Franchise Business Insurance

Insurance is crucial for franchises, LLCs, sole proprietors, independent contractors, and other business models. Insurance can help your franchise when:

You need insurance to sign a franchise agreement or a lease. Your franchisor or landlord may require you to carry insurance to protect themselves against potential losses. These requirements should be outlined in the franchise disclosure document (FDD) or lease agreement. In some cases, they may ask you to list them as an additional insured on your policy.

You need insurance coverage to comply with the law. Depending on the laws in your state, you may need coverage for a business-owned vehicle, to obtain a license in your field, or to protect against work-related injuries.

You want to gain your customers' trust by being insured. Even when it's not required, carrying insurance is a sign of professionalism and financial stability. It helps attract customers and can give the owner of a small franchise an edge over their competitors.

You want to safeguard your own business from catastrophic losses. 43% percent of small businesses have faced or been threatened with a lawsuit, but they often lack the resources that larger companies draw upon to survive a legal battle. Insurance helps your franchise withstand unexpected costs from customer injuries, fires, and other incidents that could devastate an otherwise successful business.

Insureon can help provide your franchise with the right insurance program to meet all of your business needs, which includes providing a certificate of insurance (COI) to allow you to sign a lease or your franchise agreement.

With Insureon, you can get usually get a COI on the same day that you apply for quotes. It’s a simple three-step process:

1. Fill out our easy online application.
2. Compare free quotes from top-rated insurance providers.
3. Buy a policy and download a certificate of insurance.

A certificate of insurance will outline the details of your insurance, such as policy limits, deductibles, and any endorsements. It serves as proof of insurance for clients, landlords, lenders, and anyone else who asks whether your business is insured.

Yes, the type of franchise can affect your commercial insurance needs.

For example, restaurants and convenience stores need liquor liability insurance if they plan to serve or sell alcohol.

In some states, real estate agents and brokers are required to carry errors and omissions insurance. Plumbers and landscapers may need a general liability policy to obtain a license.

Retail stores and others involved with products should consider carrying product liability insurance. Often included in general liability insurance, this policy covers liability claims related to harm caused by a product.

Cleaning businesses may need a janitorial bond before a client will allow cleaners onto their property.

Also, computer repair stores and other tech companies should invest in tech E&O insurance to protect against their unique cyber risks.

Insureon can help customize insurance quotes to make sure your franchise gets all the coverage it needs. You can find coverage solutions today by starting an application, or by asking a licensed insurance agent.

Insurance pricing is usually affordable for small, low-risk franchises, and there are a few ways to find comprehensive business coverage at an affordable price.

Most businesses can find cheaper insurance with the following methods:

Bundle policies. Many small business owners buy general liability coverage and commercial property insurance together in a business owner's policy, which costs less than purchasing each policy separately. It's sometimes possible to bundle additional coverages, depending on your profession.

Shop around. Compare options from different insurance carriers to make sure you're not paying too much for insurance. With Insureon, you can get quotes today with our free online application.

Choose a high deductible. You can customize your insurance policy to save money, such as by choosing a higher deductible or lower policy limits.

Avoid claims. Finally, take steps to reduce your business's risks. Prompt cleanup of spills, the elimination of clutter, and bright lighting can help customers and employees avoid accidents, which helps keep your premiums low.

The policies your business needs depend on your specific risks, such as whether you drive for work or have a client who requires a certain type of insurance.

Other coverage options to consider include:

Business interruption insurance: This policy covers financial losses if your business is forced to close temporarily due to a fire or extreme weather. It can often be added to a business owner's policy.

Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA): An HNOA policy provides liability protection for a franchise where employees drive their personal vehicles, leased vehicles, or rented vehicles.

Professional liability insurance: Also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O), this policy covers legal costs if a client sues over late or unsatisfactory work.

Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI): This coverage protects a franchise from claims of unfair hiring practices, discrimination, or other violations of employee rights.

Commercial umbrella insurance: Umbrella insurance covers legal expenses when the limit is reached on another liability policy, such as general liability or commercial auto insurance. Franchise owners may need this coverage to meet a franchisor's requirements for higher liability limits.

Equipment breakdown coverage: This type of insurance pays for repair or replacement of damaged machinery or equipment used by your franchise.

View all small business insurance policies.