The assets a company relies on to serve its customers are critical to its continued operation, but some firms lack contingency plans to keep their vital machinery, computers and stock ready for use following disasters. Firms invest heavily in the items that allow them to do their work, and many seek some form of business insurance coverage to prevent crippling losses.
Business entities differ from individual property owners in that their liability requirements are vastly different. For example, commercial properties, vehicle fleets and manufacturing equipment are typically in a much higher cost category than their residential and consumer counterparts. Repairing or replacing these items after a natural disaster, theft or vandalism can cost quite a lot of money and even potentially compromise a firm’s long-term profitability. As such, the coverage that business owners rely on must be accordingly capable.
Commercial property insurance is a common form of business coverage. It helps protect not only buildings and lots but signage, furniture and critical operating materials as well. Notably, business property insurance can often be applied to losses that other people incur as a result of damage to the policyholder’s property. For instance, a fire that spreads from one building to a neighbor’s in a densely packed commercial district may have exorbitant repair costs, but commercial property insurance can greatly help offset these. Similarly, some business property policies can be customized or supplemented to cover damage to consumer assets, such as vehicles, that are parked on a policyholder’s lot, making it safer for firms to do business and accommodate customers.
One of the most well-known forms of business coverage is general liability insurance. This insurance helps protect firms when people suffer accidents on their premises or as a direct result of their recommendations and services. General liability insurance is a critical part of operating. In some industries, not having such coverage could even preclude a professional organization from winning contracts or competing.
With so many forms of commercial coverage to choose from, finding the right solution should always begin with a consultation. It’s essential to talk to a broker who can tailor a policy to your specific asset situation as well as the imminent and ongoing needs of your firm.
Business equipment coverage
Many firms rely on specialized equipment to complete their normal tasks. Business equipment coverage, also known as boiler and machinery insurance or equipment breakdown insurance, can offset the costs of repairing or replacing damaged computers and machinery, replacing ruined stock and even some profit losses incurred as a direct result of a breakdown.
Umbrella liability policies are designed to supplement standard business liability insurance. They can extend the amount of coverage your firm receives so that it won’t have to sacrifice profits in case of a lawsuit or accident whose costs exceed those covered by the normal policy, but these policies aren’t replacements for standard insurance. Taking out an umbrella liability policy is commonly cited as a good way to account for the possibility of serious accidents.