Get the right commercial insurance for your Vermont business
Which policies are recommended for Vermont businesses?
General liability insurance
This type of business liability insurance is important for all Vermont businesses. A general liability policy covers common third-party risks, and it's required by most commercial leases.
- Customer bodily injuries
- Damaged customer property
- Slander, libel, and other advertising injuries
Workers’ compensation insurance
Vermont requires workers’ comp for businesses that have one or more employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Legal fees from employee injuries
Commercial auto insurance
This policy is required for business-owned vehicles in Vermont. It covers injuries and property damage in an accident, along with vehicle theft and some types of damage.
- Accidents involving commercial vehicles
- Theft of a business-owned vehicle
- Damage to a company vehicle
Business owner's policy
A BOP bundles commercial property insurance and general liability coverage in one plan. It's often the most cost-effective type of commercial insurance for a Vermont business.
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Damaged customer property
- Damaged business property
Professional liability insurance
A professional liability insurance policy provides financial protection against lawsuits related to work performance. It's also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
- Work mistakes and oversights
- Professional negligence lawsuits
- Late or incomplete work
Errors and omissions insurance
E&O, sometimes called professional liability insurance, is common with professional services in Vermont. It can cover the cost of lawsuits related to your work performance.
- Missed deadlines
- Accusations of negligence
- Errors and oversights
Cyber insurance
This policy covers financial losses from data breaches and cyberattacks. It's recommended for Vermont businesses that handle credit card numbers and other sensitive data.
- Customer notification expenses
- Fraud monitoring services
- Data breach investigations
Commercial umbrella insurance
Umbrella insurance boosts coverage on your general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, and employer's liability insurance when the underlying policy reaches its limit.
- Customer lawsuits
- Auto accident lawsuits
- Employee injury lawsuits
Commercial property insurance
This policy covers the value of a business's physical structure and its contents, such as inventory, equipment, and furniture. Bundle it with general liability coverage in a BOP for savings.
- Fire
- Theft and vandalism
- Weather damage
Verified business insurance reviews
Hear from customers like you who purchased small business insurance.
Which business insurance policies are required in Vermont?
State laws can affect which business insurance coverage you need. These policies are required everywhere in Vermont, from Rutland to Burlington.
Workers' compensation insurance
The Vermont Department of Labor requires businesses with one or more employees, full-time or part-time, to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Workers' comp covers medical costs when an employee is injured on the job or develops an occupational disease. It also provides disability benefits to injured Vermont workers.
Most policies include employer's liability insurance, which covers legal costs if an employee claims their injury was caused by the employer's negligence.
Commercial auto insurance
All business-owned vehicles in the Green Mountain State must be covered by commercial auto insurance. This policy covers the cost of accidents involving work vehicles in Vermont.
Vermont's minimum requirements for auto liability insurance are:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist coverage: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage
Trucking companies may need additional coverage to comply with regulations.
Personal vehicles driven for work purposes should be covered by hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA), as personal auto policies usually exclude business use. It can be added to commercial general liability insurance or a business owner's policy.
How much does small business insurance cost in VT?
Commercial insurance can be affordable for small business owners. Based on policy data from Insureon customers in Vermont, the average costs are:
General liability: $42 per month
Professional liability/E&O: $77 per month
Business owner's policy: $64 per month
Factors that affect business insurance costs include:
- Your industry and risks
- Business operations
- Number of employees
- Location, such as Burlington or Rutland
- Policy limits and deductibles
Top professions we insure
FAQs about Vermont business insurance
Review answers to frequently asked questions about Vermont insurance.
How do I get a certificate of insurance for my business?
Insureon's licensed agents can help you find policies that fulfill Vermont's requirements and include the right insurance options for your needs. Once you've purchased coverage with us, you can download a certificate of insurance (COI) by logging into your account.
Can my company 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.
Vermont's data breach laws require businesses to report security breaches to affected residents, and the costs can escalate quickly. Cyber liability insurance lessens the financial impact by paying for notification costs, legal fees, and fines.
Does my industry affect state business insurance requirements?
Yes, your state may have special requirements for business insurance and bonds for your industry. You may also need a license depending on the work you do.
Contractors often need to carry contractor general liability insurance or surety bonds to perform certain types of work. Having the right insurance and bonds helps you comply with state licensing requirements.
Real estate agents and brokers and other professionals who offer advice or services sometimes need errors and omissions insurance to get licensed in their state.
Cannabis businesses in Vermont do not need cannabis business insurance to operate legally, but it is strongly recommended to keep your business protected.
Note that cities and counties may have their own laws, in addition to state laws.
How can I save money on Vermont small business insurance?
As with any purchase, shopping around is one of the best ways to find an affordable option. With Insureon, you can compare free quotes from top-rated insurance carriers by filling out our quick online application.
Other ways to save include bundling policies for a discount and choosing less expensive coverage options, such as lower limits or a higher deductible. Learn more about how to find cheap business insurance.