Suggestions from the Team at the Business Insurance Center

Dotted along the American landscape are a variety of businesses. One that nearly everyone will utilize at frequently is the convenience store. These one-stop-shops live up to their moniker. They offer various products and gas at easily accessible locations 24-hours a day. Who hasn’t wandered down to the corner gas station in search of a microwave burrito and a fountain soda at 2:00 AM? If you are considering purchasing or building a convenience store, you have many things to consider.

Before you sign the dotted line on the contract for your new business, check in with the experienced team at the Business Insurance Center. We sit down with you, discuss your needs, and design a convenience store insurance program specific to your requirements. Set up your appointment today and let us help you with your new enterprise.

What to Consider When Opening a Convenience Store

Starting a new business brings contrasting emotions – excitement and trepidation are two but if you enjoy hard work and putting in the time fulfilling your entrepreneurial dreams, owning and managing a convenience store is a great option. Here are a few items to think about before you take the plunge:

1. Where to locate the store – It is one thing to be located on the corner, but if parking is restricted, customers will look elsewhere. Another thing to consider is the presence of competition will indicate the type of opportunities available. Too many other stores and you may fight for business. While a lack of them in the area can be a good sign for you.
2. How to develop your business plan – To stay organized and set your goals, a business plan will work wonders. It outlines your expectations for growth, any financing you use, and the roles of any partners or investors. Buying a franchise will have specific expectations you will need to consider.
3. How to track and manage inventory – Understanding what sells well and where your profit comes from is vital to growing and staying in business. You also learn trends and identify those items that are the most profitable.
4. What kind of management to establish – These stores do not run themselves, and your customer base expects you to be open 24 hours a day. It helps to determine how much hands-on work you anticipate as well as the number of staff you need.
5. What type of business insurance you need – Like all other businesses, there are risks involved. Between general liability, property, worker’s compensation, and other liability issues, it is often difficult to know what you need. Speaking with your Business Insurance Center broker gives you the peace of mind you deserve.

Protect Your New Enterprise with Convenience Store Insurance from BIC

Enjoy your new adventure when you set up shop in a great location, follow a well-developed business plan, and have the added protection from a custom convenience store insurance program. The experienced brokers at the Business Insurance Center will discuss your specific needs and work to develop the right blend to cover all the bases. Start your protection today with a simple phone call!

Request a quote for convenience store 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.

As a responsible employer, the safety of your employees should always be first in your mind. Without your team, everything could shut down and you would be out of business. If an employee gets hurt while on the job, it can mean downtime and undue burden on your other employees. The good news is that your worker’s compensation insurance can help protect the injured party with medical bills and lost wages. The better news is that you can take steps to prevent injury by identifying and eliminating hazards.

Protect your company and your employees when you carry workers compensation insurance. At the Business Insurance Center, our experienced brokers can help you get the coverage you need. We work with several different insurance companies, which means you get the best protection at a fair rate. We also believe in educating our clients so that they can get the most from their insurance plans.

Reduce Potential Workers Compensation Claims

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one of the root causes of injuries, illnesses, and incidents is the failure to identify hazards. Here are six action steps they recommend to recognizing potential hazards, so additional steps can be taken to eliminate them:

1. Gather Any Existing Information on Workplace Hazards: This includes finding operating manuals for all equipment and machinery, gathering Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals used, and records of previous injuries. Remember to ask the experts as well. That is, talk to your employees. They can be a source of knowledge on existing or potential hazards.
2. Conduct an Inspection for Safety Concerns: Many hazards appear because workplace processes change, equipment wears out, or maintenance is neglected. Conduct regular inspection of all operations and equipment, and take photos or videos so you can verify things were corrected. Create a checklist to help you stay on top of things.
3. Identify Health Hazards (Chemical, Physical, and Ergonomic): Review SDS labels of the chemicals used in your area to discover their volatility. Pay attention to the levels of noise, elevated heat, or sources of radiation. Monitor how employees function when lifting, working above their shoulder, or even at their desk.
4. Investigate Any Incidents: When a workplace incident occurs, thoroughly investigate what happened, to discover the root cause. Ask what led to the issue and how it can be prevented in the future. Develop a clear plan for conducting any investigations.
5. Identify Emergency and Non-Routine Situations: Many hazards exist during emergencies and non-routine situations like maintenance. Create plans for handling these events and remember to consider the types of materials involved and the equipment used.
6. Determine the Nature of Any Identified Hazards: As you gather together your information, you can assess the nature of any hazards, decide on interim control measures, and prioritize each hazard. All of this leads to developing a permanent control plan and reducing everyone’s risk of injury.

