Commercial insurance, sometimes called business insurance, provides crucial financial protection for businesses. Liability insurance—one form of commercial insurance—is particularly important because any company can be sued by a customer or someone else who claims that the business caused some type of damage that affects them—physical injury, property damage, or financial harm.

Every small business faces the risk of lawsuits filed by customers or others who claim the company is responsible for damage to their property, personal injuries, or financial harm. Coverage like general liability insurance, for example, can pay for legal costs and also financial damages awarded by the court if your business is found to be liable.

The insurance known as equipment breakdown coverage or boiler and machinery insurance coverage is what’s called an endorsement, add-on, or rider. It extends the coverage of a business owners policy or BOP. Also called property & liability insurance, a BOP is a simplified approach to small business insurance that combines general liability and commercial property insurance.

Every small business needs business insurance. This may include policies like general liability, commercial auto, and others. The types and amounts of coverage vary based on the kind of work you do. But whatever biBERK liability coverage you have, commercial umbrella insurance can provide an added layer of protection.

When considering, “What is professional liability insurance?”, it is maybe best summarized by another name that’s often used for it: errors and omissions insurance (or E&O insurance). A professional liability insurance definition would say it’s a type of small business insurance coverage that protects you from financial consequences if a client accuses you of not living up to the accepted standards and best practices of your profession. 

People who make a living providing professional advice or services to clients are required to adhere to certain standards and best practices for their industry. If that describes you or your company, you face the risk that a client may feel that you made a mistake that adversely affected them and sue you for the financial damages they believe were caused by your error.

Running a small business comes with many risks. Consequently, having the right small business insurance is essential. Without policies like general liability, workers’ compensation, professional liability, property & liability, commercial auto, cyber insurance, and commercial umbrella, your company could be hit with liability lawsuits or losses that result in an unbearable financial burden. Sadly, many businesses close their doors every year for this reason.

Any business can become the target of a lawsuit from someone who feels the company injured them in some way—physically or financially. However, there are steps you can take to begin legally protecting your business and minimize the risk of a small business lawsuit. You can also prevent serious financial harm to your company by having the right small business protection through insurance coverage.

What is workers’ compensation insurance? The definition of this type of policy is coverage that helps pay costs associated with a work-related injury or illness, including medical care and lost wages. Sometimes called workers’ comp or workman’s comp, it’s often mandatory and protects both your employees and your company if an employee experiences an injury or illness while at work, including strains and sprains, trip-and-fall incidents, or accidental death.