Insurance for small businesses
From your building and equipment to your people and income, EMC offers protection designed to fit the unique needs of small businesses. We make it easy to get the right coverage in place, so you can move forward with confidence and keep growing what you’ve built.
What is small business insurance?
Small business insurance (often called small commercial insurance) protects the things that matter most—your assets, property, and income. For many business owners, a business owners policy (BOP) is the go-to solution. It bundles key coverages like property, liability, and business interruption into one streamlined policy.
What does it protect?
Every business faces unique risks. The right insurance helps protect you from claims and lawsuits that can come from:
Accidents and injuries
Property damage and natural disasters
Professional mistakes or errors
Employee injuries or illnesses
What insurance coverages do I need?
A business owners policy (BOP) is often the starting point. It combines several core protections into one package, including property, liability, and business interruption coverage. From there, you can add policies tailored to your operations:
- General liability insurance: Covers claims of bodily injury or property damage caused by your business
- Property insurance: Protects buildings, equipment, and inventory against fire, theft, and natural disasters
- Business interruption insurance: Helps replace lost income and pay expenses if your business has to close temporarily due to a covered event
- Commercial auto insurance: Covers vehicles owned or used by the company against accidents, theft, and other damages
- Umbrella insurance: Provides extra liability protection when claims exceed your other policy limits
- Workers’ compensation insurance: Required in most states, this provides medical and wage benefits for employees injured on the job
More coverage options
Depending on your industry, you may also want:
- Professional liability insurance (errors & omissions): Protects against claims of negligence or mistakes in your services
- Cyber insurance: Helps cover financial losses from cyberattacks, data breaches, and other digital threats
- Employment practices liability (EPLI): Covers claims related to employment practices such as wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment
How much does small business insurance cost?
No two small businesses are the same, so premiums vary. Factors like your industry, location, number of employees, payroll, and claims history all play a role. If you have employees, workers’ compensation—usually required—will be a key part of your premium, influenced by risk, payroll, and past claims. Choosing higher limits or additional coverages will also affect the price.
Tip: Building a strong safety culture can help reduce your workers’ compensation costs over time.
Do I need a license and permit bond?
In some industries, a license and permit bond is required to operate. It ensures your business follows regulations and meets obligations to customers and regulators. If something goes wrong, the bond provides financial protection—keeping trust and compliance intact.
