Tennessee Small Business Insurance Options for Owners

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As a small business owner in Tennessee, you're likely aware that insurance is a crucial aspect of protecting your business from financial losses. You can choose from a variety of insurance options to suit your specific needs.

Liability insurance is a must-have for most businesses, as it covers damages to third parties or their property. In Tennessee, liability insurance can be obtained through a business owner's policy (BOP) or as a standalone policy.

Business interruption insurance can help you recover from unexpected events such as natural disasters, which are common in Tennessee. This type of insurance can cover lost revenue and expenses during the interruption period.

Workers' compensation insurance is also a requirement in Tennessee, and it provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job.

Types of Small Business Insurance

Small business insurance in Tennessee can provide financial protection for your business in case of unexpected events.

Liability insurance is a type of small business insurance that covers damages or injuries to others. It's a must-have for businesses that interact with customers, clients, or the public.

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Business interruption insurance can help you recover from losses caused by events like fires, floods, or other disasters that force you to temporarily close your business.

Property insurance covers physical damage to your business's assets, such as buildings, equipment, and inventory. It's essential for businesses that own or lease property.

Workers' compensation insurance is required by law in Tennessee and provides financial assistance to employees who get injured on the job.

The General Price

The median cost for general liability insurance for small businesses is $516 per year.

General liability insurance prices can vary depending on your business's specific needs and risks.

For professional liability insurance, the middle cost for small businesses is $492 yearly.

It's essential to compare insurance offers and choose the best coverage for the lowest fee.

Business insurance packages in Tennessee will be priced based on your company's unique needs, so it's crucial to shop around and find the best fit for your business.

The prices of small business insurance vary for different insurance types, and the cost depends on the industry, size of the business, coverage you opt for, and the insurance company you select.

Profession and Risk Profile

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In Tennessee, industries with a higher risk of injury and property damage will likely pay more for business insurance each month. Construction companies in Tennessee, for example, will have larger business insurance premiums to pay than professional services firms.

Construction companies and other high-risk industries need to consider the potential costs of accidents and damages when deciding on their insurance coverage. Professional services firms, on the other hand, may have lower insurance premiums due to their lower risk profile.

Industries that involve working with clients and providing services, such as pet sitting, also require professional liability insurance to protect against claims of negligence and errors. As a pet sitter in Tennessee, it's essential to have this type of insurance to safeguard your business.

A handyman's work also poses a risk of injury to themselves or others, making insurance a crucial consideration. In fact, a handyman's work can result in expensive lawsuits if accidents occur without proper coverage.

How Next Can Help

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You can get a business insurance quote online and purchase coverage in under 10 minutes with NEXT. The entire process is fast and easy.

NEXT offers customized insurance options wherever you do business. This means you can learn more about insurance options in the states where you work.

If you need help or have questions, you can chat with NEXT's U.S.–based licensed insurance agents. They're available to assist you.

NEXT can help you learn the basics of small business insurance with their "Small business insurance 101" resource.

For your interest: Help U Cover Pet Insurance

Commercial Insurance Guide

In Tennessee, small businesses are protected by various types of insurance, each designed to cover specific risks.

Commercial insurance is a must-have for small businesses in Tennessee, as it protects against financial losses due to claims of injury or damage caused to others.

Small businesses in Tennessee can be defined as companies with up to 500 employees or revenue not exceeding $7.5 million, depending on the industry.

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Commercial liability insurance, also known as business liability insurance, covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury, among other risks.

In the manufacturing and mining industry, a small business is defined as one with up to 500 employees, while in general and heavy construction, revenue must not exceed $28.5 million.

Commercial auto insurance covers medical expenses, property damage, and legal defense in case of an accident involving a company-owned vehicle.

Here are some key coverage areas of commercial liability insurance:

  • Bodily Injury – physical damage to a person other than an employee at your place of business and injuries caused by you or an employee at a client’s home or work place.
  • Personal Injury – libel, slander, copyright infringement, invasion of property or privacy, wrongful eviction, false arrest and similar acts that cause damage to a person’s reputation or rights.
  • Property Damage – damage done to another person’s property by you or an employee in the course of conducting your business.
  • Advertising Injury – losses caused by your advertising
  • Legal Defense and Judgments – costs to defend against real and frivolous suits and judgments up to the limit of your coverage.

Group Health Insurance

Group health insurance is a crucial aspect of small business insurance in Tennessee. eHealth offers a broad selection of Tennessee Employer Health Insurance plans from leading health insurance companies.

