Get the right commercial insurance for your Dallas business
Which insurance policies are recommended for Dallas businesses?
Ranked as one of the top ten metros to start a small business in high-growth sectors, the city of Dallas is bustling with opportunity. Protect your small Dallas business with these common insurance products.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy protects Dallas businesses from lawsuits related to customer accidents, defamation, and copyright infringement. Commercial leases often require this coverage.
- Customer injuries at your business
- Libel and other advertising injuries
- Product liability insurance
Professional liability insurance
This policy covers legal costs related to mistakes and oversights, such as a consultant's advice that leads to financial loss. It's also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
- Mistakes that cause financial loss
- Accusations of professional negligence
- Missed deadlines
Cyber insurance
Cyber liability insurance covers the costs of data breaches and cyberattacks. Every Dallas 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 bundles general liability coverage and commercial property insurance together at a discount. It's the policy most often recommended for small businesses in Dallas.
- Customer injuries
- Damaged business property
- Business interruption coverage
Workers’ compensation insurance
Workers' comp helps pay for medical expenses when an employee is injured. It also covers work-related medical bills for sole proprietors, which personal health insurance may not cover.
- Medical bills from employee injuries
- Disability benefits
- Workplace injury lawsuits
Commercial auto insurance
All vehicles owned by Dallas businesses must be covered by business 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 Dallas carry this coverage to protect against legal costs from clients harmed by your advice or services. It's sometimes 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. 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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Which business insurance policies are required in Dallas?
Workers' compensation insurance
Unlike most other states, Texas does not mandate workers' compensation insurance for businesses. However, employers without coverage must notify the state and their employees.
Even when it's not required, workers' comp is a wise investment for protection against work-related injuries and illnesses. For example, a cleaning company employee becoming sick from cleaner fumes, or a line cook at a restaurant getting burned by the grill. Your personal health insurance likely won't cover medical bills that are related to your job.
Workers' comp also provides disability benefits for injured Dallas workers, and usually includes employer's liability insurance for protection against workplace injury lawsuits.
Commercial auto insurance
Texas 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, which personal auto insurance may not cover.
Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston businesses must meet the state's requirements for auto liability coverage, which are:
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability or death liability per person
- $60,000 in bodily injury liability or death liability to more than one person
- $25,000 in property damage 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 may also 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 Dallas?
Small businesses in Dallas don't have to pay a lot for commercial insurance. Here are a few average costs for Texas businesses, based on policy data from Insureon customers:
General liability: $43 per month
Workers' comp: $34 per month
Professional liability/E&O: $91 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 Dallas business 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 insurance carriers.
- Choose the policies that suit your business insurance needs and pay for them online.
- Download a certificate of insurance (COI) by logging into your account.
Our licensed agents will help you get the right types of coverage for your small Dallas business that match your risks and specific insurance needs. Most businesses can get their certificate of insurance within a few hours of applying for quotes, offering peace of mind almost instantly.
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.
Texas' data breach laws require Dallas 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 Dallas insurance requirements?
Yes, the city of Dallas may have special requirements for business insurance and bonds, depending on the type of work you do. While Texas doesn't require a general business license, there are some requirements for any business operating in Dallas, including obtaining a Texas sales and use tax permit.
Here are a few examples of businesses with additional obligations:
- Contractors, contractors, handymen, and other construction professionals are required to submit an application for contractor registration to obtain a license. They may also need commercial general liability insurance for contractors or a surety bond to sign a contract or bid on a project. Having the right insurance and bonds helps you comply with state licensing requirements.
- Notaries public must carry a four-year, $10,000 notary surety bond to work in Dallas.
- Insurance agencies need to carry a $25,000 surety bond to be licensed in the state.
- Physicians and nurses aren't required by Texas law to carry malpractice insurance, also called professional liability insurance, but it's typically required by the healthcare facilities where they work.
When running a business in Dallas, you need to be aware of laws and regulations for Texas, Dallas County, and the city of Dallas.
How can I get help starting a small business in Dallas?
Dallas is a leading metro for small business growth for new companies, which means the city offers plenty of opportunity – and competition.
Here's a list of local organizations that can help you get started and keep growing:
- The Dallas Public Library offers a specialized Small Business Center for learning, as well as business and investment databases.
- The Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce enables networking opportunities and support for small businesses.
- The Texas Small Business Association (SBA) can help small businesses during times of emergency, financial need, and economic prosperity.
- Dallas Metropolitan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides businesses with information concerning contracting with the government, international trade, intellectual property protection, and technology transfer.
- The Governor's Office of Small Business Assistance assists small and medium Texas businesses with informational webinars and events, among other offerings.
- SCORE Dallas offers free business advice and training, with support from experienced entrepreneurs from diverse industries and specialties.
- Texas Economic Development offers small business resources, from moving your business to permits and minority resources.
- The Texas Workforce Commission has information on starting or expanding your business in Texas, as well as startup resources.
Additionally, there are several specific chambers of commerce in and around Dallas that offer networking opportunities and training, including:
How can I save money on Dallas 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 insurance package 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 mean fewer claims, which helps keep your premium low.
Learn more about how to find cheap business insurance.