As a small-business owner, you must assess the risks of your particular enterprise to determine the advantages and disadvantages of commercial insurance. If you’re a sole proprietor, you might be fine simply setting up an automatic savings plan as a cushion against unforeseen expense; however, if you’re the owner of a larger business, you may need commercial insurance to protect against greater risk. The type of business you have also factors in; doctors, for example, are exposed to greater risks than realtors.

Types of Commercial Insurance

In America, all small businesses that employ workers are required by law to have some insurance coverage, such as workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and in some states, disability insurance. If your business uses a car or truck, your state may also require you to purchase commercial auto insurance. However, there are many additional types of insurance beyond this basic minimum. General liability insurance is a broad umbrella policy that covers a business against injuries, accidents and claims of negligence.

Expense

Although business insurance may offer you a hedge against disaster and help you sleep more soundly, it rarely comes cheap. The expense of business insurance is its main disadvantage for small-business owners, who seldom have a lot of cash to devote to “what ifs.” You should shop around to get the best possible commercial insurance rates, but be careful to check out an unfamiliar company to be sure it’s reputable. You may also choose a policy with a higher deductible to cut your monthly payments, but if you do, prudence demands that you set the deductible amount aside in case you suddenly have to come up with it. You must also weigh the coverage a cheaper policy affords. In some cases, the skimpy coverage may not justify the expense.

By: Mary Strain, Demand Media

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