Like home insurance, business
insurance protects the contents of your business against fire, theft and other
losses. It is prudent for any business to purchase a number of basic types of
insurance. Some types of coverage are required by law, other simply make good business
sense. The types of insurance listed below are among the most commonly used and
are merely a starting point for evaluating the needs of your business.
Liability
Insurance -Businesses
may incur various forms of liability in conducting their normal activities. One
of the most common types is product liability, which may be incurred when a
customer suffers harm from using the business product. There are many other
types of liability, which are frequently related to specific industries.
Liability law is constantly changing. An analysis of your liability insurance
needs by a professional is vital in determining an adequate and appropriate
level of protection for your business.
Property -There are many different types of
property insurance and levels of coverage available. It is important to
determine the property you need to insure for the continuation of your business
and the level of insurance you need to replace or rebuild.
You must also understand the terms of
the insurance, including any limitations or waivers of coverage.
Business
Interruption -While
property insurance may pay enough to replace damaged or destroyed equipment or
buildings, how will you pay costs such as taxes, utilities and other continuing
expenses during the period between when the damage occurs and when the property
is replaced? Business Interruption insurance can provide sufficient funds to
pay your fixed expenses during a period of time when your business is not
operational.
Key
Man If you (and/or
any other individual) are so critical to the operation of your
business that it cannot continue in
the event of your illness or death, you should consider key man insurance. This
type of policy is frequently required by banks or SBA loan programs. It can be
used to provide continuity in operations during a period of ownership
transition caused by the death or incapacitation of an owner or other
"key" employee.
Automobile -It is obvious that a vehicle owned
by your business should be insured for both liability and replacement purposes.
What is less obvious is that you may need special insurance (called
"non-owned automobile coverage") if you use your personal vehicle on
company business. This policy covers the business' liability for any damage
which may result for such usage.
Office
and Director -Under
some circumstances, officers and directors of a corporation may become
personally liable for their actions on behalf of the company. This type of
policy covers this liability.
Home
Office -If you are
establishing an office in your home, it is a good idea to contact your
homeowners' insurance company to update your policy to include coverage for
office equipment. This coverage is not automatically included in a standard
homeowner's policy.
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