Commercial insurance, also known as business insurance, is essential to protect your company against a variety of risks. However, a question often arises— does commercial insurance cover vehicles? Understanding the various aspects of commercial auto coverage within a business insurance policy can help you avoid costly gaps in coverage. In this blog, we explore the relationship between commercial insurance and vehicles and why commercial auto insurance might be necessary for your company.
Understanding Commercial Insurance
Commercial insurance is a type of comprehensive policy used by business owners to protect organizations from various financial losses. Losses include things like property damage, theft, workplace injuries, liability claims, and much more. Oftentimes commercial insurance policies are bundled to include a variety of different coverage types. These comprehensive policies are often referred to as business owner’s policies (BOPs) and they typically include:
Property Insurance: Provides coverage for damage to equipment, buildings or any other assets owned by a business. Typical accidents covered include fires, theft and natural disasters.
Liability Insurance: Protects companies from any claim involving injuries or property damages caused by the businesses employees, products or operations.
Workers’ Compensation: Covers the medical costs and a portion of lost wages to employees who get injured or sick on the job.
Business Interruption Insurance: If a business is forced to close down temporarily, this coverage will provide compensation for lost income. Examples of reasons a business might need to close down are natural disasters, or fires.
There are also other more specialized types of commercial insurance that can be crucial depending on the industry you work in. These include professional liability insurance and cyber liability coverage. Additionally, companies that regularly use vehicles in their daily operations need specialized coverage too. This is where commercial auto insurance comes into play.
What is Commercial Auto Insurance?
Commercial auto insurance is designed to protect vehicles used for business purposes. Unlike personal automobile coverage, it covers a broader range of business-related risks.
For example, if you have a fleet of freight trucks, delivery trucks, use your personal vehicle for work purposes, or have staff driving company
cars, a commercial auto coverage will ensure that these vehicles are fully protected. There are also many cases where commercial auto insurance is actually required by law. This includes:
Company-owned vehicles being used for deliveries or client visits.
Any personal vehicles that are commonly used for business purposes.
Heavy-duty vehicles like semi-trucks or commercial trailers.
Vehicles that employees drive on behalf of a business.
Keep in mind that every state and industry has different rules and regulations, so we also recommend looking up your local laws to avoid legal issues.
When Does Commercial Insurance Cover Vehicles?
Although business insurance covers a variety of risks discussed above, vehicle coverage is usually excluded. There are some cases where a BOP or general liability policy may offer some coverage for vehicles occasionally used for business purposes, but this is not common. Even in these cases, the coverage is usually limited and won’t cover vehicles that are used on a regular basis by the business.
With all this being said, businesses using vehicles in their operations regularly need specialized commercial automotive protection. Otherwise, you run the risk of paying out of pocket in the case of an accident.
What Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cover?
A commercial auto insurance policy provides complete coverage for vehicles utilized for business purposes. Typical coverage includes:
Liability Coverage: This coverage protects against bodily harm or property damage if you are the driver at fault in an accident.
Physical Damage Coverage: This coverage includes both collision and comprehensive coverages for vehicle damage. Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle from hitting another object or vehicle, regardless of who’s at fault. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from events outside of your control including theft, vandalism, fire, an animal being hit and more.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This policy protects your company if an employee is involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Employee Coverage: Provides protection for employees who drive company-owned automobiles.
Additional Coverage Options: To assure complete coverage, you can add services such as rental reimbursement and roadside assistance to your plan.
Do You Need Commercial Auto Insurance?
Deciding on whether or not your business needs commercial auto insurance depends solely on how vehicles are used within your daily operations. If the company uses vehicles for transportation, delivery, or regular travel, a commercial vehicle policy is essential. On the other hand, relying entirely on a personal auto policy for business purposes leads to big financial risks.
If you still aren’t sure about your business and it’s needs relating to auto coverage, ask yourself the following questions:
Do you or your staff drive for business purposes?
Is your personal vehicle routinely used for work-related purposes?
Are there any company-owned vehicles in your fleet?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, commercial auto insurance is likely a good investment.
Protecting Your Business: Steps to Take
To guarantee that your business is properly insured, take the following steps:
Examine your current insurance policy to detect any gaps in vehicle coverage.
Assess your company’s vehicle usage to decide whether a commercial auto policy is required.
Consult with an insurance agent to create a commercial auto insurance plan that is tailored to your specific business needs.
Final Thoughts
Commercial auto insurance is an important aspect of protecting your business, but typical business insurance policies tend to fall short. Whether you use personal cars for business or operate a fleet of commercial vehicles, you must have the proper insurance in place. Understanding the significance of commercial auto insurance can help you protect your organization from vehicle-related dangers and ensure your company is protected from all angles.
While researching and shopping for insurance policies can be daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Using EZ.Insure to compare quotes and coverage types makes the process easy. We offer side-by-side comparisons, so no matter how big or small your business is, they’ll be something for you. We also have a team of dedicated insurance professionals who are always on hand to walk you through the process. So take the next step in protecting your business and its assets today by visiting us at EZ.Insure. To get started, simply enter your ZIP code at the top of the screen or give us a call at 855-694-0047.
Although workers’ compensation is generally for employers to have for their employees it also covers you if you’re self-employed, such as an independent contractor. Just because you work for yourself doesn’t always mean workers’ compensation is optional for you. Almost every state requires that companies give workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. Each state has a list of companies and employees that need to be covered and a list of employees or owners that are exempt. So, if you run a business as a sole owner, your state may not require you to buy workers’ compensation insurance. However even if you’re not required by law to have coverage, your clients might.
Depending on your industry, clients may add it to their contract with you that you need to carry workers’ comp. For example general or subcontractors typically have to have workers’ compensation for someone to hire them to do work for them. This is because workers’ compensation policies typically don’t extend to any contractors you hire on temporarily. Most health insurance policies don’t cover accidents that happen at work. Let’s say you work for yourself and have health insurance. You hurt your back at work when you picked up a big box. If you got hurt at work, your health insurance might not pay for your hospital bills. This means that you have to pay for all the costs and fees connected to your injury.
