Reasons to Protect Your Growing Enterprise with Experienced Insurance Providers

Many Americans are jumping on the side hustle trek and running an after-hours small business in addition to working their regular 9-to-5. The types of side gigs are vast and include independent share ride drivers, janitorial services, writing, graphic design, landscape, and pet sitting. The benefits are numerous. You can choose who you want to work with, grow new skills, set your own schedule, and increase your income. There are inherent risks as well. For example, you can get sued for damage to a customer’s home or injury to someone.

Safeguard your livelihood and your dreams when you purchase the right coverage for your side business. The business insurance providers at the Business Insurance Center work with a wide variety of small business owners, freelancers, and self-employed. We understand the risks you face and work hard to mitigate potential losses.

When It Makes Sense to Get Insurance for Your Side Business

The reasons to start a side business are many and deserve to be safeguarded with the right policies to keep your personal assets safe. If you are thinking of starting a side line of income, or already have one, ask yourself these questions to understand if you need to speak with a business insurance provider:

• Do I have to use my car during the course of my business dealings?
• Do I have customers coming to my home?
• Do I handle sensitive, private, or proprietory information for clients or customers?
• Do I work with children or animals as part of my operations?
• Do I go to clients’ homes?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you must consider speaking with a knowledgeable broker to determine what risks you face and how you can protect your interests. They can determine what you have now, what gaps exists, and the best options available.

Basic Business Insurance Goes a Long Way to Keep Your Side Gig Safe

Buying coverage is not only for large corporations or well-established ones. You are at different levels of risk at every stage of the game. If you want to grow your budding enterprise into a large one, then start now with these initial coverages:

• General Liability to protect you from a variety of claims. These can be bodily injury, property damage, or personal injuries.
• Commercial Auto to step in where your regular policy will stop. You can get higher limits to keep from losing business and personal assets if sued.
• Business Interruption helps when a covered peril makes you close doors temporarily and you face the loss of income.
• Cyber Insurance helps in the event a hacker gets a hold of the information on your computer, or if you are a victim of a ransomware attack.

Gain Peace of Mind for Your Side Hustle – Work with the Business Insurance Center

Keep your side business dreams alive with help from a knowledgeable broker from the Business Insurance Center. We work with different types of enterprises, so we understand the different challenges you may face in your industry. Give us a call and let us help you in your quest.

Request a quote for business insurance or call and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. Contact us at (888) 585-0511. We serve the entire United States.

Suggestions to Reduce Worker’s Compensation Claims

Companies must make hard decisions daily to ensure their business is thriving. At times, that may include reducing payroll by laying off employees. While it may seem like a good solution, it can cost more in the end with the added stress and strain on your remaining staff. Even if your business is growing but your departments are not adequately staffed, your team will quickly reach burnout, and everyone’s hard work will be for nothing.

Stress management is vital for each person’s health. Additionally, when overworked, accidents happen and sometimes result in injuries. Gain peace of mind that your workers’ compensation insurance policy can handle the level of risks your employees are going through. Talk with a broker from the Business Insurance Center who will tailor a plan that protects you, your company, and your team.

3 Risks of an Understaffed Business

Make better staffing decisions by understanding the risks your business faces when it operates understaffed.

1. Your team is likely to have more injuries and illnesses. When there are fewer hands to do the same amount of work, the result may be a team that cuts corners and fails to adhere to safety protocols. This is when accidents are more likely to happen. Don’t forget that the additional stress will affect your staff’s overall health.
2. Your company may miss deadlines. If your projects are time-sensitive, you may find that deadlines are missed more frequently. Your 98% on-time delivery rate may drop, affecting your reputation, causing customers to leave. Finding new customers is much more labor-intensive and expensive than keeping existing ones.
3. Your employee turnover rate could skyrocket. With deadlines being missed and everyone feeling the strain, you may find that your employees start dropping off. The high-stress atmosphere will be hard to handle. Replacing staff will affect your business’s productivity as you will have to find qualified candidates and get them trained.

Suggestions to Mitigate the Stress of an Understaffed Workplace

You can mitigate some of the stress your staff faces while you are in the process of hiring a new team member.

• Share stress-management strategies: Encourage your staff to take care of their health by eating well, getting rest, and taking breaks. Remind them to take time to enjoy some leisure activities to reduce stress.
• Keep the lines of communication open: Be open about the hiring process and what the company’s situation is like when you plan to hire new members for your team. Remember to talk with your clients ahead of time to let them know when you will not be able to make deadlines.
  

