Starting a New Business? Do You Know the Insurance You Need?

TAMPA, Fla., March 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Now that you're getting your business up and running, it's time to think about the types of insurance you need, according to Rick Russo, senior vice president of Lykes Insurance, a premier Florida-based commercial insurance firm.

"Although there are all types of new businesses starting every day and some may need more specific insurance coverages, certain basic insurance coverage is needed for any new business," says Russo. "We know that business insurance may seem complicated for new business owners, but the following should fit the bill for almost any new business."

• General Liability insurance is a must for all new businesses. This is a broad form of liability insurance that will protect you against liability claims if someone should be injured on your premises or away from your premises due to an accident caused by you or your employees; as well as damage or injury caused by your products or completed work.
• Workers' Compensation insurance provides insurance coverage for employees injured while at work. Requirements vary from state to state, but if you are in the construction business in the State of Florida, for example, you will need to purchase workers' compensation if you have one employee. If the one employee is the owner, you may file for an exemption with the State of Florida. All other companies in the State of Florida are required to purchase workers' compensation insurance once they reach a total of four employees. However, if you have fewer than four employees and do not purchase workers' compensation insurance, you could be held responsible for medical and other expenses associated with an injured employee, so workers' compensation is actually needed once you hire your first employee.
• Vehicle insurance is needed if your business has company vehicles. If you do not own a vehicle in the company, it is recommended you add Hired and Non-Owned insurance to your General Liability insurance policy. This provides protection for your company when an employee is using a personal vehicle on company time or if you rent or borrow a vehicle for business purposes.
• Property Insurance will be needed if you have purchased a building, but also for your business property such as office furniture and equipment.
• An Umbrella insurance policy is recommended because it provides additional liability insurance coverage over and above the General Liability, Workers' Compensation and Automobile Insurance policies.

"Depending on your business, some of the other insurance policies you should inquire about would be Business Income, Electronic Data Processing, Crime, Inland Equipment, Employment Practices Liability, Cyber Liability and Directors & Officers," says Russo.  He suggests that business owners ask their insurance advisor for guidance as to the types of insurance and the levels of coverage that will best protect their new business. 

About Lykes Insurance
Lykes Insurance was founded in 1925 by Lykes Bros. Inc., a 101 year-old privately held Florida-based company. As a premier commercial insurance firm with offices in Tampa, Fort Myers, Winter Park and Sarasota, Lykes Insurance focuses on building long lasting partnerships with companies and individuals, providing protection for businesses, managing risk and designing innovative employee benefit solutions. For more information, please visit www.lykesinsurance.com.

Media Contact:
Suzie Boland
RFB Communications Group
[email protected]
813-786-1019

SOURCE Lykes Insurance

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