If you work as a freelancer, the same thing will happen. Even if you have health insurance, you should still have workers’ comp coverage. It can help you avoid a situation that will ruin your finances. You may also need it if you hire freelancers or independent contractors for specific projects.
Self-Employed Workers’ Compensation
It might seem strange to buy workers’ compensation for yourself, but it happens all the time. Many companies won’t hire you as a self-employed worker unless you have workers’ compensation insurance. This is because, if you get hurt on the job, you might be able to sue the company to pay for your medical bills. Even though you’re an independent contractor, businesses know that the courts will probably order them to pay. Unless they buy workers’ compensation for you or you have it for yourself. A company can legally refuse to hire a self-employed worker who doesn’t have sufficient workers’ compensation insurance.
If you are self-employed as a sole owner and get paid through a 1099 instead of a W-2, you might not have to get workers’ compensation insurance. People often think that you only need workers’ compensation if you have people working for you. But that’s just not true for some kinds of businesses.
Why Independent Contractors Need Workers’ Compensation
Most state rules don’t require independent contractors to have workers’ compensation insurance. But you may still need to buy this policy for a few reasons.
1. Clients Require It
Your clients may want you to have workers’ compensation and other types of small business insurance to protect them from danger. If you get hurt at work, they could be held accountable and have to pay for your medical bills. By asking you to have workers’ comp insurance, they know that if you get hurt on the job, they will be financially protected. When you buy a workers’ compensation package, your clients save money because they don’t have to pay for your protection. But make sure you’ve taken that cost into account when you set your fees.
2. Unexpected Injuries
You could get hurt at work even if you don’t do any hard work. A software worker could get carpal tunnel syndrome from years of typing on a keyboard. Working inside a computer, a person who fixes computers could cut their hand and be out of work until it heals. Workers’ compensation pays for medical care when you get hurt on the job, even if it’s because you tripped in your office. This includes going to the doctor, getting medicine, and going to physical therapy. If you get hurt at work and have to take time off, workers’ comp will pay you some of the money you would have made.
This may seem like something that would be covered by health insurance. But insurers can turn down claims for accidents that happen at work. Medical bills can also add up quickly. And if your employee takes a long time to get better, workers’ compensation payments can save your business. So, even when it’s not required, independent contractors and single proprietors may choose to buy this coverage for themselves.
3. The Law
Outside of the construction business, most state laws do not require independent contractors or self-employed owners to have workers’ compensation. States have strict rules about who can be an independent contractor, and companies who misclassify their workers could get in trouble. Even if you call yourself a “freelancer,” you might still have to carry workers’ compensation if you’re really an employee. This is the responsibility of the employer, and most states let one-person businesses choose not to have workers’ compensation benefits.
However, if you are required to have insurance for yourself or your employees and you don’t buy a policy, you could be fined significantly or be held responsible for their medical bills if they get hurt on the job. It’s important to learn about the rules in your state about workers’ compensation. Some states require protection for every kind of employee connection. Including 1099 employees, independent contractors, full-time and part-time employees, and freelancers.
In some states, you can get out of having to get workers’ compensation if you are a sole proprietor. A workers’ compensation exemption is a statement that you don’t need insurance because you don’t have any employees. For example, you can’t renew your general contractor license in California unless you have proof of coverage or a valid waiver for sole proprietors. To get a workers’ comp exemption for a sole proprietorship, you’ll need to fill out the right form for your state, take it to be notarized, and generally pay a small fee. You won’t have to pay for workers’ comp, but if you get hurt at work, you might have to pay out of pocket to cover your bills.
What If I Hire An Independent Contractor
When you hire your own contractors or subcontractors, you take on the responsibilities of a big employer. In some situations, like when an employer’s business has a lot of natural risks, it may make sense to require contractors and subcontractors to carry their own insurance so you don’t have to.
Your lawyer can help you decide if it’s a good idea to ask the people you’re doing business with for workers’ comp. They can tell you not only about the rules and laws where you live. But also how to change your job contract to include language that says coverage is required. Even if a worker has a 1099 status, like a 1099 contractor, the company is still responsible for paying any workers’ compensation claims. Legally, 1099 contractors only need workers’ compensation coverage if their boss requires them to have it. However, it may be in their best interest to carry a certificate of insurance to protect themselves and get contracts with future clients.
Other Self-Employed Insurance Options
While we’re talking about workers’ comp, it’s important to note that sole owners often need to buy other types of business insurance.
Liability insurance will protect you financially if someone sues you for damages after slipping and falling in your coffee shop or breaking an expensive vase while you’re cleaning a client’s home. General liability insurance also pays for slander claims. This kind of safety can be bought as a separate policy or as a part of a policy for a business owner.
Listen, everyone has flaws and makes mistakes. In this case, professional responsibility is helpful. It’s insurance that protects you if a client gets hurt because of a job you did for them or advice you gave them. It is also called errors and omissions insurance, which is a more popular name. Professional liability insurance covers cash losses in case of injury or damage. While general liability insurance covers injuries and damage to property.
In the business world, there are always physical risks like getting hurt or losing something. There are, however, risks that come with using technology that could hurt your business. Hacking and data leaks are just two examples. Hackers are very interested in the names and medical records of your customers that you store on company computers. In order for your business to quickly get back on its feet after a data breach or cyberattack, it is important that it has data breach or cyber liability insurance.
By mixing two types of coverage, a business owner’s policy (BOP) protects your small business from a wide range of claims. Its coverage includes both commercial general liability insurance and commercial property insurance. The “general liability” part of a BOP protects your business in case someone sues you or your company. General liability insurance protects you from lawsuits if something like a customer slipping on a wet floor, a faulty product damaging a client’s property. Or a claim that your goods or services hurt someone. It can also protect you from claims related to libel, slander, and some types of advertising.
