Questions You Should Ask an Insurance Agent When Shopping For Commercial Insurance

What is the crucial and key component of a business? You may be surprised, but it is commercial insurance. Business insurance aims to protect its owners and employees from different types of risks. If you are currently shopping for business insurance in Chester, NJ, or any other nearby town, there are certain questions you should ask an insurance agent:

How is the cost of my business insurance affected?

Business insurance can be affected by different factors. These factors are the type of business, industry, number of employees, any previous claims, and more. 

How do I know what type of insurance I need?

The choice of commercial insurance depends on the type of your business, industry, and your personal insurance needs. You should discuss with an insurance agent why coverage you expect to have and how well-protected you want your company to be. Depending on your business, you may need more business coverage than other companies and industries. 

How do I submit claims?

Every insurance agency works differently with their clients when they submit claims. That is why you should first learn all the procedures and policies of a specific insurance company you are thinking of working with. Knowing how you are going to work with a company and submit claims will save you from stress and headaches.

With the right commercial insurance policy, you will be able to move forward fast and with confidence. It will also bring you the peace of mind you need when operating a business. If you are in Chester, NJ, or any other nearby area, reach out to The Insurance Outfit, a reliable and trustworthy agency in the state of New Jersey.

Commercial Insurance FAQs

Commercial insurance helps businesses overcome losses in case of accidents, work injuries, and other work-related incidents. If you plan to start a business in Chester, NJ, or already have one, getting business insurance is an excellent step to protecting your revenue and peace of mind in case an unfortunate incident happens in your business. These four FAQS answer the common concerns about commercial insurance.

What Is Commercial Insurance?

Commercial insurance is a type of insurance that protects businesses rather than individuals. It offers financial protection against common risks like lawsuits, theft, property damages, and employee/customer injuries.

What Are The Different Types Of Commercial Insurance?

Commercial insurance comes in many types, making it possible for all businesses to choose the most suitable for their needs. Here are the most common types of commercial insurance:

  • General liability insurance
  • Commercial auto insurance
  • Commercial umbrella insurance
  • Builders risk insurance
  • Workers compensation insurance
  • Liquor liability insurance
  • Cyber liability insurance

Is Commercial Insurance Mandatory In Chester, NJ?

New Jersey requires all businesses to have workers’ compensation insurance policies. Also, all business-owned vehicles should have commercial auto insurance. For many businesses in the state, you will be required to have general liability insurance, especially if the company is large, to cover any liabilities arising from lawsuits and other incidents.

How Do I Acquire Commercial Insurance?

The first step in getting commercial insurance is to find a reliable insurance agent. The agent should analyze the needs of your business and its size and then take you through the available types of insurance options for your business. You may not acquire all types of commercial insurance coverage, but you can choose the most applicable based on your needs.

Contact The Insurance Outfit

There are many types of commercial insurance, and you may need one or a few based on the size of your business. Our team at The Insurance Outfit is committed to helping you acquire the right commercial insurance for your business. Contact us today for more information about our services.

Why do you need commercial insurance in Chester?

Owning a business can be a dream for many in the Chester, NJ area. If you want to start a business, you will find plenty of advantages. However, there are always risks with owning and running a business. Getting insurance for your business is a great way to offset some of these risks. You will need a commercial insurance plan here for a few reasons. 

Meet Insurance Obligations

A reason that many business owners here will need to have a commercial insurance plan is so they can meet their insurance obligations. There are always insurance requirements for small business owners. If you have taken out a loan, hired employees, or even rent a place of business, you likely will be obligated by some party or a government body to have some type and level of commercial insurance. 

Protect Your Company

It would be best if you maintained a commercial insurance plan to protect your company. If you start any type of business, it will take a lot of work and investment to grow it into a sizable organization. The best way to protect the future of your business and investment is by getting a commercial insurance policy. This type of insurance will provide valuable commercial liability support and give appropriate coverage for your business’s assets.

Any business owner in the Chester, NJ area will want to know that they are appropriately protected with insurance. If you are in this part of the state and want more guidance, it would be helpful to call The Insurance Outfit. The professionals with The Insurance Outfit will give you the support you need to build a plan that mitigates your risks and meets your needs. 

How to Choose the Right Commercial Insurance Policy for Your Business

Businesses of all sizes need to protect themselves from potential risks and liabilities. While some companies may choose to self-insure, most will need to purchase a commercial insurance policy. But with so many policies and providers available, how do you know which one is right for your business? Here are some tips on choosing the right commercial insurance policy for your business.

1. Assess Your Risks

No two businesses are alike, so it’s essential to tailor your insurance policy to fit your specific needs. The first step is understanding what risks your business faces. To get started, answer the following questions:

  • What type of product or service do you sell?
  • What are the potential consequences of a mistake on your part?
  • Do you have any employees? If so, what kind of training do they receive?
  • Do you operate in a high-risk industry?