Safeguard Your Employees and Your Company with Appropriate Insurance Plans

Protect your greatest asset when you take steps to identify hazards within your enterprise. If an incident does occur, rest assured that you have things covered with a workers compensation insurance policy. The professionals at the Business Insurance Center understand what you need and what may be required in your state. We can sit down and discuss all your insurance needs and present you with a custom-tailored plan. Since the mid-1980s, we have assisted entrepreneurs, business owners, and the self-employed build their dreams. Let us help you today.

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. 

When you think of an umbrella policy, you may think of a type of coverage that envelops all your other policies, no matter what. That is not necessarily the case. Consider this comparison: when you use an umbrella to keep the rain off of you, it only works when you stay under the fabric. The moment you step out of the provided protection, you feel the effects of the precipitation. In other words, you will get wet. Once a claim steps out of a covered event, your insurance may not provide protection.

Make the best use of your existing policies when you add commercial umbrella insurance to your business strategy. The experienced brokers at the Business Insurance Center are happy to sit down with you and assess your needs for obtaining the most comprehensive coverage. Protect your company and talk with us today.

What Policies Does a Commercial Umbrella Insurance Cover

Commercial umbrella insurance covers quite a few underlying policies. Here are just a few:

1. General Liability protects claims from property damage, personal injury, or bodily injury that happen during the course of business.
2. Commercial Auto covers claims from a collision, or property and bodily damage from employees who cause accidents while operating company vehicles.
3. Employer Liability comes into play if an employee sues for a covered event such as wrongful termination or a work-related injury or disease.
4. Professional Liability is often referred to as Errors and Omissions Insurance (E&O) which protects from mistakes that can occur during the ordinary course of professional operations. 

Where Commercial Umbrella Insurance Fills in the Gaps

There are many gaps where a commercial umbrella policy can fill in, such as:

1. Possible personal injury cases not explicitly covered under an existing plan
2. Lawsuits and legal fees that are not connected to an existing policy but are still business-related
3. Rental services that are taken outside of a policy that is already in place

What Commercial Umbrella Insurance will NOT Step in to Cover

An umbrella policy is a powerful tool in your toolbox; however, it does have some limitations, including:

1. Punitive damages awarded by a court. This is a form of punishment and will not be covered.
2. Personal liability claims. Only professional claims are covered. A commercial policy will not include personal liability suits. 

Plug Any Coverage Holes with a Commercial Umbrella Insurance Policy

Ensure that all areas of your business are protected when you obtained a commercial umbrella policy. The experienced brokers at the Business Insurance Center work with many industries and insurance companies to get you the best plan for your needs. We will design a tailored insurance package for your enterprise’s requirements just as we have done for others for more than 30 years. Let us help you today.

Request a quote for commercial umbrella 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. We serve the entire United States.

Are you protected in the event that a fire at your place of business damages or destroys your equipment and other company-owned items? It’s easy to think that your general liability policy can handle everything but that is not necessarily the case. It’s also incorrect to assume your landlord’s insurance will cover your company’s belongings. In reality, you need additional safeguarding through a commercial property insurance policy.

Protect before and recover after an event, when you have established a practical and comprehensive insurance plan. The knowledgeable and dedicated brokers at the Business Insurance Center help many businesses like yours develop a tailored strategy to mitigate risk. We discuss your needs and work with a wide variety of carriers to get you the best coverage at fair rates.

What Affects Your Insurance Rates

As with any policy, many variables are used to determine the price you will pay for your commercial property insurance. Here are four to keep in mind:

1. Construction of the Building: If you are in the market to find a new building for your company, you will want to consider how your rates will be affected. New buildings or those with recent upgrades will result in lower premiums. Additionally, edifices constructed with fireproof materials such as brick or stone are viewed more favorably.
2. How the Premises will be Used: Do you manufacture or work with flammable chemicals? This may impact your policy rate. For example, a restaurant may have higher premiums than a daycare facility because of the risks associated with each line of business. If you share physical space with a higher risk enterprise, they may reflect on what you will pay as well.
3. Proximity to Fire and Police Protection: If your place of business is close to fire hydrants, fire departments, or police departments, you may benefit from lower premiums. Having an alarm or sprinkler system can help also.
4. Exposure to Outside Risks: Location means a lot, and it’s not only in real estate. Areas of high criminal activity may translate into higher risks of theft or vandalism. Business neighbors such as an oil refinery may also affect your rates.

