Running your own business? Here are some insurances you should consider purchasing 27^th February 2023

Being an entrepreneur brings a lot of risk to the table. Insuring your business against liabilities and risks is a wise consideration. Business insurance can help a company protect itself from unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters, theft, unintentional injuries, etc. It is of utmost importance for a business owner to be able to assess the risks involved with their line of work. They should consider the needs of their business so that one mishap does not wipe out their entire life's work.

Irrespective of whether you are just setting up or are an established player in your niche, specific policies like public liability insurance in India are essential to cover your business from lawsuits and compensations.

Here are some kinds of insurance that can help cushion the liabilities your business may face in uncertain conditions.

1. Property insurance policies:
For your small start-up business, you spend most of its capital on inventory. In the case of damage to the property, it is tough for businesses to replace or repair damaged property. Some companies never recover from this. So, it is paramount to insure the physical location, tools, and other industry-specific equipment against damages.
However, most property insurance policies don't protect businesses from natural disasters like cyclones and floods, so it's best to talk to your insurance company about all the policy clauses beforehand.

2. General liability insurance:
This insurance helps you bear the costs of legal fees and other liability claims arising from third-party injuries due to your product or business. The entire cost of any legal proceedings that arise from a lawsuit against the company has to be paid by the owner. Whether working in an office setting or remotely, you should be insured against this possibility as it can significantly impact your finances. Research public liability insurance in India before choosing the best policy for your needs.

3. Worker's compensation insurance:
Worker's compensation insurance is mandatory in most cases. This policy is necessary in case of employee injury, death, or illness. It also covers the legal fees if the deceased's family decides to sue the business. Slip and fall injuries may also happen within your premises, and you might have to incur considerable hits to your business by paying off medical costs.

4. Professional liability insurance:
Professional liability comes under the same realm as general liability insurance but has a different use. This insurance is solely for errors or lack of proper service and is also called errors and omissions insurance. It covers the financial repercussions of negligence on your part in rendering any services. However, this policy is usually industry-specific, so it is wise to take expert advice from your insurance company for your specific profession.

5. Business interruption insurance:
In the event of any natural disaster or other unforeseen situations like a riot or a strike in the work area, a business cannot continue uninterrupted. This results in a loss of income due to the stoppage of the ordinary course of a business. In this case, business interruption insurance comes in handy, as it compensates the company for its lack of income in the time it takes for them to get back on its feet again.

6. Commercial vehicle insurance:
Any company that uses vehicles for commercial purposes should insure their vehicles against any damage caused by unforeseen accidents, fire, or theft. This is mandatory in India, but you should research your options to get more comprehensive coverage.

Buying insurance, especially public liability insurance in India, is an essential step in any business owner's journey. Research all your options thoroughly and make an informed decision. Take account of all the risks and accordingly prepare a strategy to mitigate them without sustaining any loss. The growth and security of your business rely on your alertness and preparedness to avoid falling prey to financial loss due to unexpected mishaps.

Click HERE to know more about public liability insurance in India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.