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As a small business owner in Houston, you know how quickly unexpected events can disrupt your operations and bottom line. Liability insurance can help protect your business from costly lawsuits and settlements.
General Liability Insurance is a must-have for any small business in Houston, covering damages to property and third-party injuries.
In Texas, the average cost of General Liability Insurance is around $500 per year for small businesses.
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Small Business Insurance in Houston
Small business insurance in Houston is a must-have for any entrepreneur. It protects you from property claims, which can be devastating if you're not prepared.
If you own a business in Houston, you're likely aware of the risks that come with it. Equipment breakdowns can happen at any time, causing significant financial losses.
Here are some of the key areas that business owners insurance in Houston will cover:
- Property claims
- Equipment breakdown
- Income loss
- Professional liability claims
- Products and completed operations claims
- Fire legal liability claims
- Premises liability claims
Having business owners insurance in Houston will also help you recover from income loss, which can be a major setback for any business.
Types of Policies
Small businesses in Houston often need protection from various risks, and one way to do that is by investing in the right insurance policies.
In Texas, small business owners most often buy general liability insurance, which helps cover costs associated with accidents or injuries that occur on their business premises.
Houston businesses are also frequently affected by natural disasters, so property insurance is a must-have to protect against damage to their buildings and equipment.
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Owner's Policy
A business owner's policy, or BOP, is a type of insurance that bundles together two essential coverages: business property insurance and general liability coverage.
This policy is often the most cost-effective type of commercial insurance for a small business, and it's commonly recommended for Texas businesses, including those in Houston. A BOP typically covers slip-and-fall injuries, damaged customer property, and damaged business property.
Some business owners may also need to add hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) to their policy, especially if they use personal vehicles for work purposes. This type of insurance is not usually covered under personal auto policies.
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A BOP can be a great option for small businesses in Texas, as it provides comprehensive coverage at a discounted rate. By bundling these two coverages together, business owners can save money and simplify their insurance needs.
Here are some common coverages included in a BOP:
- Customer injuries
- Damaged business property
- Business interruption coverage
This type of policy is also often recommended for Houston businesses, which can benefit from the added protection and cost savings. By choosing a BOP, business owners can feel more confident and secure in their ability to protect their business from unexpected risks and losses.
Professional Liability
Professional liability insurance is a must-have for businesses that offer professional services. It protects against legal costs related to work performance, also known as errors and omissions insurance or E&O.
This type of insurance covers mistakes and oversights that can lead to financial loss. For example, a consultant's advice that results in financial loss is a common scenario where professional liability insurance kicks in.
Work mistakes and oversights are a major concern for businesses, and professional liability insurance helps mitigate the risk. Late or incomplete work can also lead to lawsuits, which is another area where this insurance provides protection.
Here are some common scenarios where professional liability insurance is essential:
- Mistakes that cause financial loss
- Accusations of professional negligence
- Missed deadlines
Commercial liability insurance is another type of policy that business owners should consider. It protects against harm caused to third parties as a result of business operations.
Auto
As you navigate the world of insurance policies, it's essential to consider the protection of your company's assets, including its vehicles. Personal insurance may not cover accidents that occur while driving for business purposes.
You may have employees who use their personal vehicles for work, which can lead to unexpected expenses if an accident occurs. Commercial auto insurance is designed to provide valuable protection for company-owned vehicles, leased or rented vehicles, and employees' vehicles used for business purposes.
Accidents can happen at any time, and having the right insurance coverage can save your business from financial stress.
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Liability Coverage
Liability Coverage is a crucial aspect of small business insurance in Houston. It protects your business from financial losses due to accidents, mistakes, or negligence.
General liability insurance is a must-have for all Texas businesses, covering common third-party risks such as customer bodily injuries and personal injuries.
Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance (E&O), safeguards your business from legal costs related to work performance mistakes and oversights.
Here are some key risks covered by professional liability insurance:
- Mistakes that cause financial loss
- Accusations of professional negligence
- Missed deadlines
Commercial liability insurance is designed to protect business owners and assets from various exposures, including harm caused to third parties relating to your business.
