Small business insurance, matched to how you actually work.

Business insurance is built around your exposures: what you do, where you do it, who works for you and what you own. A freelancer working from home and a café with six employees need very different protection, so start with an honest description of your operations rather than a product name.

Common coverages

• General liability responds to claims that your business caused bodily injury or property damage to others, plus certain advertising injury claims. Landlords and clients often require proof of it.
• Commercial property covers your building, equipment, inventory and improvements, whether you own or lease the space.
• Business owners policy (BOP) packages general liability and property, often with business income coverage, for eligible small businesses at a lower combined price.
• Professional liability (errors and omissions) covers claims that your advice or services caused a client financial loss, which general liability typically excludes.
• Workers’ compensation pays for employees’ work-related injuries and is required by most states once you have employees; the rules vary by state and business type.
• Commercial auto, cyber liability and business interruption fill other common gaps. A personal auto or homeowners policy often excludes business use.

Getting comparable quotes

Give every insurer the same description of your work, revenue, payroll, locations and subcontractors. Ask how each policy defines covered operations and what limits and deductibles apply, and confirm whether a claims-made policy needs a retroactive date. Check contracts with clients or landlords for required limits or additional-insured wording before you buy.

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers a helpful overview of business insurance types, and the guides below go deeper into each decision so you can talk with an agent or carrier with confidence.