The property part of a BOP helps protect your business’s buildings, tools, furniture, and stock. Whether you own them, rent them, or lease them. It helps pay to fix or replace things that were stolen, damaged, or destroyed while they were in your care. Even if they didn’t belong to you. It can also pay for things like rent, salary, and other bills while your property is being fixed or replaced after a fire or another covered loss.
Working With EZ
Being self-employed or a a freelancer gives you more freedom and a better mix between work and life. One downside is that you’ll have to take care of your own insurance. This is something you must do. If you don’t have the right insurance, an accident or emergency could put you out of money. So, people who work for themselves and don’t have insurance are taking a chance by not getting it. EZ can help, though! We can give you free, quick quotes on business insurance, and we can also help you find the best plans for you. Enter your zip code in the box below or call 877-670-3557 to talk to a qualified agent.
A commercial package policy (CPP) is a type of insurance policy that covers various dangers, such as liability and property risk. A commercial package policy enables a company to receive insurance coverage in a flexible manner. CPPs also offer the advantage of allowing you to pay cheaper rates than if you got a separate policy for each risk. A Business Owners Policy, or BOP, may provide the minimum property and liability coverage required by businesses without specific risks. However, if your company encounters particular risks due to the industry you work in, you should consider finding a Commercial Package Policy.
How Commercial Property Packages Work
Commercial package policies are often written by insurance companies for small to medium-sized organizations. These companies may have lower liability requirements since they do not operate huge facilities. Or they simply need supplemental insurance coverage for specific hazards. A modest manufacturing company or car wash operation, for example, is unlikely to require the same level of coverage as a real estate developer. Commercial package policies are very customizable and can bundle two or more coverages into a single policy. While each plan is unique, the average CPP will cover a variety of property and liability risks.
Commercial Property Packages vs Business Owner Policies
We know CPPs sound like BOPs, but they’re vastly different. The fact that BOPs and CPPs are insurance bundles is clearly the most important item they have in common. That is, they are made up of numerous policies. And purchasing them as a package is less expensive than purchasing each of them separately. The primary difference is that the insurance plans that come with a BOP are often predetermined and limited. Insurance companies recognize that general liability, property, and business interruption are policies that the majority of small businesses require, regardless of industry, which is why they opted to package them as a BOP.
Naturally, you can tailor your BOP and add endorsements to make the coverage more flexible. But it will never be as versatile as a CPP. Although a CPP will often contain general liability and property coverage, as these are essential coverages for any business. The options for putting together a more comprehensive insurance plan are far wider when acquiring a CPP. It is important to remember that one is not superior to the other. BOPs and CPPs provide distinct coverage, and both perform wonderfully.
Building a Commercial Property Package
As we said, CPPs are a bundle policy. While BOPs typically only bundle a few key policies CPPs will bundle as many as you need. A CPP starts the same way a BOP does with core coverages:
Commercial property insurance – Covers damage to property, including not only buildings but also merchandise, equipment, signage, and other items.
General liability insurance – Covers expenses if a customer gets hurt on your property or while using your product or service.
Business interruption insurance – Covers lost revenue, unpaid salaries, and rent. Along with a variety of other costs if your business is destroyed and must close for a period of time to renovate or relocate.
After the basic core coverage is picked is where CPPs stand out from BOPs. Other coverages that are often packaged under a CPP in order to provide more broad and expansive coverage for companies with more demanding coverage needs include:
Commercial auto insurance – Covers damage to vehicles owned by your company or private automobiles used for business.
Commercial crime insurance – Financial losses caused by employee dishonesty, burglary, fraud, forgery, and other corporate crimes are covered.
Umbrella insurance – When necessary, broadens liability coverage to bridge gaps in your coverage. And offers coverage for liabilities that may not have been specifically covered by another authorized policy.
Equipment breakdown – Covers losses caused by equipment failure, such as heating, electrical air conditioning, refrigeration, and other equipment problems.
Pollution liability – Covers pollution-related expenses like personal harm and necessary clean-up measures.
Electronic data processing coverage – Covers the costs of electronic data processing media or equipment loss or damage.
Employment practices liability – Covers costs associated with employee disputes involving termination, discrimination, sexual harassment, and other workplace issues.
A CPP can also contain insurance for professional liability, supply chain risk, terrorism, farming or ranching losses, and other risks.
What Isn’t Covered?
Regardless of how adaptable CPPs are and how many types of coverage can be bundled into the package. There are some insurance policies that simply cannot be included in a CPP. If you need any of these policies, you’ll have to purchase a separate policy:
Directors & Officers insurance – Provides liability coverage for corporate management. Shielding directors and officers and their personal assets against claims arising from choices, errors, and “wrongful acts” made while working on behalf of the company.
Key person insurance – A life insurance policy purchased by a corporation on a key executive or employee who is extremely important to the firm’s success.
Workers’ compensation – Covers employee injuries-related damages. Including lost earnings, medical bills, rehabilitation, and, in the worst-case scenario, death benefits and burial expenditures.
Who Needs A Commercial Property Package?
A CPP is more comprehensive since it allows you to combine two or more liability policies. Giving you more coverage alternatives than a BOP. With a CPP, you can boost your coverage limits in places where you are more likely to face a claim. While decreasing your policy limits in locations where you are less likely to face a claim.
A commercial package coverage is frequently matched up with mid-sized companies and those with higher risks. A CPP is especially beneficial for small and medium-sized companies that want a customized approach to risk management. Since it gives coverage alternatives that go beyond a BOP and underwriting that is tailored to their individual needs.
The Cost of A Commercial Property Package
One of the key features of a CPP is that businesses can tailor their coverage by adding a variety of riders to the package. Naturally, the more types of coverage you include in your CPP, the higher the cost. Aside from how many supplementary coverages you add to your CPP and how complex your coverage is, insurers will consider various aspects to determine how much you will have to pay for your CPP, including:
Industry
If you work in a high-risk industry, your CPP will be higher. Construction companies, for example, will pay substantially higher premiums than accountants since their liability and property risks are much higher.
