Commercial
Businesses and corporations typically obtain commercial insurance to protect their assets, employees, and ownership. These types of policies can cover general liability, property, auto, business interruption, workers compensation and more. There are many types of businesses with different needs and commercial specialized policies exist for most of them.
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From our agents
There are so many types if business out there and the process for getting a policy in place that correctly covers the risk is important. The biggest thing when working on commercial polices is how much information can be needed. With most companies we have a list of questions to ask - other times we need to reach out to our companies to ask if any supplemental information is needed. Nevertheless, when working on a commercial policy it’s important to ensure the agent working on the account have as much information about the operation(s); even if it may not seem relevant.
Speaking specifically to commercial auto insurance; it’s important to communicate any occasional uses of vehicles, for example plowing. More often than not this type of exposure is not covered by the commercial auto policy unless specifically endorsed. Another example is drivers of the auto(s). Incidental use can turn into occasional use fairly quickly and it’s important to know who will be operating the vehicle(s). All in all, and as with insurance at large, the details matter.
What does a commercial policy cover?
Although specialized commercial insurance policies exists for most businesses, there are a few policies that close to ever business obtains. The Business Owners Policy (BOP) is a cost effective way to obtain broad coverage for property and liability risks. Like a Commercial Package Policy (CPP), a BOP is a great place to start, covering property and general liability. The benefit with a BOP is that unlike a CPP, various other coverages are included. Depending on your business needs, you may want to explore specialized policies. Although a BOP may include coverage for example, cyber, it is often much less comprehensive and/or has lower limits than a dedicated policy. Specialized policies such as cyber are becoming increasingly relevant because of this.
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FAQs
Business Owners Policy
A Business Owners Policy (BOP) is a convenient way to combine key insurance coverages into one package, tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses in Massachusetts. A BOP typically includes property insurance, liability protection, and coverage for business income, with options to add additional protections such as equipment breakdown or crime coverage. This policy may offer an affordable and comprehensive solution to help safeguard your business from a variety of risks.
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A Business Owners Policy (BOP) includes essential property insurance to help protect your business’s physical assets. This coverage typically protects buildings, equipment, inventory, and furniture against risks like fire, theft, or certain weather-related damages. Whether you own or lease your space, a BOP can be tailored to meet the needs of your business, ensuring your property is protected so you can focus on running your business with confidence.
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Liability coverage is a cornerstone of any Business Owners Policy (BOP), offering vital protection for your business. This coverage helps safeguard your company from financial losses related to claims of bodily injury, property damage, or personal and advertising injury caused by your business operations, products, or services. Whether it’s a slip-and-fall incident at your location or a dispute over an advertisement, liability insurance can provide the coverage you need to handle legal expenses, settlements, and judgments. Protect your business’s reputation and financial stability by ensuring you’re covered against the unexpected.
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Equipment breakdown coverage, may help protect your Massachusetts business from financial losses caused by the unexpected failure of essential equipment. This could include coverage for repairs or replacements and potential loss of income while operations are disrupted. Whether it’s a mechanical breakdown, electrical failure, or other covered event, this coverage may offer peace of mind so you can focus on keeping your business running smoothly.
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Business income coverage, may help your Massachusetts business recover lost income if operations are temporarily suspended due to a covered loss. This coverage may assist with ongoing expenses such as payroll, rent, or other obligations while your business works to get back on track. Whether it’s a fire, storm, or another unexpected event, this protection may help reduce the financial impact of an interruption.
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Crime coverage, may help protect your Massachusetts business against financial losses resulting from certain criminal acts. This may include coverage for theft, burglary, or employee dishonesty involving money, securities, or other assets. While no one expects to face these situations, having crime coverage in place may help your business recover from unexpected financial setbacks.
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Personal and advertising injury coverage, may help protect your Massachusetts business against certain claims arising from non-physical damages. This could include allegations of libel, slander, copyright infringement, or improper advertising practices. While these claims can be unexpected, this coverage may provide financial protection for legal costs and potential settlements.