You can choose from a variety of plans, including Cigna + Oscar, Humana, National General Benefits Solutions, and UnitedHealthcare. These plans can be customized to fit your business's needs, with options for medical coverage, dental coverage, or both.

If you have at least 2 employees, including the owner, you qualify for small business medical insurance. You can apply for SHOP, the Small Business Health Options Program, which allows you to enroll in a plan via an insurance company or a licensed SHOP agent or broker.

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Here are the top Tennessee health insurance companies that offer group health insurance plans:

  • Cigna + Oscar
  • Humana
  • National General Benefits Solutions
  • UnitedHealthcare

You can also choose how much of the employees' coverage you want to cover yourself and whether to insure part-time employees. If you have more than 50 workers, you may be eligible for large group coverage, which can be more cost-effective.

Insurance Requirements

In Tennessee, small businesses are required to have workers' compensation insurance if they have three or more employees. This insurance helps cover medical expenses and lost wages for employees who get injured on the job.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development requires small businesses to post a workers' compensation notice in the workplace, which must be done within 30 days of hiring the third employee. This notice informs employees of their rights and responsibilities under the workers' compensation law.

Businesses that don't comply with these requirements can face fines and penalties, so it's essential to get workers' compensation insurance as soon as you hire your third employee.

For another approach, see: Public Liability Third Party Insurance

Examples

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Insurance costs can add up quickly, but it's essential to have the right coverage in place. The cost of commercial auto insurance can be around $142 on average.

The type of vehicle used for commercial purposes plays a significant role in determining the insurance cost. A good driving record can also help lower the average cost of commercial auto insurance.

As a small business owner, you'll need to decide how much of the premium you want to cover yourself and how much your workers should pay. The health insurance plan will depend on this decision.

Some businesses may choose to cover a larger portion of the premium to keep costs down for employees. This can be a great way to attract and retain top talent.

Requirements

Tennessee has a specific requirement for businesses with five or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance.

This type of insurance is mandatory and can help pay for medical treatments, lost wages, and more for employees who get injured or ill due to their work environment or job duties.

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Businesses with fewer than five employees are exempt from this requirement, but it's still a good idea to consider other types of insurance to protect your business.

Here are some key facts about workers' compensation insurance in Tennessee:

  • It's the only mandatory form of business insurance in Tennessee.
  • It can help pay for medical treatments, lost wages, and more for employees who get injured or ill due to their work environment or job duties.
  • Businesses that carry workers' compensation insurance are exempt from lawsuits filed by employees or their families.

Other to Consider

In Tennessee, there are several other insurance options you should consider for your small business. Tennessee requires workers compensation insurance for employers with 5 or more employees, as well as those in the mining industry with 1 or more employees.

Employers who use their cars or trucks for business should also consider purchasing a commercial vehicle policy, as it's recommended to have this type of coverage.

You may also want to consider employee disability insurance, which can provide financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury.

Here are some additional insurance options to consider:

  • Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)
  • Errors & Omissions (E&O)
  • Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
  • Professional Liability
  • Product Liability
  • Commercial Property Insurance

What's Covered

In Tennessee, your business insurance policy can be customized to fit your business's unique needs and niche. Many businesses choose to add commercial general liability coverage to protect against accidents and lawsuits.

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Commercial auto coverage is also a popular choice for businesses with company vehicles. If you have five or more employees, you may be required to have workers' compensation coverage as well.

If you rent your office building or storefront, you may need to have commercial property insurance to meet the lender's requirements. This type of insurance can help protect your business against damage to the property or loss of inventory.

Insurance for Specific Locations

In Memphis, Tennessee, businesses should consider the high crime rate when insuring their property. This can affect the cost of their coverage.

Commercial property insurance is essential in Memphis to cover damage caused by severe weather events and property crimes like theft and arson. Your independent insurance agent can help you get the right kind of business property insurance.

In Murfreesboro and Memphis, workers' compensation insurance is required if your business employs at least five workers. This insurance can cover medical treatment, lost wages, and other costs associated with workplace injuries and illnesses.

The crime rate in Murfreesboro and Memphis can affect the cost of commercial property insurance, while Nashville's lower crime rate can lead to cheaper rates for business owners.

Chattanooga Common

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If you're a business owner in Chattanooga, you'll want to consider the unique risks associated with your location. The crime rate in Chattanooga can affect the cost of your commercial property insurance.

Commercial property insurance can cover damage caused by severe weather events, as well as property crimes like theft and arson. This can lead to expensive losses if you don't have the right kind of coverage.

If you have a fleet of vehicles, commercial auto insurance can cover your liability risks and property damage. Your Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you get enough coverage for your business vehicles.