Once you’ve identified your risks, you can start shopping for the right insurance policy.

2. Decide What Coverage You Need

The next step is to decide what coverage you need. There are many different types of commercial insurance policies, so it’s important to find the one that fits your business. Some of the most common types of coverage include general liability, property damage, product liability, and workers’ compensation.

3. Work with an Experienced Agent or Broker

Once you know what type of coverage you need, it’s time to find an experienced agent or broker. The Insurance Outfit can help you find the right policy for your business. We have years of experience and knowledge in the commercial insurance industry, so we can help you find the best coverage at the most competitive rates.

4. Read the Fine Print

Before you sign on the dotted line, read the fine print. It’s important to understand what your policy covers and doesn’t cover. If you have any questions, ask your agent or broker.

The Insurance Outfit can help you find the right commercial insurance policy for your business in Chester, NJ. We have years of experience and knowledge in the commercial insurance industry, so we can help you find the best coverage at the most competitive rates. Contact us today to get started.

Commercial Policies You Need for Your Storefront

When you purchase commercial insurance for your Chester, NJ business, you might think that one size fits all, but The Insurance Outfit wants you to understand that you customize your insurance policy to your business. If you own a storefront business, you need insurance coverage that a home-based business would not.

Storefront businesses require items like glass insurance to remain fully covered from typical perils. Business owners can add these policies to their business owner’s policy (BOP) or general liability policy. You do need to start with either an essential liability policy or a BOP to add the other policies. Like many insurance situations, you need the main policy before you can add on to it with supplementary insurance.

Glass insurance covers damage to the plate glass windows or a dance studio’s mirrors. This type of coverage does not come with a typical property damage policy. You would also need property damage coverage though for a storefront to cover your building’s structure, your office equipment, and your computers against damage from a tornado, hurricane, hail, etc.

If you have employees, most states require you to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. This covers your employees’ pay and medical costs if they get hurt on the job or they incur an illness due to their job. An example of the latter is if in-office exposure to black mold in the walls causes them to fall ill.
Each business has different needs. Every business should start with either general liability or a BOP, then add to the insurance to customize coverage.

Let The Insurance Outfit help you find the right coverage. With more than 20 types of commercial insurance, you need a guide to help you find the right policies for your Chester, NJ business. Call us today.

Commercial Insurance Must-Haves for New Jersey Business Owners

Today’s business owners in the greater Chester, NJ area turn to The Insurance Outfit for all of their commercial policy needs. We are proud to provide the business community with the coverage they need to protect their companies. Call us today if it’s time to upgrade your commercial policy!

Does your current commercial policy have these features?

Oftentimes, businesses start out with basic coverage as they work to get their companies off the ground. However, it is important to note that established firms may have different protection needs than those companies that are just getting started. Why not take a closer look at your current policy and ensure that it provides the protection you need?

  • Coverage of equipment and inventory – some business owners are surprised to learn the value of their inventory and equipment; make sure that your coverage levels are adequate in case of a loss.
  • Comprehensive vehicle protection – does your firm rely on your fleet of vehicles to get the job done? Make sure that your company has the necessary protection in the event of an accident or theft.
  • Robust property coverage – damage to your property can cause potential disruption to your workflow. With robust coverage, your business is better able to withstand interruptions to company production. 

Is it time to review your commercial policy? We can help! Don’t find out too late that your basic commercial insurance is inadequate for your comprehensive business needs.

Contact us today to ensure that your coverage is adequate to your business needs

The Insurance Outfit is here to assist business owners in the greater Chester, NJ area with all of their coverage needs. Contact us today and learn more about the commercial policy options that are available in our area.

What protection does commercial insurance offer my small business

Owning a small business comes with lots of worries. Commercial insurance is something you may wonder if you need for your business. To state it simply, bad things happen and when they happen they can destroy your business. Commercial insurance offers a variety of different coverage that can offer you a safety net. Not every type of commercial insurance is right for your business but with a knowledgeable insurance agent like The Insurance Outfit in Chester, NJ, a policy can be customized to your particular business needs. 

Commercial liability

Liability is one component of commercial business insurance and should be considered by every business. In the world today being sued is a real possibility and this insurance can protect you from financial loss due to bodily injury and resulting medical expenses, property damage, slander, or libel. It covers not only a judgment against you but legal expenses incurred. 

Workers Compensation 

In the state of New Jersey, workers must be covered by worker’s compensation insurance in almost every case. You can self insure or have your policy with an insurance carrier. This protects your workforce in the event that they are injured or killed on the job. 

