Commercial insurance
Commercial insurance, explained by what it actually protects
Most businesses carry several policies bought at different times for different reasons. Here is how the pieces fit together, what each one commonly covers, and how to check whether yours still match the way your business works today.
The four parts of a commercial insurance program
Liability to others
General liability, professional liability, commercial auto liability, and cyber liability respond when someone else says your business caused them harm or a loss.
Your own property and income
Commercial property, inland marine for tools and equipment, and business income protect what your business owns and earns.
Your people
Workers' compensation covers employees hurt on the job, and is required for most employers.
The paperwork around it
Declarations pages, endorsements, certificates, and schedules are where limits, exclusions, and contract requirements actually live.
Commercial coverage types
What each policy commonly covers, what it usually leaves out, and what to check on your own declarations page.
- General Liability InsuranceInjuries and property damage you cause to others, and the lawsuits that follow.Learn more
- Commercial Auto InsuranceTrucks, vans, and trailers used for work, and the drivers who use them.Learn more
- Workers' Compensation InsuranceMedical costs and lost wages for employees hurt on the job.Learn more
- Commercial Property InsuranceYour building, equipment, inventory, and the income you lose after damage.Learn more
- Professional Liability Insurance (E&O)Claims that your advice, design, or service caused a client a financial loss.Learn more
- Cyber InsuranceData breaches, ransomware, and fraud that start with an email or a hacked account.Learn more
- Business Owner's Policy (BOP)General liability and property packaged together for eligible small businesses.Learn more
This page is general information about how these policies commonly work. Every policy's own forms, endorsements, and exclusions decide what it covers. For advice about your business, talk with a licensed insurance agent.
Commercial insurance by industry
- ContractorsLiability, vehicles, tools, and the certificates every general contractor asks for.Learn more
- Construction CompaniesLiability, builder's risk, and managing the insurance of every subcontractor you hire.Learn more
- Trucking CompaniesAuto liability, cargo, physical damage, and the filings your authority requires.Learn more
- RestaurantsGuests, kitchens, staff, and, if you serve alcohol, liquor liability.Learn more
- Retail StoresCustomers in your store, inventory on your shelves, and payments at your register.Learn more
- Landscaping CompaniesProperty damage on clients' lawns, trucks and trailers, mowers, and seasonal crews.Learn more
- HVAC ContractorsWork inside homes and buildings, service vans, and completed-work claims.Learn more
- ElectriciansCompleted-work claims, service vans, tools, and contractor requirements.Learn more
- PlumbersWater damage claims, completed work, service vans, and tools.Learn more
Commercial insurance questions
Know what you're covered for before you need it.
Check your coverage free in about a minute, then talk with a licensed agent about anything you want to change or quote.