What Types of Commercial Insurance Should I Get for a New Business?

When starting a new business in Bloomfield, NJ, entrepreneurs face numerous tasks, including determining the types of commercial insurance to purchase for their enterprise. Many different lines of commercial insurance can protect your enterprise, but the sheer number of policies can confuse many first-time buyers. The agents at E.S.T.I.R. Inc. can help guide you through the most appropriate commercial lines for your industry.

Essential Commercial Coverage

When determining what types of commercial lines to buy, you should consider several factors. These include your business type, location, assets, and number of employees. Some counties or municipalities require you to have certain protections in place, so check local requirements. Your business type will also determine if you need protection beyond the essentials.

The three essential types of commercial insurance are:

  • General liability – protecting you from claims of bodily injury or property damage caused by operations
  • Professional liability – covering claims of negligence or errors when offering advice
  • Workers’ compensation – providing medical benefits to employees injured on the job

Additional Lines to Consider

Daily operations often prompt business owners to consider additional coverage. Remember that you can always add protection when your operations expand. Other commonly purchased commercial lines include:

  • Commercial property – covering physical damage to buildings and equipment
  • Commercial auto – for accidents involving business vehicles
  • Business interruption – covering loss of income
  • Cyber insurance – for financial losses from data breaches or cyberattacks
  • Umbrella insurance – providing excess liability

You can bundle several lines of commercial insurance in a business owner’s policy (BOP) that provides a premium discount.

Find the commercial insurance lines that are appropriate for your company by contacting the professionals at E.S.T.I.R. Inc., serving Bloomfield, NJ. Call our office to get started on your coverage.

What Contractors Need to Know About Subcontractor Insurance

When you’re managing a construction project, every detail matters—especially when it comes to insurance. At E.S.T.I.R. Inc., serving the community in and around Bloomfield, NJ, we work with contractors every day who want to protect their projects, their teams, and their reputations. One area that often raises questions is subcontractor insurance. If you’re hiring subcontractors, understanding how insurance fits into the picture is crucial.

Why Subcontractor Coverage Matters

Bringing subcontractors onto a job site introduces new risks, and it’s not safe to assume they’re automatically covered by your general liability policy. If a subcontractor causes damage or gets injured, you could be held liable if they don’t carry the right insurance. Verifying their coverage before work begins is an essential step in protecting your business.

Certificates of Insurance: More Than Just Paperwork

It’s common for contractors to request a certificate of insurance from every subcontractor. However, don’t just file it away—review it carefully. Ensure it lists the correct types of coverage, including liability and workers’ compensation, and that the policy limits meet your project’s requirements. Additionally, check if you’re listed as an additional insured whenever possible.

Safeguarding Your Bottom Line

Accidents happen, even with experienced crews. If a subcontractor’s policy lapses or doesn’t provide adequate coverage, you could be left dealing with the financial consequences. Taking a proactive approach to insurance helps you avoid costly delays, lawsuits, or damaged relationships with clients.

Before your next project, make sure you’re fully covered. Contact E.S.T.I.R. Inc., serving the greater Bloomfield, NJ area, to learn more about subcontractor insurance options and how we can help you keep your projects running smoothly and safely.