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Is business insurance required by law?

Most states require businesses with employees to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. Sometimes other policies are required, as well.

State laws can mandate business insurance coverage

Most types of commercial insurance are not mandated by law. However, depending on the state laws where your business operates, you might be required to purchase:

Workers' compensation insurance

Almost every state requires businesses with employees to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. However, some states make exceptions for businesses with few employees.

For example, it's required in Georgia only when a business regularly employs three or more people. In most other states, every business with employees is required to carry workers’ comp, even for part-time employees.

Find workers’ compensation laws in your state.

Commercial auto insurance

You’re likely familiar with the law and insurance requirements for your personal vehicle. Similarly, every business-owned vehicle must be covered by commercial auto insurance.

This policy provides protection if an employee gets into an auto accident. It can cover injuries, property damage, and legal fees. Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) can provide additional coverages if you or your employees use personal vehicles for business purposes.

Find commercial auto insurance laws in your state.

Professional liability insurance

Certain professionals, such as real estate agents, may be required by state law to purchase professional liability insurance. This policy provides protection if a client or customer sues over business mistakes or oversights that caused financial loss. It's also called errors and omissions insurance or E&O.

Liquor liability insurance

To obtain a liquor license, businesses such as bars and restaurants are often required to purchase liquor liability insurance. This policy provides protection if your business is held responsible for injuries or property damage caused by an overserved patron.

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How do I get a certificate of insurance?

View video transcript.

Hey there! Yeah, up here in the corner. Good news: You've purchased your policy to protect your business! But that's only the beginning...

A licensed expert will email you a Certificate of Insurance the day you buy a policy. I'd do it, but, you know, I'm an animated talking head.

The certificate means peace of mind. And you can access it on the Insureon online customer portal where you can review policy info and all of your insurance documentation.

Need additional assistance? Or want to make changes? Yeah, no problem! Call toll free, or reach out to a dedicated account manager with questions about billing and claims.

We're with you now, and as you grow. Behind the scenes, but there when you need us. Insureon. Protection is peace of mind.

Many clients will require proof of insurance before they sign a contract with your business. But in order to obtain a certificate of insurance (COI), you must have an active insurance policy.

If you don't have coverage, you can complete Insureon's easy online insurance application to get quotes from top-rated carriers.

Choose the policy that best matches your needs, and an Insureon agent can help finalize your policy details. Once your policy is active, you can contact your Insureon agent or log in to your account with our Customer Portal to download or request a certificate.

Other situations that require business insurance

Even when it’s not required by law, business owners might need to purchase commercial insurance to sign a lease, attract clients, or get a license for their profession. Acquiring insurance for your small business allows you to:

Apply for licenses. Many licensing bodies consider an active insurance policy a requirement of becoming licensed.

Sign a lease. Your landlord may require you to have general liability insurance and commercial property insurance.

Attract big client contracts. Clients may require you to have professional liability insurance.

Buy commercial real estate or expensive equipment. Damaged property or equipment can be easily covered with adequate property insurance.

Businesses with unique risks may benefit from other types of insurance. A licensed Insureon agent can help you find the appropriate insurance for your type of business.

Compare quotes from trusted carriers with Insureon

Complete Insureon’s easy online application today to compare small business insurance quotes from top-rated U.S. carriers. Once you find the right policy for your small business, you can begin coverage in less than 24 hours.

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Updated: March 18, 2024

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