Owning a small business can be one of life’s greatest balancing acts. Every day there’s the pressure of managing employees, finding (and retaining) customers and monitoring cash flow. On top of that, you’re trying to keep costs down — and productivity up.
For business owners looking to boost their bottom line, cutting back on insurance expenses can be a real temptation. After all, insurance premiums are usually a fixed cost. Especially if you’ve never had to file a claim, those monthly payments can feel like just another bill to pay.
But without adequate protection, an accident of any kind could be harmful to the business you’ve worked so hard to build. Here’s why cutting corners on business insurance doesn’t pay off.
Why is business insurance important?
Like your personal home and auto policies, business insurance is meant to help business get back to normal after an accident, which can include lawsuits, property damage, injuries and more.
As a result, business insurance is a necessary expense. But that doesn’t mean it’s without return. Here are some benefits to having the right commercial insurance.
Stay legal. Certain policies may be required by law regardless of your business’ size. For example, many states require a business owner to purchase workers’ compensation insurance, even if you only have a single employee.
Care for employees. As a small business owner, your employees are like members of the family. And you depend on them to help run your business. Workers’ compensation can cover medical care and lost wages if they are injured on the job.
Protect your business from the unexpected. Sometimes, accidents happen. The right insurance coverage can protect your business after something unexpected happens, such as if you become legally liable for injuries suffered by a customer after something like a slip-and-fall accident at your business.
Boost your reputation. Solid protection can instill confidence from employees and clients alike. Having coverage that is in everyone’s best interest shows others that you’re willing to invest in their safety and well-being.
Qualify for contracts. Securing a new business contract often requires you to have minimum limits of certain business insurance coverages, especially if loans are involved.
Recover from natural disasters. Mother Nature can level businesses and make recovery seem impossible. The right coverage can help put your mind at ease and get you back to work.
Cover legal costs. Lawsuits are notorious for taking up time and racking up bills. Business insurance can help you prepare for interruptions and keep legal costs from emptying your bank account.
How to choose business insurance
Finding the right coverage starts with evaluating your needs and identifying the risks associated with your business.
Many times, cutting back on your business insurance coverage can expose you to far more risk than the premiums you’ll save are worth. If you’re looking for savings, here are some tips to help keep costs in check without sacrificing protection:
Review your policy annually. Meet with your local Aitken & Ormond agent to review your policy each year and make sure your coverage is up to date. A policy review can help ensure every asset is accounted for, and that every opportunity for savings is taken advantage of.
Maintain proper employee classifications. Employee class codes have implications, especially in dangerous work environments. Make sure that you and your team are accurately classified to save money and protect your workers.
Keep coverage during every season. During slow seasons, you might be tempted to let your coverage lapse. However, lapsed coverage leaves your business vulnerable and could lead to fees and higher rates. It’s wise to consider year-round coverage.
Create a safer environment. Train and educate employees on workplace safety to help reduce rates and liability.
Upgrade your security. Find weaknesses in your physical and digital security systems. Decreasing the chances of a break-in or data breach could help reduce payments and stop an incident from happening in the first place.
Pay annually. If you can afford the upfront cost, consider paying your insurance premiums annually. You’ll skip fees that might be associated with monthly payments, and you can relax knowing you have year-round coverage and one less bill to worry about.
Add endorsements. Endorsements can help address coverage gaps for sometimes pennies on the dollar. Ask your Aitken & Ormond insurance agent which endorsements would benefit you the most or bundle well with your current policy.
Protect what you’ve built
You’ve worked hard to make your business what it is today, and you deserve someone who understands how to help you protect it. Your local Aitken & Ormond agent is there when you need them most and can build a customized package tailored just for your business.