Commercial Auto
Commercial auto insurance may help protect Massachusetts businesses that rely on vehicles for their operations. This coverage typically applies to company-owned vehicles used for transporting goods, making deliveries, or traveling to job sites and may include protection for liability, physical damage, and medical expenses arising from covered incidents. Whether you have a single vehicle or an entire fleet, commercial auto insurance may be tailored to fit your business needs.
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Commercial auto insurance is essential for Massachusetts businesses that use vehicles as part of their operations. This includes businesses that own or lease vehicles, employ drivers, or rely on transportation for services like deliveries, hauling equipment, or visiting clients. Even personal vehicles used for business purposes, such as rideshare services or contractor work, may require a commercial policy. If your business involves any vehicle-related activities beyond personal use, commercial auto insurance may be necessary to ensure you’re adequately protected.
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Employee hired auto coverage may provide protection for Massachusetts businesses when employees use rented or personal vehicles for business purposes. This coverage is typically an add-on to a commercial auto or general liability policy and may help cover liability claims for accidents that occur while an employee is driving a vehicle not owned by the business. Whether it’s a short-term rental or an employee’s car used for a business errand, this coverage may help safeguard your business from unexpected risks.
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Drive Other Car coverage is an endorsement that may extend liability protection to individuals who don’t personally own a vehicle but need coverage when driving non-owned cars for personal use. This option is often added to a commercial auto policy for executives, business owners, or key employees in Massachusetts. It may provide essential protection if you rely on company vehicles but occasionally drive personal or rented cars outside of business operations.
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Ride share coverage may provide protection for drivers in Massachusetts who use their personal vehicles for ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft. Personal auto insurance typically excludes coverage during ride share activities, and while the ride share company may offer some protection, it often has limitations. This specialized coverage bridges the gap, helping protect you and your vehicle during times when personal policies or company-provided coverage may not apply.
Workers Compensation
Workers Compensation insurance is a legal requirement for most businesses in Massachusetts and may provide essential protection for both employees and employers. This coverage typically helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation services if an employee is injured or becomes ill due to work-related activities. It may also protect your business by covering legal costs if an employee sues over a workplace injury. Whether you have one employee or a large team, Workers Compensation insurance may help you stay compliant and provide peace of mind.
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Visit mass.gov for more information on workers compensation.
Professional Liability
Professional Liability insurance, also known as Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, may help protect Massachusetts businesses and professionals from claims of negligence, mistakes, or failure to deliver services as promised. This coverage is especially important for businesses that provide specialized advice or services, such as consultants, lawyers, architects, or medical professionals. It may help cover legal fees, settlements, and other costs associated with defending against claims, even if they are unfounded.
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Professional services refer to specialized, knowledge-based work provided by individuals or businesses to clients in exchange for compensation. This may include professions such as consultants, accountants, architects, engineers, real estate agents, IT professionals, and healthcare providers. These services often require advanced training, certifications, or expertise, and come with a level of responsibility to meet client expectations and industry standards. Offering professional services also brings risks, as mistakes, omissions, or perceived failures to deliver on agreements can result in financial or reputational harm.
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Legal defense costs are a critical component of Professional Liability insurance, helping protect your business from the financial burden of defending against claims of errors, omissions, or negligence. Even unfounded or frivolous claims can lead to significant expenses, including attorney fees, court costs, and expert witness fees. Professional Liability coverage may provide funds to cover these costs, allowing you to focus on your business while navigating legal challenges.
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Professional Liability insurance is often a requirement in business contracts or client agreements, especially for professionals in Massachusetts who provide specialized services. Many clients or organizations insist on this coverage as a safeguard against potential risks, ensuring that any claims of negligence, errors, or omissions can be addressed financially. Meeting these contractual requirements not only helps you secure business opportunities but also demonstrates professionalism and accountability.
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