Workers' compensation insurance is required if your Chattanooga business employs at least five workers. This insurance can cover medical treatment, lost wages, and other costs associated with workplace injuries and illnesses.

Here are some common insurance options for businesses in Chattanooga:

  • Commercial property insurance
  • Commercial auto insurance
  • Workers' compensation insurance

Knoxville Common

Knoxville, TN has specific insurance needs that can affect your business. Commercial property insurance can cover damage from severe weather events and property crimes like theft and arson, which can be a concern given the city's crime rate.

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If you have a business in Knoxville, you'll want to consider commercial auto insurance to cover your liability risks and property damage. This is especially important if you have a fleet of vehicles.

Workers' compensation insurance is a must-have for Knoxville businesses that employ at least five workers. This insurance can cover medical treatment, lost wages, and other costs associated with workplace injuries and illnesses.

Here are some key coverage options to consider for your Knoxville business:

  1. Commercial property insurance: Covers damage from severe weather events and property crimes like theft and arson.
  2. Commercial auto insurance: Covers liability risks and property damage for your business vehicles.
  3. Workers' compensation insurance: Covers medical treatment, lost wages, and other costs associated with workplace injuries and illnesses.

Memphis Common

Memphis has its own set of insurance needs that are worth considering. The city's high crime rate can impact the cost of your coverage.

Commercial property insurance is a must-have in Memphis, as property crimes like theft and arson can lead to expensive losses. If you don't have the right kind of business property insurance, you could be paying a steep price.

Commercial auto insurance is also crucial, especially if you have a fleet of vehicles. Your Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you get enough coverage for your business vehicles.

Workers' compensation insurance is required if your Memphis business employs at least five workers. This insurance can cover medical treatment, lost wages, and other costs associated with workplace injuries and illnesses.

Here are some common coverage options to consider in Memphis:

  • Commercial property insurance
  • Commercial auto insurance
  • Workers' compensation insurance

Murfreesboro Common

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If you're a business owner in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, you need to consider specific insurance options to protect your assets.

Commercial property insurance is a must-have to cover damage caused by severe weather events and property crimes like theft and arson.

In Murfreesboro, the crime rate can impact the cost of your commercial property insurance.

Commercial auto insurance is also essential to cover liability risks and property damage for your business vehicles.

Your Tennessee independent insurance agent can help you get enough coverage for your business vehicles.

Workers' compensation insurance is required if your Murfreesboro business employs at least five workers.

This insurance can cover medical treatment, lost wages, and other costs associated with workplace injuries and illnesses.

Here are some common insurance options to consider in Murfreesboro:

  1. Commercial property insurance
  2. Commercial auto insurance
  3. Workers' compensation insurance

Nashville Common

If you're a business owner in Nashville, you'll want to know about the common insurance options available to you.

Commercial property insurance is a must-have, especially since the property crime rate in Nashville is lower than the state average, resulting in cheaper rates for business owners. This type of insurance covers loss and damage due to hazards like certain types of inclement weather and accidental fires.

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Commercial auto insurance is another essential coverage, as it pays for damages or losses to your business vehicles. Your rates are based on factors like the number and types of vehicles you cover, as well as the risk of collisions and vehicle theft in your city.

Workers’ compensation insurance is a vital protection for your employees, covering medical bills and lost wages in case they get injured or ill due to their job environment or work duties. Your rates are based on your company’s overall payroll and the potential risks faced by your employees according to their job classifications.

Here are some key points to keep in mind when selecting insurance options in Nashville:

  • Commercial property insurance covers loss and damage due to hazards like inclement weather and accidental fires.
  • Commercial auto insurance rates are based on the number and types of vehicles, as well as collision and theft risk.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance rates are based on overall payroll and job classification risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a $1 million dollar business insurance policy cost?

A $1 million business insurance policy typically costs around $69 per month or $824 per year, but costs may vary depending on your business specifics. For a more accurate quote, please contact us to discuss your unique needs.

How much is LLC business insurance?

LLC business insurance costs typically range from $300 to $1,000 annually, depending on industry risk, location, and coverage limits

What is the best insurance for a small business?

For small businesses, a Businessowners Policy (BOP) is often the best insurance option, combining essential coverages like general liability and property insurance into one convenient package. This can help protect your business from common risks and save you time and money on insurance premiums.

Kristen Bruen

Senior Assigning Editor

Kristen Bruen is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for compelling stories. With a background in journalism, she has honed her skills in assigning and editing articles that captivate and inform readers. Her areas of expertise include cryptocurrency exchanges, where she has a deep understanding of the rapidly evolving market and its complex nuances.

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