Tag: general liability insurance

What Kind of Insurance Does Your Small Business Really Need? 

It takes guts to open your own business. Seriously — taking that kind of risk, putting your time, money, and energy on the line to build something of your own? That’s bold, admirable, and worth protecting! 

You’ve taken a big chance and gambled on yourself — now don’t risk everything you’ve built by skipping out on the right insurance. Figuring out the right insurance coverage probably sounds boring, tedious and overwhelming, but we have good news!  Business insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. There are a few key policies most small businesses need, and once those are in place, you’re off to a great start. 

Here’s the basic policies most small businesses need: 

1. General Liability Insurance  

Accidents happen — and when they do, this is the coverage you’ll be glad to have. General liability protects you if someone gets injured at your business or if you accidentally damage someone else’s property. It even covers legal fees if a claim turns into a lawsuit. 

Example: A customer slips and falls at your business. You’re covered. 

2. Commercial Property Insurance  

Whether you own a storefront, lease an office, or run your business from a workshop or warehouse, property insurance covers your physical assets — like your building, tools, inventory, and equipment — from fire, theft, storms, and more. 

Pro Tip: If your business operates from home, your homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover business-related losses. Property coverage tailored for your business is essential. 

3. Commercial Auto Insurance  

If you use a vehicle for business — even if it’s just one — you’ll want this. Commercial auto covers business vehicles and drivers, so you’re not left paying out of pocket. 

Pro Tip: Personal auto insurance typically won’t cover accidents that happen while you’re working. 

4. Umbrella Insurance  

Think of this as a safety net. Umbrella insurance kicks in when a big claim exceeds the limits of your other policies — like general liability or auto. It’s the peace-of-mind policy that helps protect your business from large, unexpected losses. 

There’s more available than just the basics 

Depending on your industry and operations, you might need other coverage — like workers’ comp, cyber liability, professional liability, etc. Every business is different, which is why it’s smart to work with an insurance advisor who can help assess your risks and recommend the right protection. 

Bottom line: 
Taking risks is part of being a business owner — but leaving your business unprotected isn’t a risk you can afford. 

Let’s make sure you’ve got the right coverage in place. 
We’re here to help you protect what you’ve built — reach out today for a quote! 

Author: Judy Sivy

BOP it!

Selling a Great Product? Make Sure You’re Covered with Product Liability Insurance

You’ve poured time, energy, passion, and brainpower into creating something amazing but even the best products can come with unexpected risks. That’s where product liability insurance steps in to protect your business from costly surprises. 

What Is Product Liability Insurance?

Product liability insurance covers your business if a product you make, sell, or distribute causes harm to someone or damages their property. It helps pay for legal fees, medical costs, settlements, and more—so a lawsuit doesn’t wipe out everything you’ve worked for.

Who Needs It?

Short answer? Anyone who makes or sells a physical product. That includes:
• Manufacturers & wholesalers
• Online retailers & e-commerce shops
• Artisans & crafters
• Food & beverage businesses
• Importers & private label sellers

If your product is out in the world, your name could be on the line if something goes wrong, even if the issue started with a supplier or manufacturer. Product liability coverage is an easy and affordable way to protect your reputation, your finances, and your future.

Why It’s a Smart Move

Let’s face it: accidents happen. A customer could have an allergic reaction, a part might malfunction, or instructions get misread. Even if you’re not at fault, you could still get pulled into a lawsuit. Don’t incur unexpected legal fees out of pocket!  Product liability insurance gives you peace of mind and helps keep your business on solid ground.

Let’s Build a Safety Net Together

Not sure if you need it or how much coverage is right for your business? Don’t worry—we’re here to help. Our team will customize a plan that fits your product and your budget.

Protect Your Business with Liquor Liability Insurance

If your business serves alcohol—whether it’s beer, wine, cocktails, or champagne at special events—it’s essential to consider the risks involved. 

What Is Liquor Liability Insurance?

Liquor liability coverage helps pay for legal fees, settlements, and damages if someone you serve alcohol to causes injury or damage. Whether you’re running a neighborhood bar, a trendy restaurant, a wedding venue, or hosting a one-night event, you could be held responsible if an intoxicated guest causes a problem after leaving your property. 