Location
Businesses in large cities typically pay more for a CPP than those in rural areas, because the more populated your location is, the more vulnerable your property is to crime and vandalism.. Additionally, if you live in a region of the country with a history of natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes, your CPP will cost significantly more than if you were located in a low-risk region of the country.
Number of Employees
Whether you should get a BOP or CPP is largely determined by the size of your company. The more employees you have, the more likely it is that a BOP will not provide adequate protection. Also, if you’re a company with more than 100 employees that no longer qualifies for a BOP, you may need a CPP if you want to bundle your policies. It’s important to note that the amount of employees you have will raise your CPP premiums.
Property Value
The higher your CPP premium, the higher the value of your property and the more difficult and expensive it is to replace your physical property, equipment, and inventory.
Claims History
If your company has a history of claims, particularly serious claims that resulted in big settlements from your insurer, you will pay much more for your CPP than a company that has had very few claims in recent years.
Why You Need It
Having the right commercial package policy gives your company peace of mind, knowing that if your property is significantly damaged or a third-party injures themselves on your property and sues you for damages, you will have the financial support you need to get through the ordeal. Running a business in today’s highly unpredictable and litigious environment can be a very stressful activity if you are unprotected and running your business with the knowledge that one unforeseen accident and costly lawsuit might put you out of business for forever.
Even if your business is fortunate enough to avoid a natural disaster that damages your property or a lawsuit from a customer who was injured on your property, having the right liability and property coverage allows you to confidently run your business and take calculated risks knowing that your business is protected from things beyond your control.
Help From EZ
Whether you are searching for commercial insurance or group health insurance, EZ.Insure can assist you. Our agents work with the top insurance providers in the country to locate the best insurance for your company and its employees. In fact, by working with your budget to get you the greatest coverage, we can save you hundreds of dollars per year. If you have any questions, please contact us at (855) 694-0047 for group health insurance assistance and (855) 694-0047 for commercial insurance. Or put your zip code into the bar below to get your instant free quotes.
Embarking on a business venture is an exciting journey filled with possibilities and opportunities. However, it’s essential to be prepared for the unexpected challenges that may arise. One crucial aspect of this preparation is securing the right business insurance. Each industry faces unique risks. So, understanding the types of insurance coverage needed is key to safeguarding your business. As well as ensuring its long-term success. In this article, we’ll explore common business industries and the types of business insurance they may need. Shedding light on why these policies are essential.
Types Of Business Insurance
Before we go over what types of insurance different industries need. Let’s look at the different types of business insurance policies available.
General liability insurance is a fundamental type of business insurance. It provides coverage for a range of common risks and liabilities faced by businesses. Also known as commercial general liability (CGL) insurance. It is designed to protect businesses from financial losses associated with third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. General liability typically covers:
Bodily Injury
Bodily injury coverage helps protect your business in the event that someone is injured on your premises or as a result of your business operations. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses, and legal fees. As well as any potential settlements or judgments if your business is found liable for the injury.
Property Damage
Property damage coverage provides protection if your business causes damage to someone else’s property. This could include damage to a client’s home or office space. Or damage to other physical assets belonging to third parties.
Personal and Advertising Injury
Personal and advertising injury coverage is designed to protect against non-physical injuries, such as libel, slander, or infringement of copyright. If your business is accused of damaging another party’s reputation through advertising or other communications, this coverage can help cover legal costs.
Legal Defense
General liability insurance typically covers the costs of legal defense, including attorney fees, court expenses, and settlements or judgments. This is crucial for businesses facing lawsuits, even if the claims are ultimately determined to be groundless.
Product and Completed Operations
If your business manufactures, sells, or distributes products, or if you provide services, products and completed operations coverage can protect against claims arising from defects in products or services that cause bodily injury or property damage.
Medical Payments
Medical payments coverage helps pay for medical expenses if someone is injured on your premises. Regardless of who is at fault. This coverage is usually more limited than bodily injury coverage, but can provide swift reimbursement for minor injuries without the need for a lawsuit.
Business Property Insurance
Business property insurance, also known as commercial property insurance, is a type of insurance coverage that protects a business’s physical assets. Including buildings, equipment, inventory, furniture, and other property, against various risks and perils. This insurance is crucial for businesses to recover from financial losses that may result from damage or loss of property due to covered events. The key coverage of business property insurance are:
Physical Assets – Business property insurance provides coverage for the physical assets owned or leased by a business. This includes the building itself, if applicable, as well as contents such as inventory, equipment, furniture, fixtures, and signage.
Covered Perils – Policies typically specify the perils or events that are covered. Common covered perils include fire, theft, vandalism, windstorms, hail, explosions, and certain types of water damage. It’s important for businesses to carefully review and understand the specific perils covered by their policy.
Business Interruption – Many business property insurance policies include business interruption coverage. This component helps businesses recover lost income. And cover ongoing expenses if the business is temporarily unable to operate due to a covered event, such as a fire or natural disaster. It can include coverage for rental income, payroll, and other fixed costs.
Replacement Cost – Business property insurance policies may offer coverage based on either replacement cost or actual cash value. Replacement cost coverage reimburses the cost to replace or repair damaged property without deducting for depreciation, providing a more comprehensive form of coverage. Actual cash value coverage considers depreciation, resulting in a lower reimbursement amount.
Cyber liability insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed to protect businesses from financial losses and liabilities associated with cyber-related risks and events. As businesses increasingly rely on technology and digital assets. The exposure to cyber threats such as data breaches, hacking, and other cybercrimes has become a significant concern. Cyber liability insurance helps businesses mitigate the financial impact of these risks by providing coverage for various expenses and liabilities.
Data Breach Response – Coverage for expenses related to responding to a data breach. This may include the costs of notifying affected individuals, providing credit monitoring services, and managing public relations efforts to minimize reputational damage.
Legal and Regulatory Expenses – Protection against legal costs and regulatory fines that may result from a data breach or other cyber incident. Cyber liability insurance can cover the expenses associated with legal defense, investigations, and compliance with data breach notification laws.
