Make Sure Your Business is Properly Protected

If you are starting or operating a small business, you know the importance of maintaining its financial stability. Everything from managing cash flow to keeping current with tax liabilities is crucial. Another key contributor to the firm’s financial strength is ensuring your business is protected against risks. While unexpected situations may occur, you can explore insurance options to limit the impact that an unplanned event could have on your most important assets. Start by understanding your current policies, and identify areas where you and your business may be exposed to risk. The following list includes types of insurance you may want to consider:

The basics of business insurance

Among the more fundamental forms of insurance that apply to most businesses are1:

  • General liability: This type of insurance provides coverage for legal issues ranging from injuries on your property to claims of libel or slander.
  • Product or professional liability: If your business manufactures, distributes or sells products at the retail level, this insurance protects against claims relating to product defects. The level of risk you incur depends on the types of products you sell and their potential to do harm. Professional liability coverage pertains to firms that provide services. This coverage, often referred to as “errors and omissions insurance,” protects against mistakes that could occur.
  • Commercial property insurance: Just as you need insurance on your home, the same is true for your business property, even if you rent your business space. This insurance protects the valuable assets in your company from risks such as fire, flood damage, vandalism or theft.

Specialized types of insurance

Depending on the focus and state of your business, different types of insurance may be necessary. Be sure you review these options and others in your industry to determine what’s right for you:

  • Business insurance for the home1: If you run your business out of the home, it is likely that standard homeowner’s insurance will not cover risks associated with the business. Check your policy to see if separate or additional coverage is needed.
  • Worker’s compensation 2: If you have employees, you will likely need to have a worker’s compensation policy in place to cover injuries or deaths that could occur while doing business.
  • Auto insurance3: Vehicles specifically owned by the company require full insurance. Employees using their own cars can be covered by personal insurance policies in most cases, but be sure to check with your insurer. You may need additional insurance to protect the company in case one of your employees has insufficient coverage.
  • Business interruption insurance1: A natural disaster or other catastrophic event could disrupt your business operation for days, weeks or even months. This form of coverage can compensate businesses for income lost during such periods. Generally, it is most suitable for a business that operates from a specific location, such as a retail store.
  • Cyber or data breach coverage3: If sensitive information about employees, vendors or clients is stored within your computers and other devices, there may be a financial impact if your business is subject to a cyber-attack. This insurance can help cover costs associated with notifying affected parties, public relations and legal action.
  • Employment practices coverage2: Employers can be subject to legal actions from employees and others, including accusations of discrimination, harassment or wrongful termination. Policies are available to protect against these costs.
  • Directors’ and officers’ liability4: This coverage protects individuals in positions of authority in the company if they are sued over business decisions or actions taken.
  • Life insurance1: If you share ownership of the business, think about what happens to the firm if one of you passes away unexpectedly. Is another owner in a financial position to purchase an additional share in the company? Life insurance can be a key part of your succession plan.

Look for solutions that are suitable

There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution when it comes to business insurance. The types of coverage you need and the size of your business can guide you in finding the best approach. Working closely with financial and insurance professionals can help you sort through your goals and determine an appropriate protection strategy.

1– “Types of Business Insurance.” U.S. Small Business Association, < https://www.sba.gov/managing-business/running-business/insurance/types-business-insurance&gt;.

2– “One Insurance Mistake Can Sink Your Business. Here’s What You Need to Know.” Forbes, June 2017. <https://www.inc.com/magazine/201706/kate-rockwood/business-insurance-tips.html&gt;.

3 – “Directors and Officers Liability Insurance.” Investopedia, <http://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/directors-and-officers-liability-insurance&gt;.

4 – “Glossary of Insurance and Risk Management Terms.” IRMI, <https://www.irmi.com/online/insurance-glossary/terms.aspx&gt;.

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Andrew R. Petty, CRPC®, APMA®, is a Private Wealth Advisor with Marlowe, Petty & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc .  He offers fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 15 years. To contact him, please call 407-249-4006, visit his website at www.marlowepetty.com or stopover at his office at 10917 Dylan Loren Circle, Suite A, Orlando, FL 32825.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser.

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

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