Protect Your Company and Your Employees with Help from a Dependable Brokerage

You greatest asset clocks out at the end of each shift. Help ease their stress by keeping the lines of communication open while working to increase your staff. The dependable brokers at the Business Insurance Center are ready to help by reviewing your current coverages, including workers compensation and ensuring you have everything to you need to keep growing as an enterprise.

Request a quote online or call and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. 

Insight From The Business Insurance Center

Many companies mistakenly assume that their existing policies will provide blanket coverage. Therefore, when a claim arises, they are often perplexed that insurance did not pay for everything. The reality is that your coverages have limitations. Most businesses will probably not reach their maximum limits but some do. What can you do when a disaster strikes and your plan is tapped out?

Just as you prepare for a rainy day by dressing appropriately, your business can do the same by purchasing commercial umbrella insurance. The experienced staff at the Business Insurance Center help companies of all sizes obtain the protection they need. Talk to us today and experience the difference of working with us.

Signs You May Want Commercial Umbrella Insurance

Not every enterprise needs the extra protection an umbrella policy brings. Here are a few questions to ask to see if it may be a smart move for you:

• What Type of Third-Party Liabilities Do You Face? If you have been sued in the past, you are already aware of the risks you face. For example, the chances of accidents increase when you have regular third-party visitors, such as customers. Also, if any of your employees use their cars for business purposes, there is increased exposure. Are you concerned that an employee could sue you for negligence that may have contributed to their injury? Worker’s Compensation can help with the medical expenses, but it will likely stop there.
• What Coverage Requirements Do Your Clients or Partners Have? Depending on the nature of your work, some clients may want you to have coverage that exceeds your existing policies. For example, a contract may require you to have at least $2 million per occurrence, but your existing general liability only allows for $1 million. A commercial umbrella policy can help fill in the gap.
• Do You Want to Increase Your Policy Limits Without Busting Your Budget? An umbrella policy is an effective way to expand the limits of several of your insurance plans without drastically increasing your premiums. A Business Insurance Center broker can explain your options.

Think of umbrella insurance as a second line of defense that extends your limits while filling in gaps after your primary coverage stops.

Get an Additional Level of Protection with Commercial Umbrella Insurance

Plan for financial stability and give your company a hedge of additional protection with commercial umbrella insurance. The brokers at the Business Insurance Center are experienced and ready to assist you in getting you the best coverage for your needs. We will work with you to customize a plan that gives you the fullest coverage possible for your business. Contact us today, and let’s see what we can accomplish together.

Request a quote for a commercial umbrella insurance policy or call and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. We serve the entire United States.

Suggestions from the Team at the Business Insurance Center

Setting up the first or additional locations for your business takes careful consideration and planning. When you are in the middle of caring for customers, overseeing production, and managing employees, it might be easy to sign a lease on the first place that looks good. Avoid making a costly mistake by taking your time to research and view different properties.

When you find the ideal spot, contact your helpful broker at the Business Insurance Center to obtain a commercial property insurance policy. We will sit down and discuss the options that best suit your needs and your new location. We can even review your existing policies and offer a tailored plan to fill in any gaps.

6 Tips to Find Your Next Business Location

One of the first thoughts that may come to mind is “location, location, location!” While that is true, there are other factors to consider, such as:

1. What kind of space do you need? Are you a graphic designer? If so, a home office may be suitable. Are you a manufacturer of wheels? Then you probably need a large building in a commercial space.
2. How accessible will it be for customers and employees? If your shop has little space for parking, then your customers may feel disscussed from coming to your location. Additionally, finding good employees may be hard if they have to pay for parking or have to walk a few blocks in inclement weather.
3. Will it be an attractive place for future investors or buyers? Take a moment to think big. If you plan on building your business with the possibility of selling it, then you want to consider if the location will be attractive to a buyer.
4. Can you afford this area? Think about the rent. Is it so high that you will have to raise your prices to break even? Are the taxes also high in this area?
5. What type of zoning is it situated in? Many cities have strict zoning ordinances. You will want to make sure your enterprise falls within the requirements before you sign a lease.
6. Are there anchor stores that will draw in traffic? Finding a place near an established, complementary business can mean foot traffic overflowing to your business.

After you have found the perfect spot, ensure all your bases are covered with the correct insurance policies, such as general liability, commercial property, and workers compensation.

Protect Your New Location with Commercial Property Insurance

Grow your business with peace of mind when you seek out professional assistance from the team at Business Insurance Center. Our experienced brokers can prepare a commercial property quote to protect your buildings, signs, equipment, computers, and inventory. For more than 30 years, we have served small business owners with their commercial insurance needs. Give us a call today!

