Small Business Insurance
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Types of business insurance

Some commercial insurance policies benefit every business. Others provide protections against risks that only affect specific businesses. Learn which policies you'll need for your small business.

General liability is recommended for all small businesses

A small business is a privately owned corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship that ranges in the number of people it employs. It differs from a startup, in that it is offering a product or service that is already known to the marketplace and meeting an already existing demand.

Every small business needs general liability insurance. This liability policy provides protection against common customer or client incidents, including bodily injuries, property damage, and personal injuries. An accident involving a customer can result in huge legal fees and medical expenses, making this an important policy for any business.

Your business risks determine which other policies you need

The types of risk your small business faces will dictate the policies you should purchase.

For instance, small businesses with valuable property should consider commercial property insurance, which covers your physical assets against loss or damage due to vandalism, natural disasters, and other similar events. If you are a small business owner in a low-risk industry, you may be able to cut premium costs by combining this policy with general liability insurance in a business owner’s policy (BOP).

These policies address your bare-bones exposures. However, you may need additional coverage depending on your industry, location, and operations.

For example, most state laws require you to carry workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees. Similarly, all business-owned vehicles must have commercial auto insurance.

Read more about the different types of insurance options available and determine the right coverage for your company.

Find the right business insurance coverage

Types of insurance coverage for businesses

General liability insurance icon

General liability insurance

Who's blaming you? Customers, delivery people, and other non-employees
For what? Injuries or property damage
What’s covered? Lawyer’s fees, court costs, settlements, judgments

Learn more about general liability insurance.

Professional liability insurance icon

Professional liability insurance / Errors & omissions insurance

Who's blaming you? Customers and clients
For what? Work mistakes that caused injuries or financial losses
What’s covered? Lawyer’s fees, court costs, settlements, judgments

Learn more about professional liability insurance / errors & omissions insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance icon

Workers' compensation insurance

Who's blaming you? Current employees
For what? On-the-job injuries or illnesses
What’s covered? Medical bills, missed or lost wages, death benefits

Learn more about workers' comp insurance.

Cyber liability insurance icon

Cyber liability insurance

Who's blaming you? Customers and clients
For what? Exposing personal information in a data breach
What’s covered? Credit monitoring, notification expenses, legal costs, cyber extortion

Learn more about cyber liability insurance.

Commercial auto insurance icon

Commercial auto insurance

Who's blaming you? Drivers, property owners, or other third parties
For what? Injuries or property damage caused by a business vehicle, or vehicle theft, vandalism, and other losses
What’s covered? Lawyer’s fees, court costs, settlements, judgments

Learn more about commercial auto insurance.

Employment practices liability insurance icon

Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI)

Who's blaming you? Current, former, and potential employees
For what? Harassment, discrimination, other violations of employee rights
What’s covered? Lawyer’s fees, court costs, settlements, judgments

Learn more about employment practices liability insurance.

Directors and officers insurance icon

Directors and officers insurance (D&O)

Who's blaming you? Employees, regulators, third parties
For what? Your board or executives misusing funds, failing to meet regulations, or failing to fulfill official duties
What’s covered? Lawyer’s fees, court costs, settlements, judgments

Learn more about directors and officers insurance.

Liquor liability insurance icon

Liquor liability insurance

Who's blaming you? Customers, property owners, or other third parties
For what? Injuries or property damage caused by an intoxicated customer
What's covered? Lawyer’s fees, court costs, settlements, judgments

Learn more about liquor liability insurance.

Other common business insurance products

Find small business insurance quotes from top U.S. carriers

Insurance recommendations by industry

Your insurance needs depend on the specific characteristics of your small business. Because similar professional services share the same risks, it's helpful to explore business insurance coverage recommendations by industry. Select your profession from the list below for details about what kinds of insurance your small business might need.

Compare different types of business insurance policies

How do I get business insurance?

Complete Insureon’s easy online application today to compare insurance quotes from top-rated U.S. carriers. You can also consult with an insurance agent on your business insurance needs. Once you find the right types of coverage for your small business, you can begin coverage in less than 24 hours.

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Updated: March 8, 2023
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