Get the right commercial insurance for your Kansas City business
Which policies are recommended for Kansas City businesses?
The combination of affordability and strong growth makes Kansas City one of the leading places to start a small business. Protect your small Kansas City business with these insurance products.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy covers legal costs related to customer injuries, defamation, and copyright infringement. Commercial leases in Kansas City often require this coverage.
- Lawsuits from personal injuries
- Accidental damage to a client's property
- Libel and other advertising injuries
Professional liability insurance
This policy covers professional negligence, such as a recommendation made by a consultant that causes a client to lose money. It's also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
- Mistakes that cause financial loss
- Breach of contract
- Missed deadlines
Cyber insurance
Cyber liability insurance covers costs related to data breaches and cyberattacks. Every Kansas City business that handles customer information should carry this coverage.
- Customer notification costs
- Fraud monitoring services
- Data breach investigations
Business owner’s policy
A BOP bundles general liability coverage and commercial property insurance together at a discount. It's the policy most often recommended for small businesses in Kansas City.
- Customer injuries
- Damaged business property
- Business interruption coverage
Workers’ compensation insurance
Kansas City businesses that have five or more employees must carry workers' comp. It also protects sole proprietors against work-related medical bills that health insurance won't cover.
- Medical bills from employee injuries
- Disability benefits
- Workplace injury lawsuits
Commercial auto insurance
All vehicles owned by Kansas City businesses must be covered by a commercial auto policy. This policy covers auto accident injuries and property damage.
- Injuries caused by your vehicle
- Property damage caused by your vehicle
- Theft of a business vehicle
Errors and omissions insurance
Consultants and professional services carry this coverage to protect against legal defense costs from clients harmed by their advice or services. It's also called professional liability insurance.
- Errors and oversights
- Late or incomplete work
- Negligence accusations
Commercial property insurance
This policy covers the cost of repair or replacement of your building's physical structure and its contents after a damaging event. Bundle it with general liability coverage in a BOP for a discount.
- Storm damage
- Fires
- Theft and vandalism
Commercial umbrella insurance
An umbrella policy provides coverage once the limit is reached on your underlying general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, or employer's liability insurance.
- Customer lawsuits
- Auto accident lawsuits
- Employee injury lawsuits
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Hear from customers like you who purchased small business insurance.
Which business insurance policies are required in Kansas City, MO?
State laws can determine the types of business insurance you need. These policies help you comply with Missouri’s business insurance requirements.
Workers' compensation insurance
Missouri's workers' compensation law requires this coverage for businesses that have five or more employees. Construction businesses must carry this coverage when they have one or more employees.
Workers' comp pays for medical expenses from job-related injuries and illnesses. It also provides disability benefits for injured Kansas City workers.
Most workers' compensation policies include employer's liability insurance, which covers legal costs related to workplace injuries.
Commercial auto insurance
Missouri state law requires commercial auto insurance for all vehicles that are owned by a business. This insurance policy pays for medical bills, legal costs, and property damage after an auto accident.
Kansas City businesses must meet the state's requirements for auto liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage, which are:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Keep in mind that this is the minimum you're required to carry. It's worth considering higher limits, given the potential cost of a lawsuit. Trucking companies also may need more coverage to comply with regulations.
If you need business insurance coverage for a personal, rented, or leased vehicle, you may want to consider hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) instead.
How much does business insurance cost in Kansas City?
Small businesses in Kansas City don't have to pay a lot for commercial insurance. Here are a few average costs for Missouri businesses, based on policy data from Insureon customers:
General liability: $50 per month
Workers' comp: $86 per month
Professional liability/E&O: $71 per month
The cost of business liability insurance depends on factors such as:
- Type of business
- Business operations
- Number of employees
- Policy limits and deductibles
- Claims history
Top professions we insure
FAQs about Kansas City business insurance
Review answers to frequently asked questions about Kansas City insurance.
How do I get a certificate of insurance for my business?
Sometimes you need to get insured quickly to sign a contract or other agreement. With Insureon, you can get same-day insurance in three easy steps:
- Fill out our easy online application to get quotes from top-rated providers.
- Choose a policy and pay for it online.
- Download a certificate of insurance (COI) by logging into your account.
Our licensed insurance agents will help you get coverage for your small Kansas City business that matches your risks and your budget. Most businesses can get their certificate of insurance within a few hours of applying for quotes.
Can my business be held liable for a data security breach?
Yes – that's why cyber insurance is so crucial. Small businesses are a common target of cyberattacks since they often have fewer security measures in place.
Missouri's data breach laws require Kansas City businesses to notify any residents whose personal information is exposed in a data breach. Your business could also end up paying for a data breach investigation, a PR campaign, and other costs related to a breach or cyberattack.
Cyber insurance covers these costs and provides resources so you can get back to business fast.
Does my industry affect Kansas City insurance requirements?
Yes, Kansas City may have special requirements for business insurance and bonds, depending on the type of work you do.
All businesses in Kansas City must be licensed, including sole proprietors, and all Missouri businesses must register with the Secretary of State.
Here are a few examples of businesses with additional obligations:
- Contractors may need commercial general liability insurance for contractors or a surety bond to sign a contract or bid on a project. Kansas City requires a contractor license for any construction-related work.
- Notaries public must carry a $10,000 surety bond to work in Missouri.
- Cannabis dispensaries are not required by state law to carry insurance, but they may need it to secure a commercial lease or loan.
- Insurance agents must be licensed to sell insurance in Missouri, which includes passing a licensing exam.
When running a business in Kansas City, you need to be aware of laws and regulations for Missouri, Jackson County, and Kansas City. If you do any work across the state line, you'll need to comply with Kansas requirements as well.
How can I get help starting a small business in Kansas City, MO?
Kansas City is one of the most affordable, fastest growing cities in the nation, which means ample opportunities for small business owners. Here's a list of local resources to help you get started:
- The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce offers networking opportunities and programs for small businesses. (There's also a Black Chamber of Commerce and a Hispanic Chamber, among others.)
- The Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers classes and coaching for small business owners, including startups and tech companies.
- KCSourceLink provides guides, workshops, and classes to help startups and other businesses find funding, grow, and thrive.
- SCORE Kansas City connects small business owners with mentors and has a wide range of free workshops and other resources.
- The Kansas City Public Library has a Small Business Engagement Specialist who helps connect small business owners with resources and partners.
- The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) provides a list of resources for local entrepreneurs, and supports business growth in the area.
- The Kansas City government has a list of resources for minority and women-owned organizations and businesses, including contractor associations.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a trusted source for small business loans with competitive rates and fees.
Keep in mind that many lenders will require you to first obtain business insurance, which is yet another reason to insure your investment.
How can I save money on Kansas City business insurance?
Small business owners can save money on insurance by comparing quotes from different insurance companies. With Insureon, you can get free quotes from top-rated providers by filling out one easy application.
There are a few other ways to save, such as:
- Bundle policies for a discount. The most popular option is a business owner's policy.
- Choose less expensive policy options, such as lower limits or a higher deductible.
- Focus on workplace safety. Fewer accidents means fewer claims, which helps keep your premium low.
Learn more about how to find cheap business insurance.