Finding the right insurance* for your business is about more than just looking at what you will pay in premiums. In fact, there are many more factors to consider, including the biggest risks to your business, exclusions in the policy, and coverage limitations.
Business insurance can get a little confusing at times, so here are seven top tips to help you compare business insurance quotes and find the right policy for your business and budget. If you are scratching your head a little trying to make heads or tails of business insurance, read on to learn simple yet effective tips to help you compare business insurance quotes and find the right policy for the risks your business may face.
1. Choose reputable insurance companies
Seek business insurance quotes from established and reliable insurance companies. There are many independent rating agencies that evaluate the financial strength and stability of insurers. Avoid insurance companies that don’t make the grade.
2. Insurance is not the only thing to consider
Small business owners operating on a tight budget may be tempted to base their business insurance purchase decisions on premium costs, rather than on the protection that best suits the risk profile of their business.
Be sure to consider your purpose for purchasing insurance for your business before deciding on a price. You’re buying business insurance to minimise the risk of financial loss. There’s often a good reason that certain insurance policies are cheaper than others. Is it possible to add additional coverage later? Are the limits set high enough for your business? Look beyond the dollar signs to find out what makes one policy different from another.
3. Know what’s covered and what’s excluded
Business insurance can differ dramatically from insurer to insurer and policy to policy. You can benefit from carefully reviewing each policy’s coverage options to ensure you understand what you are getting.
Each business insurance policy will list the inclusions and exclusions of its coverage. These items will determine your insurance coverage. When comparing business insurance quotes you will benefit from carefully considering the coverage offered and how matches the potential risks to your business. Some of the most common types of business insurance for Australian small business owners include:
- Public Liability insurance
- Professional Indemnity insurance
- Cyber Liability insurance
- Business insurance pack
- Commercial Property insurance
When comparing business insurance quotes, don’t assume that all quotes are the same, no matter which type of business insurance you are comparing. When it comes time to make a claim, you don’t want a policy that only provides part of the coverage your business requires.
4. Check your policy limits and deductibles
Insurance policy limits represent the maximum amount that an insurance company will pay out for a particular event, claim, or instance. When comparing business insurance quotes and purchasing business insurance for your small business, limits can help protect you against potentially damaging claims arising from potential liability lawsuits and other financial losses.
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance benefits kick in on a claim. Usually, the higher the deductible, the lower your premium. You may be required to hold certain types of business insurance to enter into contracts with clients, or for leasing business property, or for mortgage agreements. In these cases, it is important to ensure that the policy you purchase meets any contract requirements you need to meet.
5. Choose a policy that can grow with your business
Compare small business insurance quotes and consider how much your business could grow in a year. You’ll need to allow for some wiggle room when reviewing the limits, exclusions and inclusions of your small business insurance policy. This will ensure that your coverage continues to meet your requirements, even if your business grows.
6. Why should you compare several quotes when buying business insurance
Compare quotes from a variety of business insurance providers by comparing your current business insurance policy (if you have an existing policy) with those you are considering first. Think about what you like and dislike about your current business insurance policy, or policies. What is missing?
Do any of the new policies you are considering fill in coverage gaps that were causing you concern with your existing coverage? You can use your current policy to check if you are getting the coverage that you want at a reasonable price.
7. Consider how urgent you will need coverage
Where you purchase your business insurance from can affect how quickly you get covered. If you are signing a new contract or signing off on a large new lease for office space or warehousing space, it may be necessary to adjust your existing coverage as quickly as possible, or purchase new policies where required. In such cases, if time is of the essence, confirm with your business insurance provider that the new business insurance policies you require for your new lease will not be delayed.
When choosing business insurance for your small business, you may benefit from considering more than just how much your insurance premiums will cost you. There are a variety of important factors to consider, including the risks to your business, exclusions in any policy you are considering, and coverage limitations.
Choose BizCover and enjoy a better business insurance experience
There are several compelling reasons why you should compare several quotes before purchasing your business insurance for your small business. So, where to go to compare insurance rates and compare prices for the business insurance policies you are considering? Well, the BizCover website, of course!
Visit bizcover.com.au to check quotes from leading Australian insurers and choose business insurance from a selection of leading Australian insurance companies – all while saving money and time when purchasing your business insurance. If you prefer to chat, you can reach us on 1300 920 874.
*This information is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be relied upon as advice. As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording. © 2023 BizCover Pty Limited, all rights reserved. ABN 68 127 707 975; AFSL 501769.