Request a quote online or call (888)-585-0511 and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. We serve the entire United States.

Guidance from the Team at the Business Insurance Center

Any time someone hires you to complete a job for them, they want to know that you have adequate coverage if something goes wrong. If you hire sub-contractors to work for you, the same idea applies. Even though we would all like to trust each other, the truth is that things can go wrong, or a vendor may not be as competent as we think. Therefore, a certificate of insurance form aids in putting concerns at ease between contractor and client.

Stay in line with good business practices by keeping your insurance up-to-date and be ready to provide or ask for a certificate of insurance. If you are not sure how to obtain one, reach out to the knowledgeable team at the Business Insurance Center. We work with businesses of all sizes and across a variety of industries. Rest assured that we can get you the coverage you need at affordable rates. Look to us for general liability insurance, professional liability, worker’s compensation, and a myriad of other types designed around your needs.

Understand the Certificate of Insurance Form and What It Shows

The insurance industry can seem confusing and intimidating at the same time. It does not have to be that way if you work with an experienced broker who takes the time to help you understand your coverages. A certificate of insurance (COI) gives a synopsis of the type of insurance you have. There is not a standard format; however, you can expect items like:

• The date when the form was issued
• A disclaimer as to the nature of the certificate
• Who the insurance agent or broker is issuing the COI
• Name(s) and address of the persons and business covered by the policy
• The type of liability insurance coverage, such as general liability or commercial property
• A list of all the companies providing the coverage
• What the limits of the plans are
• A description area for specific requests; for example, it could list an additional insured
• Notice as to whom the certificate was issued for
• Reassurance that the certificate holder will be notified upon cancellation or expiration of the policy
• The signature of the agent, broker, or other authorized representative

Give Your Customers Peace of Mind – Work with the Business Insurance Center

Don’t fret when a customer requests a certificate of insurance for your general liability policy. Your broker from the Business Insurance Center can get that for you, as well as, review your existing coverage and make suggestions to fill any gaps. One simple call is all it takes!

Request a quote for general liability insurance or call and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. Contact us for any of your business insurance needs at (888) 585-0511. We serve the entire United States.

Work with an Experienced Insurance Brokerage

In today’s age of social media coverage, even a small misunderstanding can land your company in hot water and, possibly facing a lawsuit. Sexual harassment, unlawful failure to promote, or wrongful termination claims are only a few of the reasons an employee may be likely to sue you. Are you protected? Can you afford to fight a legal battle when it comes knocking at your door?

Protect your company when you purchase an employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) policy. The experienced team at the Business Insurance Center works with you to ascertain the best types and amounts of coverage for your situation. We listen to your needs and design a plan that works within your budget.

Steps You Can Take to Mitigate EPLI Claims

Take a look in the news, on social media, or the Internet, and you will quickly learn that no business is safe from a potential lawsuit. All it takes is one disgruntled employee to bring your enterprise to its knees.

Imagine owning a restaurant and firing an employee for persistent tardiness only to be slapped with a lawsuit for wrongful termination. How can that happen? Because, just before you fired them, they filed a complaint with the Health Department. Now it looks like they were terminated as retribution. Without the proper guidelines and insurance in place, you could be facing an uphill battle. These are just possible scenarios and each business will have it’s own set of potential risks. Risk aversion is critical!

There are steps you can take to mitigate employment liability claims, such as:

1. Establish processes to keep new candidate information closely guarded during the hiring process.
2. Require all your employees, whether it is two or 500, to sign an “employment-at-will” policy.
3. Have regular and consistent harassment and discrimination training. At the minimum, hold these training sessions annually.
4. Create and distribute an employee handbook that contains an equal employment opportunity policy and a process for filing complaints of discrimination or harassment. It is a good idea to review and update it regularly.
5. Develop a code of ethics policy that lists those activities all employees should avoid.
6. Make sure all your employees, especially new hires, receive the proper training for their roles.
7. Investigate any claims of harassment and then discipline as necessary.
8. Thoroughly document all evaluations, complaints, and issues that led to a termination of employment.

Thwart Potential Employment Practices Liability Claims with Help From Business Insurance Center

Preparing for a potential lawsuit is a smart business practice. This can be done in many ways starting with company guidelines and policies. It also pays to speak with a broker from the Business Insurance Center. We work with a variety of different industries, and we understand that no two companies have the same needs. Give us a call before it is too late.

Request a quote online or call (888)-585-0511 and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. We serve the entire United States.