Property insurance

Property insurance is a must if you have any property. That doesn’t mean that you own the property your business is located in, it is valuable even if you are a renter. It covers your business inventory, raw material, machinery, and office equipment. 

Home-based business insurance

If your small business is based out of your home this insurance will supplement your home insurance liability and property protection. 

Your small business is your livelihood and it is important that you protect it from all the bad things that can happen. At The Insurance Outfit in Chester, NJ, we understand commercial insurance and we can customize a policy that is perfect for your business. Stop by or give us a call for a no-obligation quote. 

3 Ways to Keep Your Business Safe For Customers and Employees

In Chester, NJ and surrounding areas, businesses are working diligently to keep their workplace safe and hazard-free for their employees and customers who travel through the area. At The Insurance Outfit, our agents would like to provide our clients with three tips to keep everyone safe at the workplace. 

Keep walkways and public areas clear

  • Remove excess water
  • Avoid stacking boxes 

If you are expecting your customers and your employees to visit this area while the business is open, it is best to give them a clear area to walk through without having to walk through a maze or find their way through. 

Sings and Labels are your Friends

Point out locations and directions clearly with signs and labels to keep both your employees and your customers safe as they work their way through your business. Knowing which direction they are going, especially if they are looking for a certain room, area, or office can prevent further damage. For workplaces that are not appropriately labeled, these individuals may find themselves in the wrong place and get hurt. 

Inspections

Having daily or shift inspections of tools and areas by a member of management is essential to everyone’s safety. When you conduct a thorough inspection as required, management will find problems such as broken furniture, a leak, or notice excess clutter that needs to be eliminated before clients get hurt. These inspections protect everyone traveling through the area. 

Top off the Safety with Commercial Insurance

In addition to these ways to keep your workplace safe, choose a commercial insurance policy from The Insurance Outfit. If you live in or around Chester, NJ and own a business, our agents are ready to talk to you and help you get the coverage you need. 

When a Customer Slips and Falls: Why You Need Commercial Insurance

Even if a slip and fall injury seems unlikely to happen on the premises of your business, you need to have coverage because this type of accident can occur anytime, anywhere. At The Insurance Outfit, serving Chester, NJ and the surrounding community, we can help you find commercial insurance that meets the needs of your business. It is important to make smart decisions regarding protecting yourself from the financial burden of a slip and fall accident claim.

Accidental Slips and Falls

A slip and fall injury can be caused by any type of hazard, from torn carpeting to a bathroom floor that hasn’t been cleaned properly. The injured person can be a customer or one of your employees. If someone on your premises suffers a slip and fall injury, you could be held liable and therefore need to protect yourself with the right commercial insurance coverage.

Prevention Is Key

It is important to have measures in place to reduce the likelihood of a slip and fall incident. Make sure your employees are trained to report hazards so that they can be quickly resolved. You should also maintain your property on a regular basis. Even when you go the extra mile to keep a slip and fall from occurring, there are unforeseen problems that could arise, resulting in someone suffering an injury on your property.

Contact Us

At The Insurance Outfit, serving Chester, NJ and the surrounding community, we are knowledgeable insurance practitioners and leaders in the insurance industry. We can help you achieve your commercial insurance goals with the coverage you need to protect your business in the event of a slip and fall injury. Our experienced team can help you with any questions you may have. Contact us today at 908-955-7561.

What Extra Commercial Insurance Should You Get?

General liability insurance will cover many things in Chester, NJ for a business, including damage to property and bodily injury claims. However, there are plenty of things not covered and extra coverage you should have, depending on your needs. An agent at The Insurance Outfit can help determine which of these policies is useful for your business.

If you have employees, whether they do physical labor or not, workers’ compensation will provide protection for those injured on the job.

Professional liability insurance will protect those who have service-based businesses, like lawyers, accountants or consultants. This protects the business from any damages that occur when there is a failure to properly render these services.

Property insurance will cover the business, equipment, inventory, and furniture in the event of a fire or storm. This is good whether a business owns or leases their space. However, it won’t cover floods or earthquakes.

Directors and Officers Insurance will protect the directors and officers of the company against actions that affect the profitability of a company. If a director or officer is named in a lawsuit due to their actions on the job, this insurance will help cover the costs and any damages that may result.

For businesses that store any sensitive information or information the public shouldn’t know, a data breach policy will provide protection against those losses.

Commercial auto insurance will protect company vehicles that either carry employees, products, or equipment.

Product liability insurance will help protect businesses that sell products to the general market. If the business is in a lawsuit due to damages caused by products, this insurance will help protect them.

Home-based businesses will need to add additional coverage since their home insurance coverage doesn’t provide adequate protection like commercial insurance does.

Contact The Insurance Outfit serving Chester, NJ to get a quote on commercial insurance.