As a business owner, it is your responsibility to look out for potential problems facing the company. But you’re no prophet so it can be hard to make predictions. What you can do is to take steps to minimize the risks. One method is by implementing procedures in your company processes that increase safety and quality standards. The trouble is that even the best preparations can fail. This is why you will want to take out insurance for your company. Here is a quick guide on how you can properly insure your business.
Take Baby Steps
In the beginning, if your business is starting, your best option would be a ready-made business owner’s policy. These are not usually comprehensive, but they do cover the basic insurance needs of a company. This includes liability, employee liability, and others. The important things are that you have coverage where it counts as you start operations. You can explore further options in the future.
Sit Down and Assess
Once you have some basic protection, you will have the breathing room to relax. This is when you sit down and assess what risks you might face in your business. For example, if your business involves construction, then you might want to get some accident or workman’s insurance for potential workplace accidents. Knowing what to protect yourself from ensures that you don’t buy unnecessary packages.
Do Your Research
When getting insurance, sometimes the state requires businesses to take out certain insurance packages as a better way to protect customers. Additionally, there is some industry-specific insurance that you need to sign up for. Look into what your competitors are using for their own business so that you have equivalent protection.
Look for a Good Agent
Getting insurance sounds easy, but if you really want the full treatment, it is best to have an agent assist you. Insurance agents will have access to multiple plans, and they can help you compare and choose which package will be best. Find a reputable agent that has a good track record and has good connections so that you can be sure you are getting the best.
Use Captive Insurance
You might decide on getting something extra from your insurance. It is possible to set-up your own insurance company under the 831b rules. This creates a captive insurance company that specifically services your company. You pay out to it, and if you properly do your 831b compliance, then the money inside is protected. Once the terms of the insurance are over, and the money was untouched, you can potentially have a large windfall. This is because you can deduct your premiums from your taxes and you can potentially save millions of dollars a year. Consult with a financial adviser or a business attorney on how to make this happen.
Be Ready to Change
Insurance needs change. Every year evaluate if your insurance is still good for you. If it doesn’t, then start looking for other options.
When your business is protected, there is one less thing to worry about. The insurance tips above should ensure that you’ve done the job properly. Being prepared for any emergency will help your business survive any of the challenges that come.