New Jersey is home to over 908,209 small businesses that employ nearly half of the state’s workforce. These entrepreneurs need business insurance nj to keep their businesses running smoothly.
A reputable licensed agent will help you find policies that match your business needs. It’s important to shop around for prices and benefits before you buy a policy.
General Liability
Every New Jersey small business owner should consider general liability insurance. It covers medical costs and legal fees that are associated with a claim for bodily injury or property damage. This type of policy is particularly important for businesses that sell goods, provide services or work outdoors.
It also protects you if your business is sued for libel, slander, or advertising injuries. This type of coverage is not required in the state, but it’s a good idea to have it in place if you want to keep your reputation intact.
General liability is one of the most crucial types of business insurance in New Jersey, and it can save you thousands of dollars in the event that someone is hurt on your property. In fact, 40 percent of small businesses will face a liability suit in the next decade.
The average cost of a general liability policy is between $500,000 and $1 million, but this isn’t the only thing to consider when looking for coverage. A New Jersey insurance agent can help you determine how much insurance you need based on the risk factors that are unique to your industry.
Whether you’re a landscaping company or a landscaping contractor, IT contractor, real estate agent or marketing agency, general liability is an essential part of any New Jersey small business’s budget.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation coverage helps you pay for injuries suffered by employees, and it can also provide death benefits if an employee dies as a result of their work-related injury. Having workers’ compensation insurance for your business in New Jersey is a must, as it can help you avoid costly lawsuits and keep you protected.
This policy pays for medical treatment and lost wages if your employee is injured while on the job. It also provides payment if they become disabled, which can affect their ability to work and their income.
In New Jersey, this policy is mandatory for all businesses that have employees, including part-time and temporary workers. It can also cover employees who are classified as independent contractors, like subcontractors or consultants.
The cost of this policy is based on the classification of your employees and their payroll. Past claims and a high payroll load are factors that will impact your premium, so it’s important to work with an expert who can assess your risk level.
Workers’ compensation insurance covers workers who are hurt while on the job or while working for a business that has been damaged by a covered event, such as a robbery. It can also cover accidents that happen outside of your premises.
You may be eligible for temporary total disability, permanent partial disability, or death benefits if you suffer an injury on the job. These benefits will cover any medical costs, lost wages, and funeral expenses associated with your injury.
Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)
A business owner’s policy (BOP) combines general liability and property insurance into one easy-to-manage policy. This makes it ideal for small businesses with low-risk profiles that don’t need a full-blown, customized insurance program.
A BOP typically offers protection for the building you own, the space you lease, or any other property you need to run your business. It also offers business interruption coverage that replaces income if you’re forced to close temporarily due to a covered loss event, like a fire or flood.
You can also get coverage for the contents of your business’s building, including furniture, equipment, inventory, and raw materials. It protects you against damage to your building’s structure and items inside, as well as theft or vandalism.
Depending on your needs, you can add endorsements to customize your BOP. These may include commercial auto, cyber liability, inland marine, or professional liability, among others.
This type of insurance is particularly popular with businesses that have employees. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs that can arise if an employee is injured on the job.
Commercial Auto
Whether you run a landscaping business that needs a truck to haul equipment, or you are an electrician who uses a fleet of service vehicles to carry tools and materials, your business requires commercial auto insurance. Without it, you could be sued for property damage or injury, and you might have to pay an expensive settlement.
New Jersey law requires that any vehicle that’s used solely for work purposes, including trucks and vans, must be insured. This includes cars, pickups, SUVs, and CUVs, as well as trucks and vans used by your employees.
The size of your business, how many employees use your vehicles, and how much they’re worth influence the cost of a commercial auto policy. For example, a plumber who carries heavy tools to various job sites each day will have a higher rate than a tech firm that runs occasional errands for customers.
Your company’s geographical location can also affect the price of your coverage. Cities with more claims and higher costs for accident settlements tend to have higher premiums.
Commercial auto insurance is designed to protect your business’s vehicles and your drivers. It offers liability, uninsured motorists, hired auto, and medical payments protection.
It also helps pay for damage to other people’s property, injuries, and medical expenses if you or your employees are involved in an accident. It can also help protect you from fines and penalties for driving without insurance, so your business doesn’t end up in financial ruin.