Get a Commercial Property Insurance Quote from an Experienced Brokerage

Safeguard your company’s assets and keep your premiums low when you consider the type of building and how it will be used for your business. A commercial property insurance quote from the Business Insurance Center can get you started on the best path for your company. We help by looking at your existing coverage and assessing any gaps. Then we create a custom plan to meet your requirements. Since 1984, we have supported business owners, self-employed, and entrepreneurs like you to protect your livelihood. Experience the difference when you call us 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.

As a small business owner, you are continually pulled in many different directions. One minute you may be writing up roofing bids for a new customer and the next, you are hard at work replacing worn out shingles. Maybe you are ordering stock for your convenience store and then rushing to ring up sales for a line of patrons. There are also the never-ending administrative tasks like bookkeeping. If you have employees, then you may have training and supervising to keep up on. The point is, you are hard at work every day to ensure your business operates smoothly. What happens if a client slips on a freshly mopped floor and breaks their ankle, requiring surgery? Do you have the funds available to pay for their misfortune?

General liability insurance is a tool in your toolbox to keep your livelihood safe. The knowledgeable team at the Business Insurance Center works with several different industries across the United States. We have seen plenty of business owners breath a sigh of relief when their general liability policy kicked in and helped cover a claim. Talk with us and receive a tailored package of coverage that gives you the peace of mind you deserve.

What General Liability Covers

Whether you are just starting out or you have been in business for a while, you may not fully understand the term general liability as it applies to your company. An experienced Business Insurance Center broker can help you with the details, but here is an overview of what may be covered:

1. Bodily Injury
2. Damage to a third party’s property
3. Personal injury
4. Medical expenses
5. Legal defense costs

Who Benefits from a General Liability Policy

It is easy to think that because you are careful and organized, nothing wrong will ever happen, or if it does, you will have the funds available to take care of it. You may even think that because your business doesn’t fit into a standard industry that purchasing a policy is not necessary. On the contrary, here are a few different industries we serve that utilize general liability insurance:

1. Apartment Building Owners – Injuries to tenants, employees, and visitors because of ice on a sidewalk can mean a large bill later.
2. Agribusiness – If you open your farm to the public, you may be at risk of a claim from animal bites or other injuries.
3. Cannabis – Growers, dispensary, laboratory, and manufacturing segments of the cannabis market can benefit.
4. Convenience Stores – Wet floors or wrinkled rugs, either one can result in a claim if a vendor or customer takes a tumble.

General Liability Insurance – Protection for Unforeseen Mishaps

Line up your essential protection with a general liability policy from the Business Insurance Center. Our dedicated brokers are available to ascertain your needs and provide you with a customized plan that will safeguard your livelihood without breaking your budget. For more than 30 years, we have supported entrepreneurs, small business owners, and the self-employed protect their goals. Contact us and discover the difference in working with us makes.

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.

Common Situations to Look Out For

Workplace privacy is a hot topic. It’s not uncommon for a business to have a claim filed against them from an employee for breach of privacy, among other things. Many times, the allegations center around a failure to protect sensitive private information. Sometimes, they are accusations of ‘spying’ when a team member expects privacy.

Today’s technology raises new questions concerning an employee’s right to privacy. From cyber risk insurance to general liability and employment practices liability, the experienced team at the Business Insurance Center is ready to help. We can sit down with you and assess your situation for proper coverage. We work with a variety of industries such as manufacturing, logging, and pest control, so we understand the unique situations that may arise.

4 Common Situations that Lead to Privacy Lawsuits

Many times, employees interpret your enterprise’s efforts to lower theft or track company-owned property as an invasion of privacy. Here are four everyday situations you may encounter:

1. Misleading or Deceptive Practices: Routine medical examinations that include analyzing urine sample for drugs should be disclosed to employees up front. If they are not warned in advance, they can’t be fired if traces of drugs are found in their urine.
2. Violation of Private Information: Anytime you require a team member’s health information as part of their job, it’s required to keep it confidential. If any of it is disclosed to a third-party, you may be held liable. This includes if your computers experience a cyberattack.
3. Monitoring Done in Secret: It is common for video cameras to be installed to monitor customer and employee theft. When these devices are visible, it is not usually a problem. However, if hidden cameras are placed in areas like restrooms, then you may want to reconsider the liability you may bring to your company.
4. Keeping Tabs on Team Members’ Private Lives: Generally speaking, as an employer you cannot keep tabs on or monitor your employees when they are not working. When they clock out, your monitoring should clock out, too.

Best Business Practices Start with Employment Practices Liability Insurance

Employment liability doesn’t just refer to privacy issues. It also covers wrongful termination, discrimination, workplace harassment, sexual harassment and retaliation, among others. For the best protection, a proactive approach is beneficial. Review the fine print of your existing policies to see if you have the appropriate coverage in the event a claim or suit is brought against your company. The professionals at the Business Insurance Center have the knowledge and resources to develop a sound strategy to help mitigate loss. For over 30 years, we have worked with and supported business owners, self-employed individuals, and entrepreneurs alike to protect your livelihood. Give us a call today and experience the difference.