Data Restoration – Coverage for the costs of restoring or recreating lost or damaged data as a result of a cyber incident. This may include expenses related to data recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Business Interruption – Compensation for financial losses resulting from a cyber incident that disrupts business operations. This coverage can help replace lost income and cover ongoing expenses during the period when the business is unable to operate normally.
Cyber Extortion – Protection against costs associated with cyber extortion attempts, such as ransomware attacks. This coverage may include payments made to cybercriminals to restore access to data or systems. As well as expenses related to negotiating with extortionists.
Forensic Investigations – Reimbursement for the costs of investigating a cyber incident to determine the extent of the breach, identify the source of the attack, and implement measures to prevent future incidents.
Professional Liability Insurance
Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, is a type of insurance coverage designed to protect professionals and businesses that provide professional services from claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in the course of their work. This insurance is particularly relevant for individuals and companies in service-based industries where clients rely on their expertise and advice.
Professional Negligence – Coverage for claims arising from alleged professional negligence, errors, or mistakes in the performance of professional services. This can include errors in judgment, faulty advice, or failure to meet the standard of care expected in the industry.
Legal Defense Costs – Reimbursement for legal expenses associated with defending against claims of professional negligence. This can include attorney fees, court costs, and settlements or judgments resulting from lawsuits.
Breach of Duty – Coverage for claims related to a breach of professional duty. This could involve a failure to perform services as promised, failure to meet contractual obligations, or other breaches of professional duty.
Defamation – Protection against claims of defamation, libel, or slander arising from the provision of professional services. This coverage can address legal costs and settlements associated with damage to a person’s reputation.
Copyright Infringement – Coverage for claims of copyright infringement related to the creation or dissemination of professional work. This is particularly important for professionals in creative industries where intellectual property is a significant concern.
Workers’ compensation insurance, commonly referred to as workers’ comp, is a type of insurance that provides financial and medical benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. It is a crucial component of the social safety net and is designed to protect both employees and employers. It helps injured or ill employees by providing coverage for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages. At the same time, it protects employers from lawsuits related to workplace injuries.
Medical Benefits – Workers’ compensation insurance covers the costs associated with medical treatment and care for work-related injuries or illnesses. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and other necessary medical services.
Income Replacement – If an employee is unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness, workers’ compensation provides partial wage replacement. Typically, a percentage of the employee’s pre-injury wages is paid to help cover living expenses during the period of disability.
Disability Benefits – Disability benefits are provided to employees who experience a temporary or permanent disability as a result of a work-related injury or illness. The level of disability benefits is determined by the severity and nature of the disability.
Death Benefits – In the unfortunate event of a fatal workplace injury or illness, workers’ compensation insurance provides death benefits to the surviving dependents of the deceased employee. This includes compensation for funeral expenses and financial support for the dependents.
Business Interruption Insurance
Business interruption insurance, also known as business income insurance, is a type of insurance coverage that provides financial protection to businesses in the event of a covered loss that disrupts their normal operations. This coverage is designed to help businesses recover from the financial impact of a temporary suspension of operations due to covered perils, allowing them to maintain financial stability during a challenging period.
Income Loss – Business interruption insurance covers the loss of income that a business may experience due to a covered event, such as a fire, natural disaster, or other insured peril. This coverage extends to the profits that would have been earned during the period of interruption.
Fixed Costs – In addition to income loss, the policy typically covers certain fixed costs that continue even when operations are temporarily halted. This can include rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and certain other ongoing expenses necessary for the business to resume normal operations.
Covered Perils – Business interruption insurance is triggered by specific perils or events that are covered by the policy. Common covered perils include fires, natural disasters, vandalism, and other events as outlined in the insurance contract. It’s important for businesses to understand the perils covered and, if needed, consider additional endorsements for specific risks.
Product Liability Insurance
Product liability insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed to protect businesses from financial losses and legal liabilities arising from claims related to defects or problems with products they manufacture, distribute, or sell. This insurance is crucial for businesses involved in the production and sale of goods, as it helps mitigate the financial impact of legal expenses, settlements, or judgments resulting from product-related claims.
Bodily Injury and Property Damage – Product liability insurance provides coverage for claims related to bodily injury or property damage caused by a defect in a product. If a product is found to be defective and causes harm to a consumer or their property, the insurance can help cover the associated medical expenses, repair costs, or legal fees.
Legal Defense – One of the primary benefits of product liability insurance is the coverage for legal defense costs. If a business faces a lawsuit related to a defective product, the insurance will typically cover the expenses associated with hiring attorneys, court fees, and other legal costs.
Manufacturing or Design Defects – Product liability insurance typically covers claims arising from both manufacturing defects and design defects. Manufacturing defects occur during the production process, while design defects are inherent flaws in the product’s design that make it unreasonably dangerous.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
EPLI is a type of insurance coverage designed to protect businesses and employers from the financial consequences of employment-related lawsuits. These lawsuits can arise from various employment-related issues, such as wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other violations of employment laws. EPLI provides coverage for legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments associated with such claims.
Wrongful termination claims – Protection against claims of wrongful termination or dismissal, where an employee alleges that their termination violated employment contracts, implied contracts, or anti-discrimination laws.
Discrimination claims – Coverage for claims of discrimination based on factors such as age, gender, race, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics. EPLI helps businesses address allegations of discriminatory practices in hiring, promotions, and other employment decisions.
Harassment claims – Protection against claims of workplace harassment, including sexual harassment or other forms of harassment that create a hostile work environment. EPLI assists in covering the costs associated with investigations, legal defense, and potential settlements.
Third-party liability – Some EPLI policies may provide coverage for claims brought by non-employees, such as clients, customers, or vendors, alleging wrongful employment practices.
Commercial auto insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed to protect businesses and their vehicles used for business purposes. This insurance provides financial protection in the event of accidents, injuries, or property damage involving vehicles owned or operated by a business. Commercial auto insurance is crucial for companies that rely on vehicles for various business activities. Including transportation of goods, services, or employees.
Business Owned Vehicles – Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles owned or leased by a business and used for business purposes. This can include cars, trucks, vans, and other types of vehicles essential to the business’s operations.