Who Needs It?

If you’re serving alcohol, even occasionally, liquor liability insurance should be on your checklist. That includes:
• Bars, restaurants & nightclubs
• Breweries & wineries
• Caterers & event planners
• Retail stores that sell alcohol
• Private events with alcohol service

Why It Matters

Here in Ohio (and many other states), businesses can be legally liable under “Dram Shop” laws if someone they served causes an accident or injury. One unexpected incident can lead to costly lawsuits or even the loss of your liquor license.

We’ve Got You Covered

Need help selecting the right policy? Our experienced team is here to guide you toward the coverage that fits your needs and budget—so you can move forward with confidence.

When Does General Liability Insurance Payout?

When Does General Liability Insurance Payout?​

General liability insurance for a business is designed to cover certain accidents that may occur on the property or as a result of everyday work activities.

​Part of this insurance is not designed to compensate the business, but to compensate the victim who is injured or had their property damaged. Another part of this insurance, however, provides compensation to the business in case of a lawsuit  regarding an accident.

​Medical Payments​

General liability insurance can cover medical bills for someone injured on the business’ property. This includes emergency medical services, medical treatment, hospital visits or stays, surgery, disability benefits and, in extreme cases, death benefits.​

These expenses are compensated as they arise. As most injuries are ongoing or require ongoing treatment, this insurance will be paid as the costs pop up. A business owner may then file a claim on their general liability insurance policy to offer compensation to the victim. This is especially important, as offering this compensation immediately may help avoid a lawsuit in the future. This doesn’t mean that a lawsuit won’t occur, however.

​Compensation also depends on the type of medical payment. Disability benefits may be paid on a consistent basis, such as if a victim is rendered permanently disable by an accident, while a death benefit would be a lump sum paid directly to the victim’s family.​

​Property Damage​

Say someone’s expensive electronics are ruined as a result of negligence on your company’s behalf. Filing a claim with your general liability insurance policy can help replace or repair the broken electronics in a single lump sum payment.​

​Legal Payments​

In the previous cases, compensation would typically go directly to the victim for their injuries or damages. Legal expense coverage under general liability, on the other hand, goes to the business owner. This coverage offers compensation for expenses related to a lawsuit, including court fees, settlement costs, defense expenses and more. These payments are also provided as they appear.​

​Exclusions and Limitations​

Keep in mind that compensation will only be paid after a general liability claim is approved. This could take up to 30 days after the claim is filed, although this varies. Some states require insurers to approve or deny a claim within a certain amount of time, although insurers will occasionally wait until the maximum number of days to reply to a claim. As soon as a claim is approved, however, you may receive compensation soon after.​

​There are also certain circumstances in which you may be denied a general liability claim. Reasons a claim may be denied include:​

​For example, if one of your employees causes bodily injury to someone else while committing a crime. This likely will not be covered under your general liability insurance policy. The same applies for accidents that occur due to professional negligence. General liability covers non-professional negligence, meaning other incidents of liability will not be covered. If your business or employees offer specialized services, you will need to purchase professional liability to cover accidents concerning professional negligence.

​If a claim is denied, compensation will not be paid out. A denied insurance claim won’t necessarily cause your business to lose its coverage, but frequent fraudulent claims can result in a cancelled policy.​

​How Much is General Liability Insurance for a Small Business?​

The cost of general liability insurance varies depending on a number of factors. This includes your location, the size of the business, coverage limits, industry and other factors. Having higher coverage limits for general liability generally costs more, but it also prevents gaps in your coverage. Double checking your coverage limits can help avoid denied claims due to a lack of coverage or low limits.​

You can also expand your general liability insurance with an umbrella liability insurance policy. Umbrella liability insurance fills in the gaps left by your other liability insurance policies, including general liability. For example, if you reach the maximum amount for a single claim on your general liability policy, umbrella liability insurance will step in to cover the remaining cost. This insurance is a blanket or “umbrella” insurance that can apply to any of your other umbrella insurance policies, as well.

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