
Business and insurance companies offer a wide range of services and products to help businesses operate smoothly and minimize risks.
Many business and insurance companies provide liability insurance, which can protect companies from financial losses due to negligence or accidents.
Some companies also offer business insurance policies that cover property damage, equipment breakdowns, and cyber attacks.
These policies can be customized to fit the specific needs of a business, whether it's a small startup or a large corporation.
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Insurance Policies
Insurance Policies can be a bit overwhelming, but don't worry, I'm here to break it down for you.
A Business Owners Policy (BOP) is a type of insurance policy that combines multiple coverages into one policy, including damage to business property, defense costs, and income loss.
If you have business property like contents, inventory, or a storefront, a BOP policy may be the best choice for you.
GEICO offers business insurance coverage for almost any business, including liability coverage, commercial vehicle insurance, and cyber liability insurance.
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Two coverages you need, combined in a single policy, are offered by GEICO, including bodily injury or property damage, defense costs for covered liability losses, and business furniture and equipment.
Business insurance can vary depending on the type of business and who it serves, so it's essential to find the right policy for your business.
You can get tailored coverages for your business with a commercial package policy, which can help provide specialized insurance for unique businesses like child care centers or pest control operations.
Here are some common types of insurance policies for businesses:
Homeowners insurance won't cover tools, equipment, and inventory used for business purposes, so you'll need a separate business insurance policy for these items.
Business Insurance
Business insurance is a crucial aspect of protecting your business from unexpected events. It's a type of insurance that can help cover your business in case of accidents, lawsuits, or other unforeseen circumstances.
A Business Owners Policy (BOP) is a great option if you have business property like contents, inventory, or a storefront. This policy combines damage to business property, defense costs, income loss, and more in one coverage.
If you have tools, equipment, and inventory used for business purposes, your homeowners insurance won't cover them. You'll need a BOP or a business insurance policy specifically designed for these items.
Business insurance can vary depending on the type of business and who it serves. GEICO offers business insurance coverage for almost any business, including liability coverage, commercial vehicle insurance, and even cyber liability insurance.
Here are some key coverages you need to consider:
- Bodily injury or property damage
- Defense costs for covered liability losses
- Business furniture and equipment
Business interruption coverage is also essential, as it can provide supplemental income to employees and owners if the business cannot operate due to unforeseen or catastrophic reasons.
Policy (BOP)
A Business Owners Policy (BOP) is a great option for businesses with property like contents, inventory, or a storefront. It combines third-party liability coverage with protection for damage to business property, defense costs, income loss, and more.
If you have tools, equipment, and inventory used for business purposes, a BOP policy will cover these items, which is not included in a standard homeowners insurance policy. This policy is designed to provide comprehensive coverage for businesses that need it.
A BOP policy typically includes coverage for damage to business property, defense costs, and income loss. It's a great way to ensure your business is protected in case of an unexpected event.
Here are some key features of a BOP policy:
- Damage to business property
- Defense costs
- Income loss
This policy can be a lifesaver for businesses that need to recover from a loss. It's a great way to ensure your business can get back on its feet quickly and easily.
Auto
If your company owns vehicles that are used as a part of your job, you'll need Commercial Auto Insurance. Commercial vehicle insurance generally includes liability coverage, damage/collision coverage, certain medical coverage in the event of a car accident, and coverage that activates if the other driver involved in the accident was uninsured.
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All vehicles need adequate insurance protection when they hit the road. You need commercial auto insurance coverage if you own company vehicles. If you rent vehicles or have employees use their own personal vehicles for errands, you need hired and/or non-owned auto insurance.
A hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) policy typically covers liability claims and defense costs. This can also cover attorney fees, payouts, and other court costs if your business is sued as a result of a car accident involving one of your employees.
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Inland Marine
Inland marine insurance is a type of coverage that protects moveable property, such as tools and equipment, while in transit over land or stored away from your business.