Combat the Effects with a Cyber Liability Insurance Policy

Today’s consumer expects a certain level of security when they do business with you. They trust that you will protect their private and confidential data with state-of-the-art software. When a hacker or extortionist breaches your computer system, not only are they stealing, they are also putting your reputation and the future of your business on the line.

A cyber liability policy assists business owners of every size in combatting and recovering from an attack. At the Business Insurance Center, our brokers have the knowledge and experience to help you obtain the best coverage for your situation. We discuss your needs, look for any gaps, and tailor a plan for your company. We work with many industries across the United States, so we understand the nuances that are specific to you.

First-Party vs. Third-Party Costs

The world of insurance can be difficult to understand; however, we are here to educate and walk alongside our clients. When you are shopping around for your cyber liability insurance policy, you may read such terms as first-party and third-party. These are important concepts. Here is a general breakdown of what they are and who benefits from each category:

• First-Party Costs: These are the costs directly associated with responding to a privacy breach or a security failure on your behalf. Some common items include:
  • Forensic investigations
  • Legal advice about your regulatory obligations
  • Notifying your clients of the breach
  • Providing credit monitoring because of the attack
  • Expenses related to public relations
  • Lost profit and additional expenses to cover the business interruption

• Third-Party Costs: These costs are related to those claims made against you, including if you are sued. More specifically, they involve:
  • Legal defense
  • Paying for settlements, damages, and judgments
  • Liability to financial institutions, such as banks, when re-issuing credit and/or debit cards
  • Responding to the regulator’s inquiries
  • Fines and penalties as assessed by regulators

Costs Not Covered

As the cyber insurance landscape continually evolves in response to criminal activities, there are current items not covered. Another type of insurance policy may cover them, so be sure to speak with your Business Insurance Center broker about possible protection for:

1. Repairing your reputation
2. Loss of future revenue
3. Improving internal technology systems
4. Lost value of any of your company’s intellectual property

Gain Peace of Mind with a Cyber Liability Insurance Policy

Protect your customers’ information and hold their trust when you take cyber risks seriously with a cyber liability insurance policy. The experienced brokers at the Business Insurance Center work with many insurance companies to get you the best coverage for your needs. We will customize a package for your enterprise’s requirements. Let us help you today.

Request a quote for a cyber liability insurance policy or call and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. We serve the entire United States.

From the moment you step onto a job site, you and your crew face several potential risks. There is an obvious risk of injury. Then there is theft and fire. You accepted these chances when you decided to become a contractor. However, when it comes to rehabilitating a fixer-upper or building a new structure, it pays to have builders risk insurance.

The professionals at the Business Insurance Center are established builders risk insurance providers who understand your unique needs. We work with you to assess what policies aid you in your company’s endeavors. The question is, “Who should make that purchase? The owner or you?” There are many advantages of buying a policy instead of relying on the homeowner.

Why It’s Important to Purchase Builders Risk Insurance

The debate has not been settled on who should buy the builder’s risk policy. We recommend that, as a contractor, the project is better served if you obtain the coverage instead of leaving it up to the homeowner. Here’s why:

1. It reduces disputes over coverage. Since you better understand the risks involved that need coverage, you can ensure there is adequate protection. Any payment for losses tends to be made quicker. Also, you have greater control over items such as the amount and length of coverage.
2. Your chances of being sued are reduced. If the policy is held by the owner, you may be exposed to additional lawsuits as the insurer does their investigations. Which means you could be sued first and would have to spend time and money defending yourself.
3. You hold greater control over all your projects. If you are working on several building projects, you may be better served with a master policy. You can also ensure your subcontractors have the appropriate coverage, and that the premiums are paid. You may have to be reimbursed by the owner, but at least there is no lapse in protection. Finally, you can make sure you have a re-build clause.
4. You can choose whom you want to work with. When you work with a respected insurance company, you develop a relationship. They know you, and you know them. Also, in general, the more policy types you have with one company, the more you save.

Protect Your Company and Your Project with Help from a Dependable Brokerage

Satisfy your client’s expectation while protecting your company and reputation when you work with a builders risk insurance provider who understands what you are up against. The experienced brokers at the Business Insurance Center work with a variety of established companies to bring you the best coverages at reasonable rates. For more than 30 years, we have helped small to medium-size companies, self-employed contractors, and entrepreneurs safeguard their enterprises. Get the protection you desire with our help.

Request a quote online or call and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. 

