Simply Business

- Liability coverage
- Professional and general liability coverage; custom
- Claims processing
- Online or over the phone
Read our guide to choose the best business insurance for your company. Compare policy coverage for a variety of risks, including general liability, professional indemnity and product liability insurance. The cost of your business insurance depends on several factors, like the type of business you own and the number of people you employ.
Our top business insurance companies are Simply Business and Suracy. We also cover how to get business insurance and break down typical business insurance costs.
Commercial insurance companies like Simply Business and Suracy specialize in insuring businesses. Popular plans include business owner’s policies (BOPs), sole proprietorship insurance and customized policies.


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Business insurance helps you manage your company’s risk from lawsuits, property damage, employee injuries and other circumstances. There are a few different types of business insurance policies you might choose, each covering different aspects of business ownership.
When you purchase a business insurance policy, you’re protected from financial losses that occur after a crisis or catastrophe. For example, if someone is injured on one of your properties or your equipment is damaged in a fire, your insurance policy kicks in and covers the expenses. Policies vary, but generally, business insurance can cover:
Specific coverages vary based on the policy you purchase. When selecting a policy, consider what risks are common in your industry or profession. Named risks in the policy should cover damages caused by events that can occur when you run a company. Business insurance can be tailored to your company and the risks you face as you operate your business.
There are many types of coverage, from general umbrella-type, catch-all policies to very specific plans catered to your business. When speaking to an agent for insurance estimates, be sure to have every bit of available information about your company to get all your coverage options.
This type of business insurance protects your company financially in the event of injury, property damage or other legal disputes. These policies often cover a wide variety of things, including legal costs, natural disasters, vandalism and more.
Most businesses are mandated by law to provide coverage to their employees for workplace injuries and job-related illnesses. This coverage can pay out for medical costs and the costs of employees being out of work due to injury.
For companies with fleets of vehicles or company cars, commercial auto insurance protects the business and the employee driving the vehicle. Your cost is based on the number and type of vehicles your company operates, the risk involved and the claims history of you and your employees.
Property insurance covers expenses related to the damage or loss of buildings caused by several perils, including fire, smoke or specific natural disasters. It includes coverage of the property itself as well as coverage for lost income due to business interruption and loss of materials in the building.
These policies bundle a variety of insurance coverages to protect against circumstances that might affect your business. BOPs generally include liability, property and business interruption coverage. Be aware that some coverages are not packaged into a BOP, including flood, commercial auto, workers’ compensation and professional liability. You can fill gaps in a BOP by supplementing with additional coverage.
This form of insurance coverage defends against computer-related crimes, including data breaches, fraud, lawsuits and more. With cyberattacks becoming more frequent in recent years, data breach insurance is a common add-on for companies that process customer data.
For businesses that are run from a home, business owners need to invest in home-based business insurance as well as homeowners insurance policies. This type of insurance helps cover additional risks, such as general and professional liability.
Choosing your business insurance policy involves many decisions, from selecting a reputable insurance company to putting together the right bundle of insurance coverage for your needs. Getting the right company to handle your business insurance may seem complicated, but these steps could save time and money.
Exposure refers to how susceptible your business is to risks. The specific risks that affect your business determine what types of insurance you need. For example, if you're at high risk of a data breach, you want to be sure your business insurance covers this. The exposure base can be measured by payroll, receipts, sales and per $1,000 value (for property insurance).
Work with your insurance agent to create a list of risks that affect your company. Many top providers offer free resources to help you decide on the best plans, including calculators to determine the coverage limits you require, loss control expertise to help you avoid losses and detailed claims procedures for when an incident does occur.
Depending on your state laws, you may be required to have workers’ compensation insurance, commercial auto insurance or professional liability insurance. You should also evaluate optional coverage options, such as business interruption insurance, merchandise spoilage protection or credit insurance. Some insurance providers offer specialized insurance policies tailored to a specific type of business, such as landscapers or pool contractors.
Get a few quotes from providers to find the best coverage options and pricing for your business. Some business insurance companies and their intermediaries offer many insurance products for a range of coverages, while others specialize in one type of coverage.
Business owners should investigate whether the insurance provider is knowledgeable about the specific types of insurance their company requires. Ask questions about particular aspects of your field and the risks you might encounter while doing business to see if an insurance agent understands what type of coverage you really need.
Compare providers’ reputations and your initial experience with their customer service as you make your final decision. It’s always smart to check the company’s ratings with A.M. Best and Standard & Poor.
Once you’ve selected your business insurance policy, you review the plan with your insurance agent and provide payment. You can pay the annual policy all at once or month-to-month.
If your business changes or you need to remove or add coverage, reach out to your insurance provider to update your policy. Some changes may be possible online, depending on the lender.
You may want to change providers if your company grows. For example, you might only need general liability insurance to start. As you add employees and purchase office space, you may need property coverage, workers’ compensation or other types of coverage. To find a new provider, go back to step one.
Depending on the type of policy you need, business insurance prices can range from $40 to $90 per month or $500 to $1,000 per year. Your provider calculates your premium based on your risk and the type and amount of coverage you need. The number of employees and your profession are also factored in. Bundling policies into one business owner’s policy typically lowers the cost of your premium.
Businesses in the U.S. typically purchase business insurance through an intermediary, such as an insurance agent or broker. You want to choose an intermediary that can respond to your needs quickly and efficiently.
Insurance companies can generally provide service without ever needing to meet you one-on-one. However, if you prefer to speak with your insurance agent in person, look for an agency that has a brick-and-mortar location you can visit.
Customers should ask whether insurance specialists offer support by phone, email, live chat or all three. It's essential to look for an insurance intermediary that lets you get in touch with someone in person as soon as an issue arises, whether that be on the phone or online.
Some businesses prefer to work with an insurance company local to their area. That way, you can feel more confident you are working with an insurance supplier with knowledge of regional business issues and risks.
Most states require workers’ compensation insurance, commercial auto insurance or professional liability insurance at a bare minimum. Any additional coverage you need, such as product liability, varies based on the risks that affect your company. Check your state laws regarding business insurance for more information. Business insurance requirements vary by state, but basic insurance requirements are:
Having an LLC creates a barrier between your assets and your company’s assets, but you should still consider other types of coverage, including:
These types of insurance protect you and your employees. Depending on the type of business you run, some of these programs could be unnecessary, so work with your insurance provider to determine what types of coverage you do and don’t need.
A sole proprietor only needs workers’ compensation insurance if they don’t have employees. Depending on your state, you may be required to have coverage, even if you only use subcontractors.
Business insurance and commercial insurance mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably.
Commercial insurance is usually a combination of a few types of coverage designed to protect businesses, their employees and their owners. The actual plan details differ based on the type of company and their qualifications. You can work with your insurance provider to come up with a plan that suits your business.
Filing claims should be simple, fair and hassle free, but the standard process may vary by insurance company.
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Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.
