Do You Need Commercial Insurance For Home-Based Businesses?

Working from home has become the new normal for millions of Americans, but many entrepreneurs don’t realize their homeowners insurance might not cover their business activities. Whether you’re running an online store from your spare bedroom or meeting clients in your home office, Karla Salmon Insurance, serving Oviedo, FL, wants to help you understand when commercial coverage becomes essential.

When Homeowners Insurance Falls Short

Your standard homeowners policy typically excludes business-related claims. If a client slips and falls during a meeting at your house, or if expensive computer equipment used for work gets stolen, you could face significant out-of-pocket expenses. Even something as simple as storing inventory in your garage might void certain aspects of your home coverage. Many homeowners discover these gaps only after filing a claim that gets denied.

Types of Coverage To Consider

Professional liability insurance protects against errors and omissions in your work. General liability covers accidents involving clients or delivery personnel on your property. If you have employees, workers’ compensation becomes mandatory in most states. Business property coverage protects equipment, inventory, and supplies that your homeowners policy won’t cover. Cyber liability insurance has become increasingly important for businesses handling customer data.

Assessing Your Risk Level

Consider how many clients visit your home, what type of work you perform, and how much business equipment you own. A freelance writer working alone faces different risks than someone running a consulting firm with regular client meetings. Some businesses can add simple endorsements to existing homeowners policies, while others need comprehensive commercial coverage.

Don’t let gaps in coverage threaten your livelihood and personal assets. Contact Karla Salmon Insurance, serving Oviedo, FL, to review your specific situation and determine the right protection level for your home-based business.