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.

There are many benefits of running your business out of your house. There’s the convenience of a short commute and the lax dress code and maybe, one of the best perks is the low overhead. Why not utilize the extra bedroom to start a business and join the ever-growing economy? You need a place to live so you’d be paying the mortgage anyway. Your homeowner’s insurance can cover any issues with inventory. or so you think.

Working from home is not without its risks. Like a traditional business, you can be sued, deal with theft, or have liability claims brought against you. Relying on a homeowner’s or renter’s policy is not the best choice as many may exclude business coverage. Talk with the knowledgeable brokers from the Business Insurance Center. We have the experience to get you set up with the right coverage to keep your home and your venture protected.

When Your Home-Based Enterprise May Need Business Insurance

Obtaining separate coverage from experienced business insurance providers is the first step to protecting your assets. If you are not sure you would benefit from specialized insurance, consider these questions. Answering “yes” to any of them may mean you need to find additional coverage:

• Do you have customers and clients visiting your home office?
• Do you keep inventory or supplies in your house or in an off-site storage unit?
• Would you lose income if damage to your home caused you to close your business?
• Do you employ people to work in or out of your residence?
• Do you keep client or employee records on your computer?

What Home-Based Businesses Need Business Insurance

Here are just a few industries that can benefit from having a dedicated policy:

• Administrative and Virtual Assistants
• Dance Instructors
• Paralegals
• Party Planners
• Dog Groomers
• Caterers
• In-Home Day Care
• Accountant
• Online Retail

Flexible Coverage for Your Home-Based Business

Look for complete coverage in these areas:

• General Liability – This is basic coverage that helps protect your business if you are sued for personal injury, a faulty product, or negligence.
• Business Owner’s – This gives additional protection for the physical structures you work out of, like your home. It may help with claims arising from fire or other natural acts.
• Cyber Risk – Cybercrime is on the rise. Safeguard your client’s data with the added benefits of hacksurance among others.
• Worker’s Compensation – If you have employees, you are required to cover them in the event of an injury requiring medical care.

Safeguard Your Home, Family, and Business with Proper Insurance

Avoid relying on your existing homeowner’s policy to do what a business insurance plan should do. The brokers at the Business Insurance Center understand the needs of owners like you. We can discuss your needs and tailor a comprehensive package to meet your needs. For more than 30 years, we have assisted entrepreneurs, business owners, and the self-employed build their dreams. Let us help you today.

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. 

As a builder or general contractor, your reputation is on the line each time you take on a new construction job. As a responsible business owner, you know how to cross your t’s and dot your i’s. You carry the right general liability coverage, keep your worker’s compensation insurance paid up, and always have the proper permits in place before starting the project. There is one final piece you need to have, and that is builder’s risk insurance.

Builder’s risk insurance provides you with the confidence to start constructing impressive structures for your customers. The Business Insurance Center has an exceptional team of brokers you can depend on to help you navigate the risks you face. We work hard to offer you the best solutions to keep you protected. Let us partner together to ensure you can recover if a project goes awry from a covered event.

Do You Always Need Builder’s Risk Insurance?

Purchasing a builder’s risk insurance policy depends on a couple of factors. When you speak with a knowledgeable broker from the Business Insurance Center, you will receive comprehensive guidance to make the best choice to fit your needs. In general, there are two scenarios to consider before purchasing a policy:

• New Construction: If you are preparing to build a new structure and do not have any other property insurance policies already in place, then this policy can be obtained as a general contractor. Another option is for the owner to buy the plan. No matter who buys it, the terms, conditions, and policy limits should remain the same.
• Renovation: Renovating an existing or expanding a building may not necessarily need a builder’s risk policy. Sometimes commercial property policies that are already in place may provide the coverage necessary for construction. Before discounting the benefits of a builder’s risk, be sure to speak with your insurance broker. They can consider the possible exposure issues that may warrant a different plan.

In the end, building codes may dictate what is required. Remember that before you begin work on the site, you may have to prove to local authorities that you have the appropriate insurance coverage. This may include builder’s risk.

Protection for Your Next Project from Dependable Builder’s Risk Insurance Providers

Ensure that your job site has the best type of coverage for your construction needs. The brokers at the Business Insurance Center have the knowledge and connections to provide you valuable protection at rates you can afford. We will discuss your needs and tailor an insurance package just for you. Since 1984, we have helped self-employed entrepreneurs and business owners with customized plans. Let us help you today.

