When it comes to purchasing insurance coverage for your small business, the process can feel somewhat tedious and at times a little confusing. To ensure that you are getting the right coverage for your small business without blowing your budget, here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for or purchasing insurance coverage:
Use an Independent Broker.
Find an independent insurance broker that focuses on small businesses, who you can trust, and who makes the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Independent brokers have access to a variety of different insurance companies so they can shop around to find the best price and coverage for your needs.
Purchase the Right Coverage.
Make sure you have both the right type of coverage and the right amount of coverage. Depending on your business, you should consider coverages such as Property, Business Interruption, Crime, Equipment Breakdown, Liability and more. Look for package policies based on your industry as they will generally include all of the coverages you need but without all the guesswork.
Ask Questions.
Don’t be afraid of the unknown. Most people don’t fully understand what insurance coverage their business needs or even how insurance works. As a small business, you should ask your broker about coverage types, payment options, cancellation terms, and ways to reduce your premium. This one goes both ways, as you should also make sure to answer all questions as honestly as possible when filling out the quoting form. This will help prevent any issues with a claim down the road.
Be Aware of Factors that Affect Premiums.
It can be confusing trying to understand how your insurance premium is calculated and why you might be paying more than a neighbouring business. Insurance premiums for small businesses are based on a variety of factors, but some of the more significant ones include: Revenues, Operations, Business Location, Past Claims, and Coverage Types and Limits.
Extend Your Risk Management Procedures Beyond Insurance.
Purchasing insurance is only one piece of the risk management puzzle. Take steps to protect your assets and liabilities with proper security measures, staff procedures and more. You should also make sure to keep good records of property, purchases, accidents etc. In the event of a claim, good records will help verify your loss, making the process easier. In the event of a lawsuit, they could help defend your business.
If you have any questions regarding the information above or if you would like to discuss your current policy with a broker, our Bullfrog Insurance brokers would be happy to help you out. Bullfrog Insurance also offers affordable insurance coverage on tools, equipment and materials. Contact us today for more information.