Is Your Company Really Protected?
A new year is the perfect time for businesses to run a quick “audit” of their insurance program. Over the past twelve months, your company may have opened a new location, hired more staff, bought equipment, or added services. If your coverage has not kept pace, one loss could disrupt everything you have built.
Start With An Annual Coverage Audit
Begin by listing what changed last year: new offices, vehicles, product lines, or large purchases. Growth often increases both your risk and your insurance requirements. Share this list with your agent so policies can be updated before a claim exposes any gaps.
Review General Liability And Property Insurance
General liability responds to claims that your business caused bodily injury or property damage to others. Check that your limits reflect your current revenue, customer traffic, and contracts. For property insurance, confirm that building and business personal property values are high enough to rebuild or replace today, not at last year’s prices. Include inventory, tools, furniture, and computer equipment, and consider whether a higher deductible still fits your cash flow.
Evaluate Business Interruption And Extra Expense
If a fire or major storm shuts down your operations, business interruption coverage can replace lost income and help pay ongoing expenses, such as payroll and rent. Extra expense coverage helps you relocate temporarily or rent equipment to keep serving customers. Review the amount of income covered and how long benefits last. Many businesses underestimate how long repairs or rebuilding really take after a major loss.
Update Workers’ Compensation And Employment Practices
Workers’ compensation is typically required once you have employees, and premiums are tied to payroll and job classifications. Update your payroll estimates, the number of employees, and any changes in job duties, such as remote work or new physical tasks. Consider employment practices liability coverage to help protect against claims involving discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination, especially if your company has updated HR policies or grown its management team.
Strengthen Cyber And Data Breach Protection
Cybercrime is a growing threat even for small, local businesses. If you store customer data, process payments, or rely on cloud-based systems, a cyber policy can help cover costs related to data breaches, ransomware, and business interruption caused by a cyberattack. Review limits, incident response services, and any security requirements the policy expects you to maintain.
Check Certificates, Contracts, And Compliance
Many leases, vendor agreements, and professional licenses require specific types and amounts of insurance. Pull out those documents and confirm that your policies meet the stated requirements for limits, additional insured endorsements, or waivers of subrogation. Keeping certificates of insurance current can protect vital relationships and prevent contract disputes after a loss.
Schedule Your New Year Business Risk Review
A short annual checkup can reveal missing coverages, outdated limits, and new opportunities to manage risk. Set time early in the year to review your program with a knowledgeable advisor. Our local Washington agents can help businesses evaluate insurance needs, compare coverage options in the area, and build a business insurance plan that fits the way you operate today. Give us a call at (509) 787-2816.
