Cover Your Business with Commercial Insurance

July 30, 2025

Worgess Insurance provides effective commercial insurance coverage to businesses throughout Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan. Whether you are just starting out or need to reassess the coverage for your longstanding business, Worgess will make sure you have sufficient coverage to protect you, your business, and your employees. In today’s post, we will discuss what you should consider when looking for commercial insurance for your Kalamazoo area business.

Identify Your Business Risks

  • Industry-Specific Risks: No matter what industry you’re in, there are specific risks inherent with your business that you need to consider. For example: a construction company has different liabilities than a marketing firm, which has different liabilities than a restaurant, and so on.
  • Location-Related Exposures: The location of your business may play a factor into the type of coverage you need. Things like the potential for natural disasters, the crime rate in your area, or state-specific regulations should be considered when putting together an insurance policy for your business.
  • Size and Structure: It only stands to reason that different sized businesses need different coverage. The number of employees, type of legal entity, and annual revenue are just a few of the things that will impact your commercial coverage needs.

Know the Types of Business Insurance

  • General Liability Insurance: Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage.
  • Commercial Property Insurance: Protects buildings, equipment, and inventory.
  • Business Interruption Insurance: Covers lost income during a disruption (like a fire or flood).
  • Professional Liability (E&O): For businesses offering advice or services (e.g., consultants, architects).
  • Workers’ Compensation: Required in most states if you have employees.
  • Commercial Auto Insurance: For vehicles used in business operations.
  • Cyber Liability Insurance: Protects against data breaches or cyberattacks.
  • Employment Practices Liability: Covers wrongful termination, harassment, and discrimination claims.
  • Product Liability Insurance: Important for manufacturers or retailers.

Legal and Contractual Requirements

  • State Mandates: Workers’ compensation, disability insurance, and more.
  • Client or Vendor Contracts: These types of contracts may require specific liability coverage limits or endorsements.
  • Leases and Loans: Landlords and lenders often require property or liability insurance.

Assess Coverage Limits and Deductibles

  • Make sure your policy limits match your exposure.
  • Choose deductibles you can realistically afford during a loss.

Understand Exclusions and Limitations

  • Know what’s not covered (e.g., intentional acts, certain natural disasters, pandemics).
  • Ask your broker for examples of denied claims.

Compare Providers and Policies

  • Reputation and Financial Strength: Use AM Best or Moody’s ratings.
  • Customer Service and Claims Handling: Research reviews or talk to other business owners.
  • Bundling Options: You might save by combining multiple policies into a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP).

Review Annually and Update as Needed

You should consider reassessing your policy whenever you:

  • Hire Employees
  • Buy New Equipment
  • Expand Locations or Services
  • Cross Revenue Thresholds

Work with a Knowledgeable Insurance Broker

  • Choose a broker who is familiar with your industry and who can customize coverage, explain terms, and shop for competitive rates.

Plan for the Worst-Case Scenario

  • Ask yourself: “If a fire, lawsuit, or cyberattack happened tomorrow, would we survive financially?”

Insurance should be part of your business strategy moving forward. When you need assistance making sure your Kalamazoo area business is sufficiently covered, contact Worgess Insurance to get a quote.