Is business insurance required by law?

Most types of commercial insurance are optional. However, depending on the state laws where your business operates, you might be required to purchase:

• Workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees
• Commercial auto insurance for a business-owned vehicle
• Professional liability insurance for certain professional services
• Liquor liability insurance if you sell alcohol

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.