It Starts with the Right Insurance Provider for Your Cannabis Business

Similar to Prohibition in the 1920s, no other industry has caused such a ruckus like cannabis. This hardy plant was used for thousands of years as food, fuel, and medicine. Its fibrous stalk has been used to make canvas and paint. With all the options and possibilities, the one that has caused the most frustration for growers, dispensaries, consumers, and governments alike has been the legalization of cannabis at the state level only.

As a cannabis business owner, you believe in the merits of your product and you understand the opportunities that exist. You work hard to bring the best product to market while weaving through the myriad of obstacles that lay before you. The professionals at the Business Insurance Center understand what you are up against. As experienced cannabis insurance providers, we stand ready to assist you in obtaining needed protection so that you can continue serving your customers and clients.

How Cannabis Insurance Protects Your Enterprise

The fight for federal legalization of marijuana may be a long one, and the market will react to laws and ordinances alike. In the meantime, you have clients to serve. See how we can help you protect your business:

1. General Liability: Get coverage for claims of bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury that may occur during the course of regular business operations.
2. Crop Coverage: Mother Nature can wreak havoc on your crops. Obtain protection for all cycles of the growing season, including the drying and curing stages.
3. Product Liability: Prepare for the inherent risks associated with manufacturing and selling to the public.
4. Property: Recover quickly in the event your equipment or buildings are damaged or destroyed in a covered incident.
5. Worker’s Compensation: Sometimes, an employee becomes sick or injured while performing their duties. This policy can help cover medical expenses and lost income.
6. Automobile: Using a personal vehicle to transport commercial products may render you without coverage. Instead, a policy dedicated to business use is a better option.
7. Theft: Unfortunately, you may experience the loss of product or equipment because of theft. You can get back on track with a dedicated policy.

Grow with the Industry with Help from Cannabis Insurance Providers

Protect your crop, buildings, and employees when you seek the best coverage for your enterprise. The knowledgeable brokers at the Business Insurance Center understand the nuances and risks you face. For over 30 years, we have worked with the self-employed, and small-to-medium-sized companies alike. We strive to cover all the bases necessary, so you can be assured you are covered. Partner with us as your cannabis insurance provider and experience the difference we can make together.

Request a quote online or call (888)-585-0511 and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. We serve the entire United States.

If you talk to an accountant, they will tell you to keep your personal funds separate from your business. The same concept applies to insuring vehicles used for commercial purposes. For example, if you drive your private car to deliver flowers for your floral business and you are in an accident, your insurance company may not cover the damages. It doesn’t matter if you have one or one hundred, a commercial fleet policy should protect any car, truck, or van used in the course of your business operations.

Avoid having your claim denied because you have inadequate protection. The brokers at the Business Insurance Center work with a plethora of industries and understand the different needs a small business owner faces. We help you get the coverage you need with commercial fleet insurance quotes you can afford.

General Information on Commercial Fleet Insurance

State laws dictate the requirements of fleet insurance. However, they all have this in common – the coverage is different from personal insurance. Here are some other differences and tidbits you ought to keep in mind:

1. There is no individual owner. That’s right. The listed owner on a fleet of vehicles must be the company, even if it’s a sole proprietor.
2. The number of cars or trucks doesn’t matter. You can have one or one hundred vehicles. It’s how they are used that matters, not the quantity.
3. Be sure you add new drivers immediately. The last thing you want to happen is to have a new employee get in an accident before you had a chance to add them to the policy. Anyone who drives a company vehicle should be added.
4. You may need add-ons for equipment and personal items. The purpose of fleet coverage is for drivers and vehicles. It does not necessarily cover personal items, tools, and products being carried within the truck or car.
5. Employees with good driving records help keep your premiums low. That’s right. The driving history of your employees can affect how much your rates will be.
6. It’s critical to review and update your policies frequently. When you hire or lose drivers or add and remove trucks, let your insurance company know immediately. Keep in mind that changes often happen that your insurer needs to know.
7. As your company expands, so should your protection. We all expect our businesses to grow continually. As yours does, you may need to raise liability limits.

Get a Commercial Fleet Insurance Quote from a Knowledgeable Brokerage

Don’t assume that your personal automobile insurance will cover damage from accidents for your business vehicles. Talk with an experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center and get a commercial fleet insurance quote today. Since the 1980s, we have worked with small business owners like you to ensure you have the coverage you need to keep operating at rates you can afford.

Request a quote online or call (888)-585-0511 and speak with a knowledgeable and experienced broker at the Business Insurance Center. We have a 24/7 call center to serve you and an online Live Chat operator. We serve the entire United States.