The change in how we do business across the nation and the world, has allowed for businesses run out of private homes to become a commonplace occurrence versus an exception.
Companies have realized that a brick-and-mortar facility isn’t always needed to operate their business effectively and efficiently. If you’re one of the many people who’ve converted your basement into your shop or are now calling your dining room your new workspace, you may have some questions about your new working environment.
Does your homeowners insurance provide coverage for your business needs? Or do you still need to keep in force your business insurance policy? What equipment is covered and what’s not covered? If you’re working remote and get hurt during business hours is it covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation policy?
Does your homeowners insurance provide coverage for your business?
Homeowners insurance isn’t business insurance, so business owners need to understand their homeowners insurance policy may not provide all the coverage they need. A business owner needs to consider the following when determining which types of coverage are necessary:
- Business Personal Property – What limits do you need? Can your homeowners insurance policy be endorsed to include adequate coverage?
- Liability – Is there coverage if a customer slips and falls, injuring themselves while visiting your home? If your business makes crafts, is there products completed coverage?
- Auto insurance – If you’re using your personally owned auto for business needs, is there coverage provided from your personal auto insurance policy?
- Business income – If your home burns down and it causes your business to pause operations, is there coverage?
It’s imperative policyholders check their homeowners insurance policy to verify if there’s adequate coverage, or they should discuss adding coverage with their independent agent.
Does your homeowners insurance provide coverage if you’re an employee working remotely?
Many employees today have found working from home can be just as productive as working from the office. But there are some questions that need to be answered to make sure there are no coverage gaps between what your homeowners insurance policy provides and what’s covered under your employer’s business policy.
- Who provides coverage for the laptop you use for work? What about other equipment such as printers, cell phone, or iPad?
- What if you get injured while working at home? Are you covered under your employer’s workers’ compensation policy, or are you covered under your homeowners insurance policy?
- What if you’re working from a remote place other than your home?
- What if you use your personal auto for business purposes? Where’s the coverage being provided?
To gain a more thorough understanding of what insurance coverage is provided by your employer, you should contact your human resources department. To understand what your homeowners insurance policy covers, contact your independent insurance agent.
Do you have any tips or information you’d like to share? I’d love to hear them; please share them in the box below.
This blog was written by Travis Rush, Commercial Lines underwriting manager.
This article is intended for general educational and illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to communicate legal or professional advice. Further, this article is not an offer to sell insurance. Please consult with your licensed insurance agent for specific coverage details and your insurance eligibility. All policies are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations, definitions, and exclusions contained therein.
