terms and conditions.
Companies in the logging industry will have different logging insurance options compared to other industries since the risks are different.
Depending on what your business is, there are some small steps that you can take to minimize risk for your business. Installing CCTV cameras for security to prevent theft is a great example of a small investment that minimizes risk.
2. Think About Your Business Size
Another important thing to consider is the size of your business. If your business is an early-stage startup company then it is possible that you’re working from home and don’t have any full-time employees yet.
Even if that is the case, picking business insurance is still an important step to take. Your business still has risks associated with it that you’ll want to be covered for.
This is especially true if your homeowners’ insurance won’t cover damages related to your business. Even if you work from home it is possible that they won’t cover damage to your home.
The size of your business also determines the amount of insurance you need. You won’t need as much insurance if you have 30 employees compared to if you had 150 employees.
3. You Get What You Pay For
When it comes to picking business insurance, you get what you pay for. It is common for people and business owners to try to find ways to cut corners and save money, especially when it comes to insurance premiums.
The downside to that is that you might end up with an insurance policy that doesn’t cover everything that you need it to. What happens if there is an accident and your insurance only covers part of the damages? Then you’re left on the hook for the remainder.
You might not be able to afford the best business insurance when you’re first getting started, but you can find an insurance provider that will scale up with your business as you grow.
4. Geographical Coverage When Picking Business Insurance
Another important thing to consider is finding an insurance provider that operates in the area of your business operations. A local insurance provider will have a greater understanding of the geographical risks your business faces.
There is also the added benefit that an insurance provider with nearby offices will respond quickly when there is an emergency that you need help with.
5. Consider Laws and Regulations
Every state has a different set of laws and regulations in regard to different types of business insurance. Some states require that businesses carry general liability insurance in order to operate.
Workers’ compensation insurance is another common type of insurance that state laws and regulations require. This is also largely dependent on the industry that you work in.
Because of this, it is important for your business that you factor in the state that your business is in when picking business insurance to cover your organization.
6. Consider the Terms and Conditions
As with any type of insurance, it is important that you read the fine print of the insurance policy that the business insurance providers are offering you.
Before you agree or sign off on anything, understand all of the terms and conditions that come with your insurance policy. Skipping through the fine print is a great way to set yourself up for failure.
Lawsuits in the business world can cost you your business and more. By reading the fine print, you’ll know what you’re covered for and protected against. Taking this step helps you avoid surprises and difficulties.
A great way to better understand the terms and conditions is by talking with the insurance providers and getting clarification on anything you’re unsure of.
7. Consider the Insurance Provider’s Reputation
Before you decide on a business insurance provider, it is recommended that you do your research on them and determine if they’re a reputable insurance provider.
Your business insurance is an investment that is supposed to protect you and your business when times are tough. A bad insurance provider will only make things worse rather than helping you when you need them most.
There aren’t many things worse than paying for an insurance policy and the insurance company refusing to pay a claim. The best approach is to do business with a trustworthy insurance provider that looks out for you.
Read reviews and talk to other business owners about which business insurance providers they prefer and which ones they’ve had poor experiences with. This will help you narrow down your options and find the best fit for you.
Start Picking Business Insurance Today
Business insurance is vital for protecting your business and yourself in times of need. This is especially important when your business is first starting up. Doing your research is one of the most important parts of picking business insurance.
You also need to consider your state’s laws and regulations in regard to the business insurance requirements for your area. Last but not least, find an insurance policy that will allow you to scale your coverage up as your business grows.
For more helpful articles covering business and finance be sure to check out more of our blog posts!
