Get the right commercial insurance for your Raleigh business
Which insurance policies are recommended for Raleigh businesses?
General liability insurance
General liability insurance covers lawsuits related to customer accidents, defamation, and copyright infringement. Commercial leases in Raleigh often require this coverage.
- Customer injuries at your business
- Damage to a customer's property
- Libel and other advertising injuries
Professional liability insurance
This policy covers the cost of lawsuits related to mistakes and oversights, such as advice that causes a client to lose money. It's also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
- Mistakes that cause financial loss
- Accusations of professional negligence
- Missed deadlines
Cyber liability insurance
Cyber insurance covers costs related to a data breach or cyberattack at your business. Every Raleigh business that handles credit cards or other personal information should carry this coverage.
- Customer notification costs
- Fraud monitoring services
- Data breach investigations
Business owner’s policy
A BOP is an affordable option that bundles general liability coverage and commercial property insurance. It's the policy most often recommended for small businesses in Raleigh.
- Customer injuries
- Damaged business property
- Business interruption coverage
Workers’ compensation insurance
Workers’ comp is required for all North Carolina businesses that have three or more employees. It also covers work-related injuries for sole proprietors, which health insurance may deny.
- Medical bills from employee injuries
- Disability benefits
- Workplace injury lawsuits
Commercial auto insurance
All vehicles owned by Raleigh businesses must be covered by commercial auto insurance. This policy covers auto accident injuries and property damage.
- Medical bills from an accident
- Property damage caused by your vehicle
- Auto accident lawsuits
Errors and omissions insurance
Consultants and professional services in Raleigh carry this coverage to protect against legal costs from clients harmed by your 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 damage to your building's physical structure and its contents, such as inventory, computers, and furniture. Bundle it with general liability coverage in a BOP.
- 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 Raleigh, NC?
Workers' compensation insurance
Workers' comp is required in North Carolina for small businesses with three or more part-time or full-time employees.
Workers' compensation helps cover your employees from work-related injuries and illnesses. It can also provide disability payments should an employee need to take time off to recover.
Commercial auto insurance
Commercial auto insurance is required for all North Carolina businesses that own company vehicles. This policy protects your business from costly medical expenses, repairs, and damage if you or your employees are involved in an auto accident in business vehicles.
North Carolina businesses, from Chapel Hill to Wake Forest, must carry the minimum state requirements:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability
You may want to consider higher limits if your business has high levels of risk.
If your business uses leased, rented, or personal vehicles, you'll need a separate policy called a hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) insurance policy.
How much does business insurance in Raleigh cost?
Small businesses in Raleigh don't have to pay a lot for commercial insurance. Here are a few average costs for North Carolina businesses, based on policy data from Insureon customers:
General liability: $42 per month
Workers' comp: $60 per month
Professional liability/E&O: $78 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 Raleigh business insurance
How do I get a certificate of insurance for my business?
A certificate of insurance is useful if you need to sign a contract or lease, or otherwise prove you are carrying insurance. With Insureon, you can get same-day insurance coverage in three simple steps:
- Fill out our easy online application to get quotes from top-rated U.S. insurance carriers.
- Pick your policies and pay online.
- Download a certificate of insurance (COI) by logging into your account.
Our licensed agents can help you find the best coverage for your needs and budget. Most businesses start their coverage within a few hours.
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.
Data breach laws in North Carolina require businesses to notify residents and the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division if their personal data is exposed in a data breach.
You may be held financially responsible for a PR campaign, data breach investigation, notification costs, and other expenses if you aren't carrying cyber liability insurance.
Does my industry affect Raleigh insurance requirements?
Your industry can affect the business insurance you need to operate in Raleigh, NC. Additionally, some businesses may need a business license or permit in order to legally operate.
Examples of industries that may have special requirements in order to operate:
- General contractors and some handymen may need contractor general liability insurance to bid for projects or sign a contract.
- North Carolina insurance professionals may need a license to practice in Raleigh.
- Real estate brokers aren't required in North Carolina to carry professional liability, but the real estate firm where they work may require it.
- Medical malpractice insurance is not required for doctors, nurses, and surgeons to operate in North Carolina. However, specific healthcare facilities may mandate their employees to carry it.
It's important to check local city and state laws to ensure you're adequately protected based on your regional requirements. For example, Charlotte small business owners may have different insurance or license requirements than Raleigh.
How can I get help starting a small business in Raleigh, NC?
The City of Raleigh and other nonprofits provide ample support for small business owners. Check out these resources for assistance with your Raleigh small business.
- Raleigh, NC Small Business provides resource guides, grants, and events for small business owners.
- Shop Local Raleigh helps small businesses get the word out about their business through events and a helpful directory.
- Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce has a business directory to connect locals with small businesses in the area.
- SCORE Raleigh provides resources and mentorship for entrepreneurs.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a trusted source for small business loans with competitive rates and fees.
- The North Carolina Small Business Center Network provides business training and counseling for small business owners in Raleigh and all over the North Carolina map.
Small business owners are often required to obtain business insurance before applying for loans.
How can I save money on Raleigh business insurance?
North Carolina small business owners from Cary to Durham can save money on their insurance plans by comparing quotes from top-rated U.S. insurance companies.
With one easy online application, Insureon will connect you with free quotes based on your insurance needs, and help you find the best coverage for your business.
You can also save by:
- Bundling policies for a discount. A common bundle is a business owner's policy.
- Practicing risk management to prevent claims, which keeps your premiums low.
- Picking lower priced insurance products that meet your business needs, such as policies with lower limits and higher deductibles.
You can speak with a licensed insurance agent to discuss the right types of insurance solutions to save money while protecting your business.