Buying business insurance can be a complex and confusing process. Every business has its own needs; there is no one-fits-all policy that meets every commercial need. The following tips can help you, as a business owner, assess your business and its insurance needs so that you get the best coverage for your business and its budget.
1. Assess the Risks. Every business has its own risks. For instance, a restaurant will have a greater risk of fire than a pool cleaning operation. Of course that is an exaggeration, but the point is, you need to access the particular risks for your business. Insurance companies determine policy rates by assessing the risk of a business. Risk is determined by certain factors, including; the location of the business, number of employees, work engaged in, local fire codes, safety policies implemented, and how likely your business is to suffer particular accidents. If you have a trucking business for example, you’ll want to make sure you have adequate coverage to cover accidents and business disruption due to breakdowns or even employee absence. Knowing and understanding such things can help you to ensure you get the right business insurance for your particular needs.
2. Shop Around. Look for a company that offers more than just low business insurance rates. You’ll also want a company that is reliable in terms of their customer service and claims processing. Cheap premiums are easy to find online, but finding a company that provides your business with a high level of service is equally as important. Cheaper isn’t always better, choose a company with reliability and reputability, preferably a broker such as ASA Insurance, who is not bound to any single company or policy.
3. Make Sure You Get the Right Level of Coverage. It’s very important when obtaining business insurance quotes that you ensure the level of coverage you are being offered meets the needs of your business. Comparison sites tend to offer quotes based on the minimal level of coverage, normally not near enough to protect your daily operations. The level of coverage you are offered should be compared to the risks your business is susceptible to in order to make sure it has the best level of coverage, whether a large corporation or a small home business.
4. Avoid Duplication and Overlap in Policies. If you already have a liability insurance policy for instance, you don’t need that to be included in another business insurance policy. At the same time, you don’t want to not include something in your policy because you think your business is already covered. Go over all of your policies and the needs of your business with a qualified agent to ensure you are covered in every aspect of your business.
5. Access Your Policy Annually. Your liabilities grow along with your business, so assessing your policies on an annual basis will ensure that any changes to your operations, staff size, or premises are covered. Disaster or accidents can happen at any time; you don’t want to be caught under-insured. Having the right policy with the correct coverage can mean the difference between the survival or demise of your business.
It’s important to consult with a specialized business insurance agent to make sure your business is covered in all areas. You never know the true value of an insurance policy until you need to use it. Take the time to make sure you select a policy that will protect you and your business, today, and in years to come.