Liability – Liability coverage is a fundamental component of commercial auto insurance. It provides protection against bodily injury and property damage that the business may be legally responsible for in the event of an accident. This coverage helps pay for medical expenses, repair costs, and legal expenses associated with third-party claims.
Collision – Collision coverage is designed to cover the cost of repairs to a business-owned vehicle in the event of a collision, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage helps businesses get their vehicles back on the road quickly after an accident.
Uninsurance/Underinsured Motorist – This coverage protects the business and its drivers in the event of an accident with a driver who either has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover the damages. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps bridge the gap in such situations.
Industries
As we said, every industry is different. While most policies can help all of these industries there are certain policies that each industry needs more than the others.
Retail
The retail industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector that thrives on customer interactions, sales, and the management of diverse inventory. Amidst the excitement of running a retail business, it’s crucial for owners to prioritize risk management by investing in the right insurance policies. From protecting against potential liabilities to mitigating financial losses. A tailored insurance strategy can be the key to long-term success in the retail landscape. Retail companies typically need:
General liability insurance.
Commercial property insurance.
Workers compensation insurance.
Business interruption insurance.
Product liability insurance.
Cyber liability insurance.
Professional Offices
The professional office industry is a diverse and dynamic sector encompassing various professions. From legal and accounting services to consulting and creative endeavors. Amid the hustle and bustle of daily operations, it’s paramount for professionals in this industry to prioritize risk management by investing in the right insurance policies. From protecting against potential liabilities to mitigating financial losses, a well-tailored insurance strategy is crucial for ensuring the sustained success of professional offices. These types of companies need:
Professional liability insurance.
General liability insurance.
Cyber liability.
Business property insurance.
Workers’ compensation insurance.
Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI).
Construction
The construction industry is a powerhouse of growth and development, transforming blueprints into structures that shape communities. Amid the dynamism and innovation, construction businesses face a myriad of risks that can impact projects, finances, and reputations. To safeguard against unforeseen challenges, it’s crucial for construction companies to have a robust portfolio of business insurances. From protecting against accidents on the job site to addressing potential legal liabilities, the right insurance coverage is the cornerstone of a successful construction business.
General liability.
Commercial property.
Workers’ compensation.
Professional liability.
Commercial auto.
Food Service
The food service industry is a vibrant and dynamic sector, offering a myriad of culinary delights to consumers worldwide. While chefs and restaurateurs focus on creating exceptional dining experiences. It’s equally crucial for businesses in the food service industry to prioritize risk management through comprehensive business insurance. From protecting against liability claims to ensuring the safety of employees and patrons. The right insurance coverage is the key ingredient for sustained success in the food service realm.
General liability insurance.
Commercial property insurance.
Business interruption insurance.
Product liability insurance.
EPLI
Working With EZ
In every industry, the importance of business insurance cannot be overstated. These policies act as a safety net. Providing financial protection and peace of mind as you navigate the challenges of running a business. Whether you’re in retail, technology, construction, healthcare, or any other industry. Understanding your unique risks and securing the appropriate insurance coverage is a proactive step toward building a successful business. Consult with insurance professionals to tailor a policy that suits your specific needs. Ensuring that your business is well-prepared for whatever the future may hold.
No matter what type of business insurance you need, EZ can help. Our agents work with the top insurance companies nationwide to make sure you find the best insurance for your business. In fact, we can save you hundreds of dollars a year by working with your budget to find you the best coverage. If you have questions, feel free to give us a call at 877-670-3538 or enter your zipcode into the box below for free instant quotes.
Any business can make mistakes, but companies that offer industry specific expert services or consulting are more vulnerable to negligence claims when they make a mistake. If your company gets sued due to a mistake or misleading information, it could hurt both your reputation and your bottom line. Negligence suits are one of the most common and expensive types of claims companies face. Negligence claims fall under two categories, ordinary, and professional. Knowing the difference between the two can help you avoid a costly lawsuit.
Ordinary Negligence
Ordinary negligence is defined as a failure to use ordinary or normal care. It usually refers to a careless error that has caused harm to others. Ordinary negligence can be filed against any business or even individuals. And it is the basis for all personal injury lawsuits. Because they did not follow the duty of care, a person or business could be held accountable for physical or financial harm caused by the negligent mistake. Four things must be proven to establish ordinary negligence:
Duty of Care
The first thing a plaintiff has to prove is that you had a duty of care toward him or her. This usually means that you have a duty to take reasonable care not to hurt the plaintiff. However, states can change this standard of care by law for certain relationships, like a doctor-patient relationship. Usually, a person owes someone else a duty of reasonable care if they can see how their actions could hurt others. For example, a driver owes a duty of care to everyone else on the road by not texting and driving. A store owes a duty of care to their customers by putting a “Wet Floor” sign over a spill. In personal injury claims, duty of care is almost never disputed because it’s just about proving that there was a duty of care owed to the plaintiff, not whether or not it was broken.
Breach
If the client can prove that you had a duty of care to him or her. The next question is whether or not you broke that duty. A breach happens when someone doesn’t act with the same level of care that a normal person would in the same or similar situation. This is where someone needs to prove that you broke the duty of care. Using the examples above for instance, an ideal person wouldn’t speed or drive while drunk. So, a driver who did either of these things would have broken their duty of care to other people on the road. For businesses you wouldn’t ignore a fall hazard, you’d put up a caution sign or rope the area off. If you do ignore it then you’ve broken the duty of care.
Causation
Next, the complainant must prove that your breach caused him or her harm. That is, the harm would not have happened if you had fulfilled your duty of care. Also, the breach must be the direct cause of the injury. This means that the law must agree that the breach is linked enough to the injury to make you legally responsible.