Request a quote for builder’s risk 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. We serve the entire United States.

Many small and medium-sized companies utilize trucks and cars to conduct their businesses. For example, street sweepers, landscape contractors, and caterers need to get their employees and products from Point A to Point B. Additional vehicles on the road create increased risk. Accidents are likely to happen that may include property damage and personal injury. Depending on the number needed, what constitutes a fleet can vary based on the insurance company you deal with.

When you first start out, you may think that using your personal auto insurance coverage will take care of things but this is not the case. Commercial fleet insurance does not have to be expensive. A quote is easy to get when you talk with the knowledgeable team of brokers at the Business Insurance Center. We work with a variety of businesses across many different industries. You can depend on us to help you get the best coverage at a rate you can afford.

6 Ways to Save Money on Commercial Fleet Insurance

Many factors can affect the prices you are quoted for a commercial fleet insurance policy. They include:

1. Age of the Vehicles: Just as you save money buying a used car for personal use, buying used vehicles for your fleet can translate into savings on your policy.
2. Type of Use of the Vehicle: Transporting supplies is not the same as transporting people, so you expect to pay a different
3. Type of Car or Truck: Cars are less expensive to insure than a van, truck, or SUV. It may pay to get the kind and size of automobile that fits your current needs.
4. Size of Your Deductible: The higher your deductible, the lower your rate may be. If you can afford to keep some money set aside for accidents, then this may be the way to go.
5. Combining Policies: Similar to personal insurance, when you connect your business policies, you may enjoy a lower premium.
6. Having Safety Standards in Place: Having safety and anti-theft equipment in place can mean a discount on your rates.

As a bonus tip, many accidents happen because of mechanical failures. Remember to stay current with maintenance and follow all state and federal safety regulations.

Get a Commercial Fleet Insurance Quote from an Established Brokerage

Protect your investment while keeping your rates low when you obtain a commercial fleet insurance quote from the Business Insurance Center. We can discuss, assess your situation, including any gaps in existing coverage, and provide a custom-designed policy to meet your requirements. Since 1984, we have supported business owners, self-employed, and entrepreneurs like you to protect your livelihood. To experience the difference, 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.

Businesses ebb and flow. One day your profits are soaring, the next they plummet. The cannabis industry is facing unprecedented growth as states nationwide navigate the murky waters of legal and illegal versions of the plant family. This growth in uncharted territory can make it hard for a business owner to get the appropriate insurance coverage.

At the Business Insurance Center, our knowledgeable brokers are ready to help you get the cannabis policy you need. We partner with a variety of providers to give you the best coverage at a fair rate. We work with growers, dispensaries, manufacturers, extractors, landlords, physicians, and laboratories throughout the industry and nationwide. We understand the nuances of this delicate and thriving market.

Why You Should Choose Cannabis Insurance Providers

With state and federal governments jumping onboard the cannabis industry, insurance companies are falling behind. Until recently, obtaining a policy specific to your needs was hard to come by, but things are changing. Still, it pays to work with the right provider to cover your needs. Here are a few reasons to consider:

• Consumer Class Action Lawsuits May Rise: As with any product, there are always liability issues to keep in mind. As the cannabis industry and adult users grow, the potential is more significant for class action suits. Each state has varying types of rules and regulations making it hard to follow. If one state’s cannabis regulation is overlooked, you are opening yourself up for legal action to be taken against you. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you are at risk of losing everything.
• Medical Doctors Face a New Type of Malpractice: There is the opportunity for patients to self-medicate, causing interactions with other drugs. Additionally, there is a vicious cycle of “cannabis hyperemesis syndrome” where heavy pot users have extremely high concentrations of cannabinoids in their system that it is making them sick. Add mental health problems or substance abuse issues, and it makes a doctor’s job even harder to treat or prescribe a cannabis regimen.
• An Extraordinary Plant Deserves Extraordinary Protection: Not just any plant, cannabis has been around for thousands of years. One derivative; hemp, is used as fuel, food, and medicine. Its fibers are used for canvas, rope, and linens. CBD oil is used for medicinal and health reasons. It is an extremely versatile plant.

Dependable Cannabis Insurance Provider for a Growing Industry

Get dependable protection for an ever-changing industry. The experienced brokers from the Business Insurance Center understand the cannabis sector and your unique needs. They are ready to sit down with you and design a tailored policy. Since 1984, we have helped business owners like you grow their companies and serve their customers. We can help you navigate the complex area of cannabis insurance.

Request a quote for cannabis 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 for any of your business insurance needs at (888) 585-0511. We serve the entire United States.