Protecting your business assets is crucial, and inland marine insurance helps ensure you're covered in case of loss or damage. This type of insurance is especially important if you have a mobile workforce or frequently transport goods.
It covers items such as tools, equipment, and other goods, providing peace of mind and financial protection.
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General
General business insurance is essential for protecting your business from unexpected events. A General Liability Insurance policy, also known as CGL, provides protection for your business in the event of a 3rd party claim for property damage, bodily injury, and lawsuits costs for covered losses.
This type of insurance can help cover your business while performing normal operations, including physical injury liability, property damage liability, and lawsuits costs for covered losses.
If you're looking for additional coverage for specific business needs, a Business Owners Policy (BOP) might be a better fit. A BOP can provide coverage for product inventory, business materials, and property.
In some cases, a General Liability Insurance policy may not be enough, and you may need to consider additional coverage options, such as Professional Liability Insurance (PL), also known as Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. This type of insurance protects you for mistakes or advice your company makes in business, as well as legal defense costs and services completed.
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Auto Insurance
Auto insurance is a must-have for businesses that use vehicles. All vehicles need adequate insurance protection when they hit the road.
Commercial auto insurance is a type of insurance that covers company vehicles. It generally includes liability coverage, damage/collision coverage, certain medical coverage in the event of a car accident, and coverage that activates if the other driver involved in the accident was uninsured.
If your business rents vehicles or has employees use their own personal vehicles for errands, you need hired and/or non-owned auto insurance. This type of insurance typically covers liability claims and defense costs.
A hired and non-owned auto insurance policy can also cover attorney fees, payouts, and other court costs if your business is sued as a result of a car accident involving one of your employees.
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Professional Insurance
Professional Liability Insurance is a must-have for businesses that provide professional advice. It covers negligence claims that could arise from your services, even if you haven't made a mistake.
Many business contracts and state laws specify professional liability insurance requirements. This coverage will save you from paying out of pocket or liquidating your business to pay for a loss.
Professional liability insurance premiums and coverage limits depend on factors like the location and size of your business, how long it's been around, and the claims history.
Medical Malpractice
Medical Malpractice is a serious concern for healthcare professionals. If you're a healthcare or wellness professional, protect yourself and your career with a Medical Malpractice policy.
You can't put a price on peace of mind, but a Medical Malpractice policy can provide financial protection in case of a lawsuit.
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Excess and Surplus Lines
Excess and surplus lines insurance is a market for high-risk professions that can't get general liability coverage in the admitted market. It’s also known as E&S insurance.
Professions that fall under excess and surplus lines insurance often have unique risks that make them difficult to insure in the standard market. This can be due to various reasons, including high-risk activities or specialized industries.
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Excess and surplus lines insurance provides coverage for these high-risk professions, offering a safety net for businesses that might not have access to standard insurance policies. This type of insurance is designed to fill the gaps left by admitted insurance markets.
By providing coverage for high-risk professions, excess and surplus lines insurance helps businesses operate with confidence, knowing they have a financial safety net in place.
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Property Insurance
Commercial property insurance is a must-have for businesses, protecting commercial buildings and moveable property from theft, fire, storms, and natural disasters.
It's offered as part of a Business Owner's Policy (BOP), which bundles insurance coverages for businesses.
Commercial property insurance covers the cost of rebuilding the exact same structure, not the market value of the property.
This is known as replacement cost, which takes into account the cost of rebuilding the property, not just its current value.
The insurance company will assess factors like occupancy, intended use, furnishings, and square footage to determine the value of your property before providing coverage and setting policy limits.
You can choose between replacement cost, actual cash value, and functional replacement cost, but keep in mind that actual cash value refers to replacement cost minus depreciation.
Functional replacement cost is a modification that allows you to get a better deal on insurance premiums by maintaining less coverage.
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Employee Benefits
Health insurance is a benefit that lets your business offer quality medical care to your employees and their dependents.
Offering an employee benefits package is crucial to caring for your workers, and it's essential to include group medical, dental, vision, and life insurance in your package.
