Small Business Insurance Guide: The First Four Policies You Need

Start here

Almost every operation should have these four lines from day one:

• General Liability — required by virtually every lease and contract
• Workers' Compensation — required by law in most states with employees
• Commercial Auto — required for any vehicle used in the business
• Business Owners Policy (or property if you own the building) — bundles GL with property at a discount

Add as you grow

• Umbrella once contracts require $2M+ in liability
• Cyber as soon as you process customer data or take cards online
• Professional Liability as soon as you sell advice or a deliverable
• EPLI once you have 5+ employees
• Equipment / Inland Marine once you own significant tools or stage materials off-site