Damages
The last step is for the plaintiff to prove damages. Lawyers and courts say that negligence without damages is “negligence in the air”. For example, a driver who speeds may be guilty of a crime. But if the violation didn’t hurt anyone else, the state can’t hold him or her responsible for negligence. In personal injury cases, plaintiffs often try to get paid for their medical bills, lost wages, property damage, loss of quality of life, and physical and mental pain and suffering. So, say they slipped on the wet floor but had no injury from the fall. While you caused the fall you didn’t cause any injuries that need compensation.
Professional Negligence
Unlike ordinary negligence, the rules for professional negligence usually only apply to businesses that offer specialized skills and services to their customers or clients. When a professional doesn’t do what they should for their customer or client. This can include not doing a job with the right amount of skill and care, giving bad advice, or not acting quickly enough.
Professional negligence can happen in any job. Such as with doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, builders, and other people who provide professional services. Professionals are required by law to do their jobs with a certain amount of skill and care. If they don’t, they could be held responsible for any harm that happens to their patients or clients. There are two common types of professional liability:
Breach of fiduciary duty
When you don’t act in the best interests of your client, you break your fiduciary duty. This can include making bad decisions, not giving important information, not telling the client about conflicts of interest. Or pursuing opportunities meant for the company without telling the client, and using insider or non-public information in a stock market transaction.
For a client to make a legal claim for a fiduciary breach, they have to prove three basic things:
There was a fiduciary relationship and responsibility
A breach happened
The breach caused damages to the client
Misrepresentation
Negligent misrepresentation is when you say something that you should have known wasn’t true but didn’t with the intention that your client will rely on it and suffer losses because of it. Some examples of misrepresentation are making false statements or promises in a contract or overstating the value or quality of goods or services. The misrepresentation doesn’t have to be in writing. It can be verbal. It can also mean not telling your client about all of the facts. There are 5 components to prove a misrepresentation claim:
There was an important comment about a certain product. And the comment led the client to sign the contract or make a decision
You knew that the information wasn’t entirely truthful or that you purposefully did not provide all of the facts
You made the statement or gave the advice with the intention that your client would rely on it to make a decision or enter into a contract
The client did in fact rely on that information
It’s not always easy to tell if a comment was a fact or someone’s opinion. And this can be a point of contention in a misrepresentation case. The court will look at how a reasonable person would have understood the information.
How To Avoid Professional Negligence Claims
If you offer the kinds of professional services that often lead to professional negligence claims. It’s important to be proactive and take steps to lower your risk of being sued. Let’s talk about a few of the best practices that could help you significantly reduce the risk of a lawsuit.
Contracts
Whether it’s a new client or an extension of a project you’re already working on, you should always insist on a clearly written contract that explains the nature and the limits of the job. It’s important to include every detail you can about the job. Having a clear contract will lower the risk of a negligence claim because your exact promises or the possibility of certain portions of the contract may not work out are listed.
Expectations
It’s easy to get carried away when you’re trying to get a client by making promises you’re not entirely sure you can keep. Even if you do have every intention of making it happen, there’s always the possibility of things not panning out. This is also a very easy way for a professional negligence claim to come about. Make sure you give your clients realistic expectations when you speak with them about how things will work out. Make sure to warn them about possible negative outcomes as well. This will help you avoid awkward and possibly expensive situations where your client feels they were cheated and should be compensated.
Communicate
It is very important to have clear communication with your client. If you let them know about problems and changes in a timely manner, they will think you are more responsible, even if the news is often bad. Changes that come up quickly and out of the blue may make the client upset and more likely to sue you for professional negligence. Keep in touch with your clients often. Even if you have nothing new to say, let them know that you are still working on their project and are fully committed to it.
Records
Unfortunately, a lot of cases of professional negligence start with “he said, she said” claims. The best way to deal with this is to keep careful records of all the professional services you provide. Email is always better than the phone for making deals and decisions because you can keep track of what was said and what was agreed upon. If you prefer to do business by phone or in person, record your talks with clients. If you don’t want to do that, get an email confirmation of what was agreed upon so you have a copy of what was said.
Learn
Keeping up with the latest changes in your industry will help protect you from professional negligence claims. Also, it’s important to keep up with changes to the way state rules govern duty of care.
How To Protect Your Business
Even when you’ve done everything to avoid a negligence claim, they can still happen to anyone. That’s why it’s important to be proactive and get ahead of possible claims by having a good risk management plan and the right business insurance to protect you. Professional liability insurance, which is also called “errors and omissions” insurance, will cover these kinds of cases. It will protect you financially from accusations of negligence, malpractice, errors, and omissions that could happen while you’re giving your clients professional services.
When a claim of professional negligence is made, your E&O policy will pay for your legal defense, judgements, and settlements up to the limits of the policy. It’s important to know that professional liability insurance is a “claims-made” coverage. This means that the policy had to be in effect when the event that led to the claim happened and when you told the insurer about the claim. Also, it’s important to remember that professional liability plans have things they won’t cover. One of the most common is when a professional does something illegal or hurts a client on purpose.
Call EZ
In general, all of the big insurance companies offer professional liability insurance. If you already have business insurance, talk to your insurance company about the possibility of adding professional liability to your coverage. But working with an insurance agent is your best bet. The agents at EZ are well-trained and work with some of the best companies in the country. We can look at all your policy choices and work with your budget to make sure your business has all the coverage it needs. If you would like to see quotes online simply enter your zip code in the box above. If you would like to speak to an agent now call 877-670-3538 today to talk to get a free quote.
If you’re running a business, you probably know that you need workers’ compensation insurance to protect both your business and your employees in the event that they sustain an injury at work. Not only that, but most businesses have to have workers’ comp insurance in most states. But you might have also heard of employer liability insurance and might be wondering whether these are two separate types of policies, and if you need both.
So, we’re here to clear things up. Workers’ comp insurance and employer liability aren’t technically the same, but they do go hand-in-hand. When you buy workers’ compensation insurance, employee liability insurance is part of your policy. Employer liability is the part of your policy that protects your business from going bankrupt if you face a lawsuit and are liable for an employee’s workplace illness or injury.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
You are probably more familiar with the term workers’ compensation than employer liability. Since, as we pointed out above, you most likely need this type of insurance to operate your business. And even if it wasn’t mandatory, this type of policy would be incredibly important: workers’ compensation insurance will pay for an employee’s medical expenses as well as a portion of their lost wages if the employee becomes ill or sustains an injury on the job.
