Five coverages, five different questions
Each business coverage answers a different “what if.” Start with the question that keeps you up at night, then read the page that goes with it.
General liability
What if someone says your business injured them or damaged their property?
Read moreCommercial property
What if your building, equipment or inventory is damaged?
Read moreCommercial auto
What if a vehicle your business owns or uses is in an accident?
Read moreWorkers’ compensation
What if an employee is hurt, or becomes ill, because of the job?
Read moreCommercial & contract bonding
What if a contract or license asks for a financial guarantee?
Read moreDifferent businesses need different combinations
There isn’t one combination that fits every business. The mix depends on what you own, who works for you, what you drive and what your contracts say. Three simple situations show how the pieces can fit together. These are illustrations, not recommendations.
| If your business… | Coverages that may come up | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Has a storefront, office or workspace | General liability · Commercial property | Customers can be hurt on your premises, and your equipment and inventory are assets to protect. |
| Has employees and vehicles | Workers’ compensation · Commercial auto · General liability | Employee injuries, vehicle accidents and third-party claims are different exposures with different coverages. |
| Bids on or signs contracts | Bonding · General liability | Contracts and licenses may call for a bond and for proof of liability insurance. |
What changed in your business?
The best time to look at coverage is when something changes. If any of these are true, one of the pages above is probably worth reading.
| What changed | Topics to read about |
|---|---|
| You hired someone | Workers’ compensation · general liability |
| You added or replaced a vehicle | Commercial auto |
| You moved, added a location or renovated | Commercial property · general liability |
| You bought equipment or increased inventory | Commercial property |
| You signed a lease or contract with insurance requirements | General liability · bonding |
| You started offering something new | General liability |
| A renewal is coming up | Any of the above, plus the Coverage Review Checklist |
What helps when you request a business quote
You don’t need every detail to start, and an agent can help fill gaps. These make the first conversation faster:
- Your business name, address and a short description of what the business does
- The number of employees and a rough idea of payroll
- Any vehicles used for work, and who drives them
- The buildings, equipment or inventory you want to protect
- Any lease or contract that lists insurance requirements
- Your current policy’s renewal date, if you have one
Please don’t send Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers or payment details through this website.
Common questions
Do I need all five coverages?
Not necessarily. Which coverages apply depends on your operations, your employees, your vehicles and what your leases and contracts require. An agent can walk through your situation with you.
Which business coverages does the law require?
It depends on the coverage and the situation. For example, Michigan’s workers’ compensation law requires coverage for employers who meet certain criteria (see our workers’ compensation page), and vehicles operated on Michigan roads are subject to no-fault insurance requirements. Other coverages, such as general liability, are more often required by leases, contracts or lenders than by statute. Check the documents that apply to you.
How do I know what my contract or lease requires?
Look for an “insurance” or “indemnity” section and any exhibit listing required coverages, limits and certificates. Bring it with you when you talk with an agent, since the details of those requirements can decide what coverage you need.
Can I ask for a review if I already have a policy?
Yes. Use the Coverage Review Checklist or select “Policy / Coverage Review” when you request a quote, and an agent will follow up.
What areas do you serve?
Our office is in Sylvan Lake, and we serve businesses across Southeastern Michigan. See our locations page for the full list.