Small business owners have a lot going on, and it’s easy to let something like business insurance drop to the bottom of the list. But it’s important to protect your business from claims and lawsuits that you can’t see coming.

You could be sued for just about anything, even if you haven’t made a mistake. If someone slips and falls in your shop, or if a client thinks you didn’t do the job the way you said you would, you could find yourself facing a claim or lawsuit. Business insurance can cover the cost, including the cost to defend yourself.

Some professions require that you have business insurance. Many healthcare-related professions require professional liability insurance, which is sometimes referred to as malpractice insurance. Sometimes, a contract will require that your business be insured. 

The cost of small business insurance depends on the industry you’re in, the size of your business, the type of insurance, and other factors. Most small businesses spend $30 a month or less for a general liability policy, but your costs could vary. You can get a quote in the box above to find out how much your coverage may cost.

This depends on the type of business you have. Most businesses will need general liability insurance, especially if  you meet with clients face to face. If you offer professional advice, you should also have professional liability insurance. If you have business equipment, like computers or tools, you may consider a business owners’ policy (BOP) which combines general liability with coverage for your business property. 

General liability insurance covers someone else’s claim of bodily injury, property damage or personal injury. This means if someone gets hurt at your place of business, or their property is damaged, you’re covered. You’re also covered for claims that you damaged someone’s reputation by slander or libel. 

Professional liability insurance covers your professional services or advice. This is sometimes called errors and omissions insurance because it covers something you did that you shouldn’t have (an error) and something you should have done that you didn’t (an omission). Professional liability insurance protects for defense costs you even if the claim against you is found to be without merit. 

Yes. An LLC protects your personal assets in the event of a suit or claim, but the assets of the business are still at risk. Business liability insurance will protect your business’s assets.