Business Insurance
No two businesses operate exactly the same way — and their insurance shouldn’t be treated as though they do.
Your employees, property, vehicles, equipment, customers, contracts and daily operations can all create different risks.
John Scott Insurance helps business owners identify those exposures and build commercial insurance programs around the way their businesses actually operate.
As an independent insurance agency, we work with multiple insurance carriers, giving our commercial insurance team the ability to explore coverage options based on each client’s individual business needs.
What Types of Business Insurance Should You Consider?
Business insurance isn’t one policy. Most businesses need a combination of coverages designed to address different risks.
Depending on your business, these may include:
General Liability Insurance
Can help protect your business from certain claims involving third-party bodily injury, property damage and other covered liability exposures.
Commercial Property Insurance
Your building, inventory, furniture, computers and other business property can represent a significant investment. Can help protect eligible property against covered losses.
Commercial Auto Insurance
If your business owns or uses vehicles for business purposes, can help address liability and physical damage exposures.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Workplace injuries can happen in almost any industry. May provide benefits for qualifying work-related injuries or illnesses and may be required depending on your location and circumstances.
Business Owners Policy (BOP)
Can combine certain commonly needed coverages into one policy for eligible businesses. Coverages and eligibility vary by carrier and business type.
Commercial Umbrella / Excess Liability
Some liability claims can exceed the limits of an underlying policy. May provide additional limits above certain underlying policies.
Equipment & Inland Marine Insurance
For equipment, tools or property that regularly moves between locations. May help protect eligible property in transit or away from your primary location.
Specialized Business Insurance: Industry Expertise Matters
Some businesses face risks that require a deeper understanding of their industry. John Scott Insurance has developed specialized commercial insurance divisions focused on industries with unique insurance needs.
Contractors Insurance Agency
A Division of John Scott Insurance
Focuses specifically on insurance for contractors and construction-related businesses, including general contractors and individual trades.
Tree Trimmers Insurance Agency
A Division of John Scott Insurance
Focuses specifically on the insurance needs of tree trimming, tree removal and tree care businesses.
Business Insurance Should Start
With Understanding Your Risks
Choosing business insurance shouldn’t begin with simply selecting policies from a list. It should begin with understanding how your business operates.
Important considerations can include:
- What your business does
- Number of employees
- Payroll
- Business property
- Buildings and locations
- Vehicles
- Tools and equipment
- Inventory
- Customers and visitors
- Subcontractors
- Contracts
- Geographic operating area
- Prior claims
- Potential liability exposures
The answers can help determine which risks need to be addressed and which insurance options should be considered.
Specialized Business Insurance: Industry Expertise Matters
Some businesses face risks that require a deeper understanding of their industry. John Scott Insurance has developed specialized commercial insurance divisions focused on industries with unique insurance needs.
What insurance does a small business need?
The answer depends on the business. Common coverages include general liability, commercial property, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, a Business Owners Policy and commercial umbrella coverage. Businesses with specialized equipment, professional exposures or industry-specific risks may need additional coverage.
Is business insurance required?
Certain types of insurance may be required by state law, lenders, landlords, contracts or other parties. Requirements vary based on the business, location and circumstances.
What does general liability insurance cover?
General liability insurance may provide coverage for certain claims involving third-party bodily injury, property damage and other covered liability exposures. Coverage depends on the specific policy, conditions and exclusions.
What’s the difference between general liability and a Business Owners Policy?
General liability primarily addresses certain liability exposures. A Business Owners Policy generally combines multiple types of coverage, which may include general liability and commercial property, into one policy for eligible businesses.
Do I need commercial auto insurance if I use my personal vehicle for work?
Personal auto policies may limit or exclude certain business uses. Business owners who use vehicles for work should discuss how those vehicles are being used with their insurance professional.
Does business insurance cover my employees?
Different policies address different employee-related risks. Workers’ compensation may provide benefits for qualifying work-related injuries or illnesses, while other types of coverage may address different employment-related exposures.
How often should I review my business insurance?
Business insurance should be reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes occur, such as adding employees, vehicles, locations, equipment, services or operations.
Can John Scott Insurance help businesses operating in multiple states?
Yes. John Scott Insurance serves commercial clients across Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota.