Answers
Questions and answers
Short, plain-language answers to the questions that come up most. Each one links to the services and state details behind it.
Coverage basics
-
Do I need commercial auto insurance?
If your business owns vehicles, or employees drive for work, you generally need commercial auto insurance, because personal auto policies usually exclude busine
-
Do I need insurance for a home-based business?
Usually yes. A homeowners or renters policy generally excludes or sharply limits business activity, so a home-based business often needs its own coverage for li
-
Do I need workers' compensation insurance?
In most states, if you have employees you are required to carry workers' compensation insurance, often from the first employee. The rules, exemptions, and treat
-
What is a business owners policy (BOP)?
A business owners policy, or BOP, bundles common coverages most small businesses need into one package, typically general liability and commercial property, oft
-
What is a certificate of insurance and when do I need one?
A certificate of insurance is a one-page document that proves you carry an active policy, showing the coverage types, limits, and dates. Clients, landlords, and
-
What is a commercial umbrella insurance policy?
A commercial umbrella policy adds an extra layer of liability limit on top of your underlying policies, such as general liability and commercial auto, paying on
-
What is an additional insured on a policy?
An additional insured is a person or business added to your policy so that it also receives certain coverage for liability connected to your work. Clients, land
-
What is commercial property insurance?
Commercial property insurance covers your business's physical assets, such as your building, equipment, inventory, and furnishings, against covered events like
-
What is cyber liability insurance and do I need it?
Cyber liability insurance helps cover the costs of a data breach or cyberattack, such as notifying affected customers, restoring systems and data, legal expense
-
What is employment practices liability insurance (EPLI)?
Employment practices liability insurance covers claims by employees against your business over workplace issues such as wrongful termination, discrimination, ha
-
What is general liability insurance and what does it cover?
General liability insurance covers claims that your business caused bodily injury or property damage to someone else, along with related legal costs and certain
-
What is professional liability insurance and do I need it?
Professional liability insurance, also called errors and omissions or E&O, covers claims that your professional advice, services, or work caused a client financ
-
What is the difference between general liability and professional liability insurance?
General liability covers third-party bodily injury and property damage tied to your operations, like a customer slipping in your shop. Professional liability co
Coverage requirements
-
Do I need business insurance to win a contract or sign a lease?
Often yes. Clients, general contractors, landlords, and government agencies frequently require proof of specific coverage, such as general liability at a set li
-
Do independent contractors need their own business insurance?
Usually yes. Independent contractors are not covered by a client's policy and are typically responsible for their own liability, so clients often require them t
Pricing
-
How long does it take to get business insurance?
Many common policies, like general liability, can be quoted and put in force within a day or even the same day once you provide your business details, and you u
-
How much does business insurance cost?
It depends on your industry, size, location, coverage limits, and claims history, so there is no single price. A small, low-risk business buying a basic general
-
How much liability insurance do I need?
The right amount depends on your industry, the size of the risks you face, your assets, and any limits your contracts or clients require. Many small businesses