BUSINESS
INSURANCE
As a premier business insurance broker, we provide and manage commercial insurance for small businesses of all kinds. We cover all kinds of businesses, though we specialize with restaurants, breweries, the cannabis industry, dealerships, contractors, and non-profits.
We understand the challenges of starting and running a successful business. We'll help you find what kind of coverage is needed, provide the best price across 70+ companies, and shoulder the work of keeping things in order so you can focus on what’s most importan
General
liability
General liability insurance is the basis of most business insurances. Sometime's referred to as 'slip and trip' coverage, it protects your business from general lawsuits such as injuries on and around your property.
Many endorsements, or additional coverages, can be added to General Liability insurance to cover particular needs such as property, usage of non-owned vehicles, or waivers that protect companies you do business with.
Commercialproperty
Commercial property insurance refers to physical items that are owned by the business, which can include both buildings and business property such as furniture, electronics, and storage materials.
Commercial property is typically divided into three parts: Building, Business Personal Property (BPP), and Inland Marine. These can be purchased individually or together on a single property policy.
Workers
compensation
Workers Compensation insurance is designed to protect employees when they're hurt on the job. It will pay a portion of their income for a set time, giving enough for them to live on but not enough to incentivize their continuation after healing.
Workers compensation, often referred to as Work Comp, is required in many states when you have employees. Some states, such as Oregon, sell it through a broker or companies direct. Other states, such as Washington, only sell it through a state program.
Business owner
policies
Business Owner Policies (BOPs) are a package of commmonly purchased insurance options. They typically include General Liability, Business Property, Loss of Income, and a host of smaller coverages like Accounts Receivable, Credit Card Fraud, Cash on Hand, or Cyber Liability insurance.
By packaging in a bundle, these are often a great bang-for-the-buck purchase. Because of this, however, they are often only available for more mainstream business types. Retail, artisan contracctors, and professional industries are commonly able to purchase a BOP.
Commercial
Auto
Commercial Auto insurance protects a business' vehicles on the road, whether that be for delivery of products, running errands, or attending work related events.
Auto Symbols are often used that describe what kind of vehicles are covered under the policy, such as all vehicles (symbol 1), owned vehicles only (symbol 2), or non-owned vehicles only (symbol 9).
Bonds
Bonds are a security of debt, similar to an IOU. By purchasing a bond, you can ensure a larger amount of money is available to you in the future. Financial bodies and governments can issue bonds to be purchased as a way to raise money in the short term.
Contractors and dealerships licenses often require a bond in case their work is faulty and the business is unable to make their customer whole.
CANNABIs
Insurance is still difficult to obtain for the cannabis and hemp industries despite recent changes in law. Only a few companies are available for THC and CBD, and even fewer agents understand the complexities of things like isolates and distillates.
Insurance companies will care if you're a dispensary, grow operation, purifier, extractor, wholesaler or confectionary. Security measures are important, as well as your gross annual income.
Typically you will need General Liability insurance to satisfy your landlords and partnering companies. Business property is needed if you own your building and to cover lights and other equipment. Stock is a separate option to cover your actual product.
DEALERSHIPS
Auto dealerships are easier to insure than motorcycle or trailer dealerships. You may need a broker to obtain the best insurance prices as they can search a number of companies at once.
Insurance companies will care about the number of vehicles you typically hold and how many you sell each year. Security on your lot is also important.
You should have Garage Keepers insurance that includes "All Auto" instead of insuring specific vehicles. This allows you to bring vehicles on/off your lot without having to make changes, which is the top reason small dealers end up with uncovered claims.
RESTAURANTS &
BREWERIES
When restaurants are looking for insurance, companies want to know your operation size, what type of cooking equipment used, the safety systems you have in place, and how much alcohol you sell versus food.
You can have more difficulty finding insurance when liquor and beer make up more than 25% of your gross sales.
Breweries and distilleries should always include something called "Products & Completed Operations" to their plan in case a bad batch goes out to the public.
TRUCKING
Trucking is one of the more difficult markets of insurance. Towing and commercial delivery have been unprofitable for insurance companies, causing many to leave the market or raise their prices.
Insurance can cost up to tens of thousands per driver, which leads some to be faced with giving up their job if too many incidents or accidents show on their record.
Companies like drivers aged 35+ which can make it costly for younger individuals.
Only an independent insurance broker will have access to the majority of these companies, so it's good to find an agent who specializes in trucking and towing, or who has a large swath of options at hand.
CONTRACTORS & BONDS
Artisan contractors specialize in their work and have a simpler time getting insurance since companies can establish what kinds of risks they'll be facing everyday; most HVAC, electricians, plumbers, roofers, and landscapers are artisan contractors. This leads to lower costs and tailored plans.
General contractors have a more difficult time getting insurance and pay more. This is because they are typically doing many things such as flooring, siding, drywall, and carpentry. Because they could do different things week by week, companies can decline coverage or charge a lot.
General Liability insurance and a bond is needed for your license, and if you're subcontracted you may needs things such as "primary non-contributory" or "waiver of subrogation" added.