Business Insurance Across Washington
Small business is the largest sector in the U.S. economy and it is important to protect your business with a business policy from Alliance West Insurance, Inc. As a small business ourselves, we understand the challenges of running a business. Let Alliance West Insurance, Inc. take the worry out of knowing you’re properly covered so you can focus on growing your business.
Insurance protection for your company
We offer insurance coverage for:
- Commercial Auto
- Commercial Truck Insurance
- Contractor Insurance
- Errors & Omissions
- Workers Compensation
- General Liability Insurance
- Business Owners Insurance
- Commercial Property Insurance
- Commercial Bonds
- Commercial Umbrella Insurance
Types of Business Insurance
Insurance coverage is available for nearly every conceivable risk you might encounter at your business. Like the risk, the cost and amount of coverage of policies can vary among insurers just as much. Alliance West Insurance, Inc. can shop multiple companies to save you time and money. You should discuss your specific business risks and the types of insurance available with one of our licensed insurance agents. Our agents can advise you on the exact types of insurance you should consider purchasing.
General Liability Insurance
Business owners can and should purchase general liability insurance to cover legal hassles due to accident, injuries and claims of negligence. These policies protect against payment due to the injured party as a result of bodily injury, property damage, medical expenses, libel, slander, the cost of defending lawsuits, and settlement bonds or judgments required during an appeal procedure. Ask an agent at Alliance West Insurance, Inc. about these coverages.
Product Liability Insurance
Companies that manufacture, wholesale, distribute, and retail a product may be liable for its safety, which is why it is important to protect your company with a product liability insurance policy. This policy protects against financial loss as a result of a defect product that causes injury or bodily harm. The amount of insurance you should purchase depends on the products you sell or manufacture. A hat store would have far less risk than a large manufacturer of electronics.
Professional Liability Insurance
Business owners providing services should consider having professional liability insurance (also known as errors and omissions insurance). This type of liability coverage protects your business against malpractice, errors, and negligence in provision of services to your customers. Depending on your profession, you may be required by your state government to carry such a policy. For example, physicians are required to purchase malpractice insurance as a condition of practicing in certain states.
Commercial Property Insurance
Property insurance covers everything related to the loss and damage of company property due to a wide-variety of events such as fire, smoke, wind and hail storms, civil disobedience and vandalism. The definition of “property” is broad, and includes lost income, business interruption, buildings, computers, company papers and money.
Property insurance policies come in two basic forms: (1) all-risk policies covering a wide-range of incidents and perils except those noted in the policy; (2) peril-specific policies that cover losses from only those perils listed in the policy. Examples of peril-specific policies include fire, flood, crime and business interruption insurance. All-risk policies generally cover risks faced by the average small business, while peril-specific policies are usually purchased when there is a high risk of peril in a certain area. Consult your insurance agent or broker about the type of business property insurance best suited for your small business.
Home-Based Business Insurance
Contrary to popular belief, homeowners’ insurance policies do not generally cover home-based business losses. Depending on risks to your business, you may add riders to your homeowners’ policy to cover normal business risks such as property damage. However, homeowners’ policies only go so far in covering home-based businesses and you may need to purchase additional policies to cover other risks, such as general and professional liability.
For more information, consider visiting www.sba.gov and search for “insurance.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Business Insurance
What type of business insurance do you need?
The type of business insurance you need depends on what you’re doing. For instance, a web designer probably doesn’t need a commercial auto policy but does need a Professional Liability Policy. While a contractor has no need for Professional Liability but does need commercial auto. The best way to determine what coverage your specific business needs is by talking to a licensed agent.
What insurance is required to run a small business?
Owning a small business is an amazing achievement. Insuring it correctly is critically important. Your insurance needs depend on what your small business does. Some businesses can get away with minimal coverages while others need very comprehensive coverage for more complex businesses. Talk to an agent for advice on what types of coverage your business needs.
How much does business insurance cost?
The cost of business insurance varies tremendously based on what coverage you need. Professional Liability for instance may only be $150 a month while commercial truck insurance may cost upwards of $5,000 a month. The only way to know is to get a quote from a licensed insurance agent.
Alliance West Insurance, Inc.
6919 Lakewood Dr. W., Ste. D-1
Tacoma, WA 98467
Get directions
253-314-5371
info@alliancewestinsurance.com
Hours By Phone:
Monday thru Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Hours For Walk Ins:
Monday thru Friday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed