Home-based businesses offer a modern solution to the setbacks of traditional office jobs. Entrepreneurs around the country have found significant value in the ease and savings working from their home offices, basements and even garages. According to the Small Business Administration, roughly 50% of all small businesses in the U.S. are considered home based, and that number jumps to 60% when including businesses with only one employee-owner.
But while you are enjoying the comforts of working from home, risk still exists. Making sure you have the right insurance in place will ensure that your business and your home are the foundation of a profitable and secure livelihood.
In addition to other small business policies, including liability insurance that all businesses should carry, home-based business owners should consider these additional policies depending on their type of business.
1. Business Property Insurance
This covers any type of equipment you use to run your business, such as computers, printers, tools, furniture, etc. Typically, homeowner’s policies do not cover business equipment losses, and business property insurance fills the gap to protect against loss or damage of property used in your home-based business.
2. Product Liability Insurance
This covers businesses that make or supply a product. If you’re making tools in your garage, run an eBay or Amazon store out of your basement or run your contracting business from your home, this coverage is for you. In fact, some selling platforms make carrying it a requirement. Product liability insurance protects your business from damage to property or a person caused by a product you designed, manufactured or supplied.
3. Business Owner’s Policy
This policy combines general liability and property insurance and includes business interruption insurance, which can reimburse business owners for up to a year of lost revenues following a fire, natural catastrophe or other serious incidents that cause property damage to the business.
4. Homeowner’s Policy Endorsement
Consider this if your home-based business is small. It adds increased property coverage for business-related equipment and assets and some limited liability coverage. If you are working from a garage, shop or other building on your property, make sure your homeowner’s policy covers exterior dwellings.
Customize Solutions for Your Home-Based Business
Every business is different and ensuring that you have the right insurance solutions in place for your home-based business is vital to protecting your hard-earned work, your business assets and your home. Working with a small business insurance expert who understands your business and your risks will help you obtain a solid foundation for success.
Ready to receive tailored coverage for your business? Start a conversation and get a quote from us today.
Nolan Colvin, a sales executive located in our Bend office, focuses on getting the full picture of a business’s risk, helping him recommend the right coverage.