At Byars|Wright, they offer all the insurance solutions you need to keep your business running smoothly, with a team of expert consultants ready to help you.
Providing quality medical care to your employees can boost their morale and productivity, making it a worthwhile investment for your business.
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Liability and Risk Management
Having an umbrella insurance policy could possibly save your business from bankruptcy after an unfortunate event.
Businesses in high-hazard industries, such as construction, often require large umbrella policies, ranging from $5 million to $10 million.
A general contractor might set an umbrella policy requirement of $5 million to $10 million for a large construction job.
Businesses with a lot of vehicles on the road or operating in high-hazard industries can pay around $1,000 a year for $1 million in umbrella limits.
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Cyber liability insurance protects businesses from computer-related attacks, such as malware, phishing, and ransomware.
To protect against cybercrimes, businesses need to be protected against hacking and sensitive information theft.
Cyber liability insurance includes data breach coverage to protect a business in the event of unauthorized access to sensitive information about its finances, customers, and/or employees.
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Umbrella
Umbrella insurance is additional protection that kicks in when your existing liability limits aren't enough to cover a claim.
Commercial umbrella insurance policies can be required by industries like construction, where a general contractor may set specific insurance requirements, including a minimum umbrella policy size of $5 million to $10 million.
This type of insurance can save a business from bankruptcy after an unfortunate event, and it's a good idea for companies with a lot of vehicles on the road or operating in high-hazard industries.
Businesses can pay around $1,000 a year for $1 million in umbrella limits, depending on a few factors like the type of industry.
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Cyber
Cyber liability insurance protects businesses from computer-related attacks, such as malware, phishing, and ransomware. To quote, you can call (800) 448-8244.
Hacking and having sensitive information stolen is a serious threat to businesses. Cyber liability insurance includes data breach coverage to protect a business in the event of unauthorized access to sensitive information about its finances, customers, and/or employees.
A stolen laptop with confidential information can lead to serious consequences. Cyber liability insurance can help mitigate these risks.
Businesses need to be protected against cybercrimes, which can result in financial losses and damage to their reputation.
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Accident Medical
Accident medical insurance can cover medical bills if someone is injured at your business or during activities you sponsor and have no insurance of their own, or their bills exceed what their insurance pays.
Having accident medical insurance can give you peace of mind, especially if you host events or activities that may put others at risk of injury.
Accident medical insurance can be a valuable addition to your liability and risk management strategy.
If you're concerned about the potential costs of medical bills for injured individuals, consider investing in accident medical insurance.
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Get a Quote
Getting a quote for business insurance is a straightforward process. GEICO offers a business insurance calculator to help you find the best policy or policies for your business.
Just answer a few short questions about your business and its insurance needs, and GEICO will help you find the right policy.
If you already know what you need, you can browse GEICO's entire line of business insurance policies.
GEICO wants you to feel confident and secure with your small business insurance.
They offer a business insurance quote to help you find the best insurance for your business.
Insurance Types and Costs
Business insurance can be overwhelming, but understanding the different types and costs can help you make informed decisions.
General Liability coverage is a must-have for most small businesses, guarding against third-party claims that arise from business operations. It's often referred to as "business insurance."
Commercial Auto coverage is essential if you use your vehicles for business, providing liability and physical damage protection for your business vehicles. This is a must-have for businesses that travel to job sites or make deliveries.
Workers' Compensation coverage protects you and your employees, helping pay for expenses related to employees who become injured or ill on the job. This coverage is a requirement in many states.
The cost of business insurance varies, with the national median cost ranging from $42 per month for professional liability to $67 per month for workers' compensation in 2023. Your cost is based on factors like your industry and the specific types of jobs you do.
Types of
Commercial Auto coverage is a necessity if you use your vehicles for business, such as traveling to job sites or making deliveries. It provides liability and physical damage protection for your business vehicles.
