Some Do’s and Don’ts for Small Business Insurance

Business Insurance is an essential shield from disaster in various situations that can bear the financial strain of setting things right, treating people, repairing equipment, and in short, resolving all headaches for the small business owner. This is because today there is some form of insurance available to cover every aspect of business.

The premiums to be paid may be high but that must not prove to a deterrent for the shield it provides. Insurance simply protects businesses by assigning a value to its worth and providing that amount should a crisis take place. More often than not, that amount may not be used, but if the need arises, the insured amount can save the small business from financial doom in the worst circumstances.

The process of getting insurance can be difficult and requires a lot of serious thought about what to do and what not to do. It is important to follow the prescribed regulations and learn from the mistakes of others who have learnt the hard way. The following list will help in addressing the issue.

Some Do’s

• Select an insurance company with caution, keeping track of its past history, and the kind of coverage it provides. Its track of payments is important.
• Carefully read the fine print about terms and conditions before signing an agreement, a number of hidden clauses may surface
• Always include excess liability in the insurance coverage sought. The amount must be equivalent to the replacement value and not the current market value.
• Take adequate health insurance for employees. This is also a great way to attract better talent and retain it.
• As business expands, the insurance cover must also increase.
• The types of insurance taken must include business equipment, and liability insurance.
• Insurance agents must be involved in providing insurance at the starting phase of the business
• Small businesses are more vulnerable, therefore the right insurance policy is crucial

Some Don’ts

• Do not take an undervalued insurance cover
• Do not take minimal insurance due to the high premium involved
• Do not treat premium as a tax, it is a benefit
• Do not cut down on employee training for safety at the workplace. Training is essential for maintaining safety standards.
• Do not avoid insurance and consider it as a major drain-it can become a source of financial drain if there is no insurance
• Never think of proceeding without cover, where insurance cover is available.
• Do not keep information from the insurance provider, he has the right to know details.
• Do not buy insurance from dubious sources, which do not provide certificates.

Small businesses have often survived major breakdowns and disasters, just because of the insurance policies that had been taken. Many have failed or forced into financial bankruptcy due to lack of adequate insurance. The small business will find it difficult to weather financial upheaval due to loss and damage, due to the limited resources and size of the business. Hence, insurance must be treated as a necessary expense and not as a burden.