What is Business Insurance?
Most businesses are exposed to at least some potential risks, and many businesses face a host of risks that they should protect against. Business insurance policies help Massachusetts businesses protect themselves from a variety of risks that they face.
Business policies are a type of insurance that’s specifically designed for businesses and other organizations (including nonprofit organizations). They’re distinguished policies that are designed for individuals, which are commonly called “personal policies.” The term “commercial insurance” is also used to describe policies written for businesses.
What Businesses in Massachusetts Need Commercial Insurance?
Most businesses in Massachusetts should have at least some commercial insurance coverage in place. Few businesses are completely risk-free, and many are exposed to some risks that could be devastating if a worst-case-scenario occurred.
Additionally, most nonprofit organizations also should have some insurance in place. Merely operating as a nonprofit and doing good is generally not protection against the risks that insurance helps reduce.
What Types of Commercial Insurance Do Insurance Companies Offer?
While most businesses face at least a few risks, there’s no one set of risks that all businesses are exposed to. In order to meet businesses’ varying risk mitigation needs, insurance companies offer several different types of commercial insurance policies. A few of the more common ones are:
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Commercial Property Insurance
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Commercial Auto Insurance
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General Liability Insurance
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Professional Liability Insurance
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Commercial Umbrella Insurance
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Cyber Insurance
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Workers Compensation Insurance
Additionally, many insurance companies bundle coverages into package policies that are uniquely crafted for businesses in certain industries. For example, insurers offer:
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Small Business Insurance
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Nonprofit Insurance
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Restaurant Insurance
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Entertainment Insurance
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Contractors Insurance
- Medical Malpractice Insurance
What Types of Package Policies Do Insurance Companies Offer?
Most of the package policies offered by insurance companies fall into either of two categories.
Business owners policies are basic package policies that meet the insurance needs of many small businesses. These policies typically include general liability insurance, commercial property insurance and business interruption insurance, although some other coverages might be offered as optional.
Commercial package policies are more robust and flexible package policies. These policies frequently have many coverage options, which lets businesses customize the protection offered for their particular situation. Commercial package policies are often used by businesses that have specialized insurance needs or are larger organizations.
How Much Do Commercial Policies Cost?
Because insurance companies offer many different types of commercial policies, the premiums charged for them vary a lot. Rates depend on many factors, some of which may include the location of a business, the size of a business and a business’ past claims history. Other items that may influence a policy’s price are:
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How much a business does in annual sales
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How much a business’ employees are paid
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What industry a business operates in
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What precautionary measures a business takes
Even taking into account the varying costs of policies, having coverage is often much more affordable than facing a major claim with no insurance in place.
How Can Businesses in Massachusetts Get Business Insurance?
When shopping for a commercial policy, businesses should seek out an insurance agent who’s independent and who has worked with similar companies. An independent agent can show businesses policy options from different insurers so that they can select the policy that has the right combination of protections at the right price. Someone who’s worked with similar companies will be able to anticipate potential risks and know how to protect against those risks.
To talk with an independent insurance agent who specializes in one of the aforementioned types of business insurance, contact Roger Keith & Sons Insurance Agency. Our independent agents have helped many different businesses in Massachusetts find the coverage they need, and we’d be happy to assist you.
