Florida Business Insurance, Answered

Small business coverage is where gaps hide, because owners assume the homeowners or auto policy stretches further than it does. Call (813) 499-9347 to talk through your operation.

I run my business from home. Am I covered?

Almost certainly not, and this is the most common gap we find. A homeowners policy is a personal lines contract. Business property, business liability and anyone visiting your home for business reasons are typically excluded or severely limited. The fix is usually inexpensive, either an endorsement or a separate business owner’s policy, but it has to be arranged before a claim tests it.

What is a business owner’s policy?

A BOP bundles general liability with commercial property into one policy, usually at less than the two would cost separately. It suits most small operations. It is not a fit for every business, and where it is not, we write the pieces individually rather than forcing the bundle.

A client is asking for a certificate of insurance. What is that?

A one-page proof that your coverage exists, with limits and dates, usually naming the client as a certificate holder. Landlords, general contractors and larger customers routinely require one before you can start work. We can usually issue one the same day, so it does not hold up a job.

Do I need commercial auto if I use my own vehicle for work?

It depends on how you use it, and getting this wrong is expensive. Regular commuting is generally fine on a personal auto policy. Carrying tools or inventory, making deliveries, or having employees drive the vehicle usually is not. If a claim happens during business use on a personal policy, the carrier can deny it. Tell us honestly how the vehicle is used and we will tell you which form it belongs on.

What is professional liability and do I need it?

General liability covers bodily injury and property damage. It does not cover a claim that your advice or your professional work caused someone a financial loss. That is professional liability, sometimes called errors and omissions. If clients pay you for judgment, recommendations or specialist work, it is worth quoting.

Does my business policy cover flood or hurricane damage?

Wind is usually covered, subject to a separate hurricane deductible that is a percentage of your property limit rather than a flat amount. Flood is excluded and has to be bought separately, exactly as with a home. Commercial flood is available through NFIP and the private market, and for a ground-floor location it is worth pricing.

What is business interruption coverage?

It replaces income while you cannot operate after a covered loss. In Florida this matters more than most places, because the event that damages your building is often the event that closes the road to it for a week. Note that it responds to covered losses, so if you have no flood policy, a flood closure is not covered either.