Small Business Insurance - Who Needs It?

By Pamela Sissons

Who Needs Small Business Insurance, Anyway?

You do! Small business insurance is one of the most critical components of planning for your new venture. Whether your business involves working in a high-risk environment like heavy construction, or a relatively low-risk one such as running an in-home consulting business, you are continually exposed to liabilities that can put your business and your future at risk.

Some business owners are required to maintain insurance coverage. Restaurants, hotels, health care facilities...they all have minimal limits that are imposed upon them by their industry, municipal entities, or their landlords. But what about your small business? You may be retired or just starting out, maybe you're considering using your knowledge of antiques or your talent as an artist to start your own shop or gallery. How risky can that possibly be?

Assess the Risks

In today's world, risk management is no longer the exclusive domain of large corporations. Every small business is different, with a unique set of risks. An experienced small business insurance agency can advise you on what your present and future needs may be, and keep you up to date on any Federal, State, or Local regulatory requirements you may be subject to.

A good insurance agent will review your company needs; an excellent one will take the time to visit your company and discuss your requirements with you directly.

Be Prepared!

As your business grows, your small business insurance coverage should grow with you. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and activity as success begins to take root, and insurance is the LAST thing on your mind...until you need it. Make sure when you choose an agent, you are getting someone with your best interest in mind, who will continually monitor where you are and make suggestions when necessary.

Are you taking on employees? Opening another shop or office? Considering additional human resource programs? Taking on additional risk? You may need to look at several types of coverage:

• Workers' Compensation
  
• Contractor's Liability
  
• License Bonds, Court Bonds, Performance or Fidelity Bonds
  
• Employee Benefit Administration
  

The Benefits - Because Things happen

The benefit of having good small business insurance is most obvious when the unexpected happens.

Don't be caught off guard...without proper coverage your business liability can extend to your personal life as well. Knowing you have the right coverage up front offers you both peace of mind and security. When and if you have a loss or a setback, you will be able to continue moving forward with confidence, and the tools you need to stay in business!

There is no doubt about it - Insurance can be complicated. There is so much to understand and so many details that it can quickly become overwhelming! The very best option? Find a qualified small business insurance agency you trust - one that is familiar with you, your local community and is respected within the insurance industry as well.

© 2008, Pamela Sissons. This article is provided courtesy of Cool Insuring Agency, Inc. - http://www.coolins.com This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the author, copyright, website address and link, and this notice are left intact.