6 Types of Insurance for Small Businesses

If your company uses cars, trucks, or vans, then commercial auto insurance would be a good investment, as personal auto insurance likely won’t cover vehicles used for business. — Getty Images/LPETTET

By: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary , Contributor

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Small businesses can face many risks. Learn about different types of insurance that can protect your company from unexpected circumstances.

Small businesses face a variety of risks, ranging from natural disasters to cyberattacks. Different types of insurance can help protect your business from various adverse — and often costly — circumstances. Here are a few of the insurance options available to help protect your small business.

General liability insurance

General liability insurance, also known as business liability insurance, offers protection against claims of bodily injury and property damage, as well as the medical expenses associated with these events. If a person incurs an injury or property damage while visiting your business, general liability insurance can cover the cost of their medical bills or damages if your business is found to be responsible.

General liability insurance can also protect against financial losses that result from slander or copyright infringement. This type of insurance is appropriate for any small business and is often required by property owners, lending agencies, and licensing boards.

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Professional liability insurance

Professional liability insurance, sometimes called errors and omissions insurance, is appropriate for any business that provides professional services or offers advice to clients. This includes accountants, real estate agents, and advertising agencies. Professional liability insurance provides coverage in instances where a customer makes a claim against your business for misrepresentation, malpractice, or negligence.

This type of insurance can cover the costs of legal representation, settlements, and judgments. Without it, your small business may be financially responsible for reimbursing customers or paying expensive legal fees.

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Commercial property insurance

This type of insurance provides protection for your business’s physical assets, such as its physical location, equipment, furniture, tools, business records, and electronics. Coverage generally also extends to outdoor items like signs and fences.

Commercial property insurance provides coverage for damages that may occur due to natural events, such as fires and storms. This type of policy may also cover damage caused by vandalism or acts of civil disobedience.

As you expand your business operations with new equipment or increased space, your needs for insurance coverage may change.

Commercial auto insurance

If your business uses vans, trucks, or cars, you will likely need commercial auto insurance to provide coverage for these vehicles. Personal auto insurance policies generally do not cover business-related vehicle use, so it is generally necessary to have commercial auto insurance for your business’s vehicles.

If you or your employees use personal vehicles for business purposes, then hired and non-owned automobile liability insurance can provide protection if you or your employees are responsible for an accident while using personal vehicles for business.

Workers’ compensation insurance

This type of insurance is required by the federal government if your business has even a single employee. Workers’ comp covers your employees in cases of work-related injuries or illnesses, including the costs of their medical expenses, disability benefits, and lost wages.