As a business owner, you can never be too prepared for the unexpected. Liability coverage can provide peace of mind and financial security in case of accidents or mistakes.
Additional Coverages
In addition to the standard coverages, small business insurance in Houston can also include extra protection for specific risks. Cyber liability insurance can help cover the cost of data breaches and cyber attacks, which can be devastating to a business.
Business interruption insurance can provide a safety net in case your business is forced to close temporarily due to a covered event, such as a fire or natural disaster. This can help cover lost income and ongoing expenses.
Other additional coverages to consider include equipment breakdown insurance, which can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing equipment that breaks down, and employment practices liability insurance, which can help protect your business from lawsuits related to employee issues.
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Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation insurance is a must-have for Texas businesses with employees. It protects both employers and employees from work-related injuries and illnesses.
In Texas, workers' compensation insurance is not always mandatory, but it's highly recommended. Companies that contract with government entities are required to have coverage. This insurance helps pay for medical costs and partial missed wages from a work-related injury or illness.
Workers' comp also limits the employer's liability in the event of a workplace injury. It's a wise investment for protection against work-related injuries and illnesses. Your personal health insurance likely won't cover medical bills that are related to your job.
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Medical bills from employee injuries, disability benefits, and workplace injury lawsuits are all covered by workers' compensation insurance. These costs can be significant, so it's essential to have this coverage in place.
Here are some key benefits of workers' compensation insurance:
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Legal fees from employee injuries
In Texas, the state law requires commercial auto insurance for all vehicles owned by a business. This insurance policy pays for medical bills, legal costs, and property damage after an auto accident.
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Errors and Omissions
Errors and Omissions insurance is a type of coverage that can protect you from costly lawsuits related to your work performance. It's common among professionals in Texas.
This insurance can cover the cost of lawsuits related to missed deadlines, accusations of negligence, and errors and oversights. I've seen professionals in various fields benefit from having this coverage in place.
Some common reasons for Errors and Omissions claims include errors and oversights, late or incomplete work, and negligence accusations.
Here are some examples of what Errors and Omissions insurance can cover:
- Missed deadlines
- Accusations of negligence
- Errors and oversights
- Late or incomplete work
- Negligence accusations
Cyber
Cyber insurance is a must-have for businesses that handle sensitive data. This policy covers financial losses from data breaches and cyberattacks.
If you're a Texas business that handles credit card numbers, customer notification expenses, fraud monitoring services, and data breach investigations are all covered.
In fact, every Houston business that handles credit cards or other personal information should carry cyber liability insurance. This coverage includes customer notification costs, fraud monitoring services, and data breach investigations.
Here are some key benefits to consider:
- Customer notification expenses
- Fraud monitoring services
- Data breach investigations
Umbrella
Umbrella policies provide extra protection for your business by covering costs that exceed your underlying insurance limits. This can be a lifesaver in the event of a lawsuit.
A commercial umbrella policy kicks in when the limit is reached on your general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, or employer's liability insurance. This means you'll have an extra layer of protection to fall back on.
Some common types of lawsuits that can trigger an umbrella policy include customer lawsuits, auto accident lawsuits, and employee injury lawsuits. These can be costly and time-consuming, but an umbrella policy can help mitigate the financial impact.
In the event of a lawsuit, an umbrella policy can help cover the costs of damages, settlements, and even defense fees. This can give you peace of mind and help you focus on running your business.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need business insurance for an LLC in Texas?
While Texas doesn't require business insurance for LLCs, it's highly recommended to protect your business and livelihood. Consider personalizing a Texas business insurance policy with the coverage you need.
How much is a $2 million dollar general liability insurance policy for a business?
A $2 million general liability insurance policy for a business typically costs around $30 per month in premiums. This affordable coverage can provide significant protection for businesses against unexpected losses and lawsuits.
Sources
- https://www.insureon.com/states/texas-business-insurance
- https://www.insureon.com/states/texas-business-insurance/houston
- https://www.leavitt.com/tx-select/ins/small-business-insurance
- https://ajmoralesinsurance.com/business-owners-insurance-policy-bop/
- https://www.linkedin.com/services/cl2/small-business-insurance-agents-houston-texas
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