For example, your workers’ comp policy would pay for medical care and lost wages if an employee gets an injury while doing heavy lifting, or after slipping and falling on a wet floor. It would also pay out if an employee got sick from long term exposure to dangerous chemicals on the job.
Workers’ comp insurance, like any other type of commercial insurance, comes with its own set of things it covers, as well as conditions and exclusions. Workers’ compensation insurance typically covers:
Medical care resulting from accidents that happen to workers while they are at work
Lost wages (within limits) after an employee is injured or becomes ill because of their job
Ongoing care needed as a result of an employee’s illness or injury
Funeral expenses, paid to the worker’s family if the employee passes away from their injury or illness
Treatment for repetitive stress injuries
Employer Liability
Now that we’ve looked broadly at workers’ compensation insurance and what it covers, we can take a closer look at employer liability insurance, which is included in a workers’ comp policy. This embedded policy is meant to cover your legal fees if an employee alleges that you were negligent in preventing, or even treating, the injury/illness that they are receiving workers’ comp payouts for.
For example, if an employee is injured while using a power drill, and workers’ compensation doesn’t cover all of their medical bills, or they want to seek damages for emotional distress, for example, your employee can seek more compensation in other ways. They can sue you for not properly maintaining the tool.
A claim like this can cost you a lot of money. But your employer liability insurance will cover the cost of any settlements or judgements made against you. And it’s important to note that whether or not you are liable, you are still responsible for covering the cost of defending yourself against any claims brought against you. So that makes it extra important to have proper employer liability coverage. Since it will also cover the cost of your defense.
But getting employer liability insurance is fairly straightforward. As we pointed out above, workers’ compensation usually includes employer liability as part of the policy. So, you’ll be getting a 2-for-1 deal, just make sure you have the right coverage for your business. If you’re unsure what you need. Speak to an EZ agent about how workers’ comp works in your state, and what kind of employer liability coverage your policy should have.
Types of Workplace Injury Cases
Claims for injuries sustained on the job can take many forms. let’s look more specifically at what employer liability covers. The following are examples of situations where you may benefit from having employer’s liability insurance. So, that you would not have to pay the costs of litigation. Or any eventual settlement, judgment, or damages awarded by the court out-of-pocket.
Consequential bodily injury – Imagine an employee has a serious accident that could end his or her life. The stress of the situation also causes a heart attack in a member of his immediate family. The other family member could actually sue your business for monetary damages. Since their condition was a direct result of your employee’s work injury.
Negligence – If your employee sustains an injury at work. They can claim that the accident was because your company did not have adequate safety measures in place to prevent it.
Third party over-action – If an employee is hurt on the job, they have the option of filing a lawsuit against a third party (like a machine manufacturer). The other business may in turn decide to file suit against you. And claim that you did not properly maintain your equipment, and this improper maintenance caused the accident.
Dual capacity – Let’s say your business designs and builds a piece of machinery. Say your employee sustains an injury while using this equipment. Your employee has the right to sue you in the capacity of their employer as well as the manufacturer.
Loss of consortium – This type of lawsuit is typically filed by a worker’s family member if an employee dies or suffers a catastrophic injury (such as neurological damage) that prevents him from working or performing their everyday duties and functions.
The Key Differences
Now that you know the basics of both workers’ compensation and employer liability insurance, it’s time to dive into the key differences between the two. These policies complement one another, but they do cover different things. When workers’ comp stops paying, your employer’s liability policy kicks in. Both policies cover injuries that happen on the job, but in different ways.
Here are some key differences between the two policies:
Workers’ compensation protects employees, and employer liability protects a business from lawsuits filed by third parties.
The state’s wage rate determines workers’ compensation insurance payouts. There is also a maximum amount. But payouts from employer’s liability insurance have no limit.
When compared to workers’ compensation, employer liability coverage is more extensive because it covers a wider variety of claims.
The Cost
As you saw above, you can get both of these coverages in a bundle as workers’ compensation insurance. So, let’s take a look at what that might cost. In general, the amount your business will have to pay for workers’ compensation insurance is typically calculated per every hundred dollars of your company payroll. While it’s impossible to give an exact figure without first taking into account the variables unique to your business. You can typically expect to pay anywhere from $0.60 to $2.27 per $100 of payroll for workers’ compensation.
In general, the amount you will end up paying can be affected by things like:
The state your business operates in – Please see our state-by-state workers’ compensations guides for more specific information on how this coverage works in your state. And how much you can expect to pay.
How many employees you have – The more employees you have, the greater the risk of injury in your workplace. Just by sheer numbers
How much you pay your employees – Again, your insurance company partially determines you rate on every $100 of payroll.
If you have seasonal workers
The type of work your business does – If all of your employees are office workers, your risk (and your cost) will be much lower than if your employees work with dangerous equipment or chemicals.
Claims history – Workplaces with few or no workers’ comp claims will be able to enjoy lower rates. So, make sure your workplace is as safe as possible!
It’s important to note that you might not technically need workers’ comp if you have few (or no) employees. In some states, employers with fewer than five employees do not have to carry workers’ comp. For example, in the state of Alabama, only businesses with five or more employees are mandated to carry workers’ compensation coverage.
With that being said, coverage is mandatory in most states for any company with even one worker. So, check out our state-by-state guides to workers’ comp. Then speak to an EZ agent for help finding out what your business needs and how much you can expect to pay for a policy.
How EZ Can Help
It is important to keep in mind that both your business and your employees will benefit from having workers’ compensation insurance that includes the right amount of employer liability. If you have any further questions about the specifics of workers’ compensation or employer liability, a knowledgeable EZ agent is available to answer them now. We help you find the best plans and our help is free! We can give you free, instant quotes, just enter your zip code into the bar above. Or speak to someone right now, call 877-670-3538.
