Coverage types explained
Plain-English explanations of every common small business insurance coverage — what it covers, who needs it, what it costs, and which carriers offer it.
General liability insurance covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims against your business. It is the foundational policy most small businesses carry.
Professional liability (errors and omissions) covers claims that a professional service you provided caused a client financial harm due to negligence, mistakes, or failure to deliver.
Workers' compensation covers medical costs and lost wages for employees injured on the job, and is legally required in almost every state once you have W-2 employees.
Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles used for business. Personal auto policies typically exclude business use, so any vehicle driven for work needs this coverage.
A BOP bundles general liability and commercial property into one discounted policy, ideal for small businesses with a physical location or business property.
Commercial property insurance covers the building you own or lease, plus equipment, inventory, and furniture, against fire, theft, and some weather damage.
Cyber liability insurance covers data breach response, legal fees, and liability arising from a cyberattack or the loss of sensitive customer data.
Inland marine insurance covers tools, equipment, and goods while in transit or off-site at a job location — essential for contractors and mobile businesses.