Today, it is quite common for people who live in Tucson, Sahuarita and the Green Valley area of Arizona, to operate a small business from the comfort of their own homes. Almost any type of business is susceptible to disputes and some of those disputes can lead to lawsuits.

Your homeowners insurance policy will probably not cover any items that are only used for your business. It may cover items like a desk, chair or computer that you use while conducting business, because that is considered part of the contents of your house.

If, for example, you have a business selling computers you build from scratch in your home, your homeowners insurance will not cover any claims made against you or your company if a dissatisfied customer decides to sue.

In order to be covered for certain liabilities you may incur, you will need to buy a separate general liability business policy. While it is improbable that someone is going to come to your home office to conduct business, it is actually more common than you might think.

Some individuals in Tucson operate a tax service or bookkeeping service and regularly welcome clients into their homes. Others may operate a landscaping business in Sahuarita and set appointments, bank and do all of the administrative tasks of their business out of a home office.

Nothing is ever completely black or completely white. Most situations fall into a gray area. If a man falls on an uneven pathway and breaks his arm while delivering a present from your Aunt Tilly, your homeowners insurance policy would cover any claim for liability. What would happen if the delivery man was bringing 10 boxes of inventory for your home business?

As your independent agent, we have the answers to all of the questions you may have about homeowners insurance and home businesses. Please contact us and an independent agent will be happy to help you get the right insurance coverage for your home-based business.

Known as a business-friendly community, Tucson, Arizona can be a great place to start a home-based business. However, if you plan on using your home for commercial purposes, it is important to obtain the right type of insurance. Insurance is crucial for protecting your home business against loss and liability.

Reasons to Insure Your Home Business

Running a business at home opens of the potential for loss or liability issues. A fire or flood could damage the equipment that you use to conduct your business. A home daycare provider or professional who works with clients may encounter an accident that leads to a lawsuit. Or a professional giving advice may be sued for negligence for making an honest error. These scenarios are not covered under the typical homeowner’s insurance policy. Instead, you will need additional coverage that specifically covers the risks that are unique to your business.

The Benefits of Home-Based Business Insurance

If you freelance or operate a small business from home, full commercial coverage is probably inappropriate for the scope of your business. Instead, you will likely find the coverage that you need with home-based business insurance. This form of coverage allows you to add riders to your homeowner’s insurance to cover the risks of your business, such as property damage, and professional liability. The biggest advantage of home-based business insurance is that it can be modified so that it only covers the risks that pertain to your business.

How an Independent Agent Can Help

If your business is a bit more complex, you may require extended forms of liability coverage. An independent agent can help you identify the risks that you should prioritize and obtain a policy that covers those risks. Contact us today to speak with an agent who can help you protect your business with the right insurance coverage.

Schools in Green Valley operate school buses, employ multiple teachers and other workers and open their doors to countless children and parents on a daily basis. Although all of these activities are required for successful operation, they also open the doors for potential liability issues. Thus, like any other business, a school needs commercial insurance policies.

For schools, several types of commercial insurance are available: commercial property insurance, commercial vehicle insurance, commercial general liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.

Commercial Property Insurance

School buildings are large and expensive to construct. When they become damaged, the cost of repairs can be significant. Commercial property insurance protects the school’s structure and grounds. When damage occurs, the policy will help the school pay for the necessary work.

Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Commercial vehicle insurance protects the buses and any other vehicles a school operates. The policy may cover the cost of vehicular repair in the case of an accident, and it may also provide compensation for injured parties.

General Liability Insurance

If a parent, child, employee or visitor is injured at the school or because of school activities, a general liability policy will help the school pay for any lawsuits that arise. Covered expenses include medical costs, attorney fees and other damages related to the incident.

Workers Compensation Insurance

The state of Arizona requires schools to carry a workers compensation insurance policy. Workers compensation insurance provides protection for the school when an employee is injured on the job. If an employee is injured, the policy will cover medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages and more.

If you’re in the market for commercial insurance coverage, consult with us. An independent agent will provide you with the undivided attention you need to choose the policies that are best for your school.