What types of insurance do small businesses need?
As a lawyer, I can advise that small businesses need various types of insurance to protect themselves from potential risks and liabilities. These may include:
- General Liability Insurance: This type of insurance covers a business for potential damages caused by its operations, such as bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims.
- Property Insurance: This type of insurance protects a business's buildings and equipment from damage or loss due to fire, theft, or natural disasters.
- Business Interruption Insurance: This coverage helps a small business recover lost income if it must temporarily close due to a disaster or other covered event.
- Workers' Compensation Insurance: By law, employers are required to have this insurance to protect their employees in case of a work-related injury or illness.
- Professional Liability Insurance: Often called errors and omissions insurance or Malpractice insurance, this type of insurance protects professionals, such as doctors, consultants, or accountants, from claims of negligence or errors in their professional services.
- Cyber Insurance: This type of insurance protects a business from potential cyber attacks, data breaches or other digital-related claims.
However, it is important to note that the types and amount of insurance coverage needed by a small business will depend on various factors, such as industry, size, location and operations.
Moreover, coverage limitations, exclusions, and deductibles may vary among insurance policies and need to be carefully evaluated when deciding on coverage.
Therefore, it is recommended for small businesses to seek the advice of an experienced insurance broker or attorney to help them determine the types of coverage they need and to ensure that they are adequately protected.