Many small business owners wonder when they should review their insurance coverage. The truth is that if it has been a while since you’ve reviewed your business insurance, it might be time to make changes. A review is a great opportunity to determine whether your policy meets your current needs. It might help you decide if your level of coverage requires an adjustment. Here are a few times when scheduling a review with your agent is important.
Expanding or Downsizing Your Business Space
One example of when companies need to review their commercial business insurance policy is during expanding or downsizing. If you’re moving to a smaller office, chances are high that you don’t need as big of policy as in the past. Likewise, a larger space or a bigger staff requires an increase in coverage. A review is a great time to determine where your level of risk fits with the current size of your organization.
Purchasing New Equipment or Hiring New Employees
If you’ve recently purchased new equipment or hired new employees, take a look at your business insurance. After all, anytime you have something extra to protect, it is time to have a discussion with your agent.
This includes buying new commercial vehicles or adding employee drivers. Failure to do so could have serious consequences or even denial of a claim if there’s ever an incident.
If You’ve Sold a Business
For many entrepreneurs, buying and selling businesses is normal. In this case, it is important to have a policy review at the time the owner leaves the company. This gives new management the opportunity to make changes to suit their needs. It also helps give the old owner peace of mind in confirming their removal from a policy.
Review Your Business Insurance Annually
It is important to review your business insurance annually, even if nothing major has changed. This ensures that you’re still getting the right coverage for your needs. It even gives you the option to shop for a better premium. A licensed agent will also be able to guide you in understanding that you’re fully protected for your individual level of risk.
FAQ’s About How Often Should You Review Your Business Insurance Coverage?
How often should I review my business insurance coverage?
It’s recommended to review your business insurance coverage annually, or whenever there are significant changes to your business operations or assets.
What types of business insurance coverage should I consider?
Depending on your business needs, you may want to consider general liability, property, professional liability, workers’ compensation, and cyber liability insurance, among others.
How can I determine the right amount of coverage for my business?
Assess your business’s potential risks and liabilities, and consider consulting with an insurance professional to determine the appropriate coverage limits.
What are the common exclusions in business insurance policies?
Common exclusions may include intentional acts, certain natural disasters, and specific types of professional errors or omissions. It’s important to carefully review your policy for exclusions.
How does business insurance help protect my company from lawsuits?
Business insurance can provide coverage for legal expenses, settlements, and judgments in the event of lawsuits related to covered risks, such as bodily injury or property damage.
Can I adjust my business insurance coverage mid-term?
Yes, you can usually make adjustments to your coverage mid-term to accommodate changes in your business, such as adding or removing coverage options.
What is the process for filing a business insurance claim?
In the event of a covered loss, you would typically need to notify your insurance company, provide documentation of the loss, and work with the insurer to process the claim.
How does business insurance protect against cyber threats?
Cyber liability insurance can help cover costs associated with data breaches, cyber extortion, and legal expenses related to cyber incidents.
Are there discounts available for bundling multiple types of business insurance?
Many insurers offer discounts for bundling multiple types of business insurance, such as combining general liability and property insurance.
What factors can affect the cost of business insurance premiums?
Factors such as the nature of your business, its location, the coverage limits selected, and your claims history can all impact the cost of business insurance premiums.
What factors should be considered when reviewing business insurance?
When reviewing business insurance, there are several factors that should be considered to ensure that your business is adequately protected. These factors include:
- Business Size: The size of your business will impact the type and amount of insurance coverage you need. Larger businesses may require more coverage than smaller ones.
- Industry: The type of industry your business operates in will also impact the type of insurance coverage you need. For example, a construction company may need more coverage than a retail store.
- Business Assets: The value of your business assets will also play a role in determining the amount of coverage you need. This includes property, equipment, inventory, and more.
- Business Risks: The risks associated with your business will also impact the type of coverage you need. For example, a business that operates in a high-risk industry may need more coverage than one that operates in a low-risk industry.
- Business Location: The location of your business will also impact the type of coverage you need. For example, a business located in an area prone to natural disasters may need more coverage than one located in a low-risk area.