Small business insurance
Most small businesses start with a business owner's policy: property, liability and lost income in one package. Then you add the pieces the package leaves out.
What's in the package, and what isn't
- Business owner's policy (BOP)
Property, general liability and business income, sold together for small businesses that qualify.
For example A customer slips on a spilled drink in front of your counter and breaks an ankle.
- Business income
Part of the BOP. It replaces income you lose while you're closed after a covered loss.
For example A fire next door shuts your shop for six weeks.
- Commercial auto
Not in a BOP. Covers vehicles your business owns or uses.
For example Your delivery van clips a car in a parking lot.
- Workers' comp
Not in a BOP either. Whether you need it depends on your state and headcount.
For example An employee strains their back unloading a shipment.
- Professional liability
Not in a BOP. Covers claims that your advice or professional work cost a client money.
For example A client says a mistake in your work cost them a contract.
- Cyber
Covers the costs of a data breach or hack, and claims from the people whose information got out.
For example Ransomware locks your computers and customer records the week before tax season.
When insurance is required
Everywhere
- None of our three states requires business insurance just because you're in business. Requirements come from having employees, driving for work, a licensed trade, public contracts, local permits, or your lease. Source: onestop.ky.gov
- Commercial leases often require liability coverage at set limits, with the landlord named as an additional insured. Your signed lease decides it. Source: sec.gov
Rules change. We checked these against the official sources in October 2026; call us before you rely on one.