Business Liability Insurance
Owning a business always comes with some responsibility and risk. Even if you operate your business with the most care and provide the best quality, a client could still believe that you did them wrong. You will need to keep your business protected with liability insurance. There are many different things that you need to know to protect yourself better.
Business liability insurance is in place to protect your small business in the event of a lawsuit for personal injury or property damages. It will generally cover any damages from a lawsuit and any legal costs.
In the United States most business are small business; being either a sole proprietorship or partnership. This form of business ownership actually puts your personal liabilities at risk along with your business. By owning business liability insurance, you are able to protect your business and personal life from financial damage.
Most business owners believe that they are well protected by a limited liability company (LLC) and they are protected from personal liability and they do not believe that liability insurance is not needed. But there are still different reasons that you could be personally responsible. Some of these could be if you do not operate your business as a separate entity from your personal life, you have acted in an illegal manner, or you have personally injured someone.
Types of Business Liability InsuranceThere are three major types of liability insurance that you can purchase for your business. Each with have its specific benefits for your business.
- General Liability Insurance - The main coverage to protect business from injury, property damage and advertising claims. Also known as Commercial General Liability may be the only kind of business liability insurance that need.
- Professional Liability Insurance - Business owners providing a service need to have professional liability insurance also known as errors and omissions insurance. The business is protected from errors, neglect, omissions and malpractice. Some professions require a business to carry this policy.
- Product Liability Insurance - Small businesses selling products need to be protected in case someone is injured as a result of using your product. Your business type will determine the amount of coverage and your level of risk.
When owning a business, a business owner needs to insure that they are protected from all possible avenues of risk. Carrying business liability insurance is just as important as carrying a property and casualty insurance policy.