Understand what you need
Review the different types of business risk and the insurance programs that cover them.
I recommend: The U.S.
Small Business Administration (SBA) provides a guide with an insurance-needs checklist and glossary. Click-through subjects and Q&A's are available from the
Insurance Information Institute (III) and the
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA).
Identify what's at risk
What do you need to protect? Take an inventory of your property. Assess how long your business can survive an interruption before it is terminal.
I recommend: Direct Logic's software program
All My Stuff keeps track of office property, its value, location and date of acquisition, and provides space for digital images, all helpful if you need to file an insurance claim. The Insurance Information Institute's
Know Your Stuff is a free, downloadable program for the whole house, but includes tips on what to include from your home office. Zurich has a
business interruption cost calculator.
Find a policy that works for you
What are the risks to your business? How much or how little protection do you need? Be temperate with your evaluation. Review the packaged options that insurers or independent brokers offer to get an idea of the options and the cost.
I recommend: InsuranceNoodle.com specializes in small-insurance and is a good starting point. Multiple quotes can be compared after filling out online questionnaires from
NetQuote.com,
LowQuotes.com or
USInsuranceOnline.com. Mega broker
Marsh has an online form to request a quote.