In most cases, yes. Home insurance policies typically exclude business-related claims, and the gap in coverage can be significant — especially if clients visit your property or you keep business equipment or inventory at home. Sometimes a rider on your home policy is sufficient, but more often a separate commercial policy is the right call. It depends on the nature of your business, so it's worth a conversation.

If your business is forced to close temporarily due to an insured event — a fire, flood, or significant property damage — business interruption coverage helps replace the income you lose during that period. It can also cover ongoing expenses like rent and payroll while you get back on your feet.

For many small businesses, this coverage is what makes the difference between recovering and closing permanently.

Yes. The size of your business doesn't reduce your liability exposure. A single claim — a slip and fall, a client dispute, a fire — can result in costs that would be devastating without coverage. Commercial policies can be tailored to fit small operations without being overly expensive.

Commercial General Liability (CGL) covers bodily injury and property damage claims that arise from your business operations — for example, a customer slipping in your store.

Professional Liability (also called Errors & Omissions) covers claims that arise from the advice or services you provide — for example, a client claiming your work caused them financial loss. 

Many businesses need both. We can help determine what's right for your industry.

It depends on how your business operates. If customers or colleagues are coming to your home, you almost certainly have a liability exposure that your home insurance won't cover. If you're selling online or through a parent company that provides coverage, your situation may be different. It's worth a quick call to sort out what applies.