How to use this guide. Every business is different, and your needs depend on your size, industry, contracts and location. This is a starting point, not advice for your specific business. Each section ends with a review by a licensed agent.
I have employees
Once you have employees in California, workers’ compensation is required by law. It helps pay medical care and lost wages if an employee is hurt or becomes ill because of work.
- Workers’ compensation insurance — required by law in California once you have employees.
- Employment practices liability — you may need it if an employee could claim wrongful termination, discrimination or harassment.
- Group benefits — if you want to offer health and other benefits to your team.
I use a vehicle for my business
If you, your employees or your company vehicles drive for work, a personal auto policy may not respond the way you expect.
- Commercial auto insurance — you may need it for vehicles used in your business.
I rent space or own property
Your landlord, lender or lease may ask for proof of coverage, and your equipment, inventory and build-out are worth protecting.
- Commercial property insurance — you may need it for your building, contents, equipment and inventory.
- General liability insurance — you may need it if a customer or visitor could be hurt on your premises or you could damage someone’s property.
- Business owner’s policy (BOP) — you may need it as a package that combines property and liability for many small businesses.
I give advice or provide a professional service
If clients rely on your advice, designs, work or recommendations, a mistake can lead to a claim even when you did your best.
- Professional liability insurance — you may need it to cover claims of negligence, errors or mistakes in your services.
- General liability insurance — often paired with professional liability.
I keep customer data or take payments online
Customer names, payment details and employee records can be a target, and a breach can be costly to sort out.
- Cyber liability insurance — you may need it for data breaches, ransomware and related costs.
I want higher limits than my main policies offer
A serious claim can be larger than the limit on a single policy. Higher limits can sit on top of the policies you already have.
- Commercial umbrella insurance — you may need it for extra liability limits above your underlying policies.
I depend on an owner or a key person
If losing one person would hurt the business, or you have partners, life insurance can help the business carry on.
- Business life insurance — key person, buy-sell funding and lender requirements. Advanced setups such as split-dollar and deferred compensation are handled with specialists.
Not sure where you fit?
Many businesses end up with a mix of these. Call us, tell us what you do, and a licensed agent will help you sort what to look at first. There is no obligation.