Workers' Compensation is essential for protecting you and your employees, covering expenses like medical costs and lost wages related to job-related injuries or illnesses.
Professional Liability coverage, also known as Errors and Omissions insurance (E&O), safeguards businesses that offer professional services or advice against claims of professional negligence.
Business Owners Policy (BOP) packages business liability and property coverage into one policy, making it a common choice for small businesses with commercial buildings or personal property.
Cyber Insurance is crucial for businesses that store or process sensitive data, such as credit card information, protecting against electronic threats like data breaches.
Cost
The cost of business insurance can vary significantly depending on several factors. For instance, the national median cost of business insurance for new Progressive customers in 2023 ranged from $42 per month for professional liability to $67 per month for workers' compensation.
Your industry and specific job types play a huge role in determining your rates. One landscaping company might only mow lawns, while another offers additional services like tree trimming, affecting their risk exposure and rates.
Your business insurance cost is based on various factors, including your industry and the types of jobs you do. This means that two companies in the same industry can have different rates due to their unique risk profiles.
The cost of business insurance can add up, but there are ways to get the coverage you need at the best price.
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Insurance Companies and Services
Progressive can help you find business insurance coverages, including general liability and professional liability, in all states except Hawaii.
Markel offers a range of insurance options, including business liability, commercial property, and equipment breakdown coverages. They also have tailored offerings for niche markets and can help protect your business from employee lawsuits.
Markel provides coverage for medical expenses, attorney fees, and damages you are legally responsible for. They also offer endorsements to cover your specific needs, such as property in transit.
Some business insurance products offered by Markel include:
• Business Income Coverage: Helps you cover payroll, pay for relocation expenses, and replace lost income when a covered loss forces your business to close temporarily. Liability Coverage: Helps provide reimbursement for resulting medical, repair, and legal expenses if your business is held liable for injury or property damage. Cyberattack Coverage: Helps your business recoup expenses associated with a cyberattack or data breach. Equipment Breakdown Coverage: Helps protect your business against equipment failures and associated losses. Workers' Compensation: Helps protect your employees in the event of an occupational injury or illness.
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Residential Services
For residential service businesses, insurance can be a lifesaver. We provide a variety of affordable insurance solutions designed for these types of operations.
Contractors, lawn care services, and janitorial operations are just a few examples of residential service businesses that can benefit from our insurance solutions.
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Additional Products
Progressive offers a wide range of business insurance products, including general liability and professional liability, which can help protect your business from various risks.
You can get business insurance in all states except Hawaii, so you can find a policy that suits your needs no matter where you're based.
Progressive's business insurance products can help cover payroll, pay for relocation expenses, and replace lost income when a covered loss forces your business to close temporarily.
They also offer tailored coverages for niche markets, such as commercial agribusiness operations, and can help protect your business's building and any commercial property surrounding it.
Progressive's insurance products can help protect your business from employee lawsuits, equipment failures, and cyberattacks, among other risks.
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You can also get workers' compensation and business owners policies in select states, so be sure to check your options.
Progressive's business insurance products can help protect your employees in the event of an occupational injury or illness, and can help pay for medical treatment, death benefits, and more.
They also offer risk management solutions, including a range of insurance options, to help you manage your business risks.
Customer Experience with Markel
Markel's customers rave about their coverage, with one saying it's "amazing" and another praising their ability to "speak to someone" and get help.
Markel's communication is top-notch, with one customer saying they've always been able to meet or exceed expectations regarding communication.
Markel's solutions are tailored to specific needs, as one customer noted they have "solutions for many hard to insure exposures."
Some customers have reported a particularly positive experience with Markel during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 shutdowns, where Markel was "there for me and my company" when they needed it most.
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Here are some customer testimonials that highlight Markel's strengths:
- "Coverage is amazing. I am always able to speak to someone and help explain what I need, and why."
- "Markel has offered me affordable coverage for my small business and has always met or exceeded my expectations regarding communication."
- "Markel has solutions for many hard to insure exposures."
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