TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What is business insurance, and how does it work?
- What does small business insurance coverage include?
- Is small business insurance compulsory?
- What’s the difference between public liability insurance and professional liability insurance?
- Can I get business insurance as a sole trader?
- Do I need commercial property insurance?
- How much does business insurance cost for small business owners?
As a small business owner in Australia, you not only want to earn a living but also protect what you’ve worked so hard to build. But because we can’t prevent the unexpected from happening, getting yourself set up with an adequate level of business insurance is a smart move. So, how much should you budget for the insurance policy, and what level of cover do you need to make the insurance cost worthwhile?
Whether you’re a sole trader, a start-up, or a seasoned business owner looking to expand your operations, getting the right business insurance is the best way to safeguard your business against potential liabilities. Here’s what you need to know.
What is business insurance, and how does it work?
Business insurance is a financial protection policy designed for risks companies face. Think of business insurance as a ‘safety net’ that protects your operations from financial losses due to unforeseen events – accidents, natural disasters, theft, fire, legal claims, etc. If something affects your operations, you can recover and continue running your business without a major financial strain.
How much business insurance costs comes down to the insurance premiums set by your provider, often by gauging your risk profile as a business. In return for covering this small business insurance cost, your insurance company will agree to cover specified losses or damages up to a certain limit.
The types of cover included in a business insurance policy can range from public liability insurance (which covers injury claims) to professional indemnity insurance (which protects against claims of negligence) and more – although don’t get it confused with workers’ compensation insurance, which is compulsory for most Australian businesses.
There are also more recent types of insurance, such as cyber insurance, that can protect you in the digital age. It’s essential to take the time to research which business insurance (e.g., general liability insurance) is right for your particular needs by comparing policies, getting quotes, and reading the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
What does small business insurance coverage include?
Small business insurance generally includes various coverage options to protect you against the risks of running a business. The most common types of cover include:
● Public liability insurance: Protects against claims of injury or property damage caused by your business operations.
● Professional indemnity insurance: Covers legal costs and damages if a client claims your advice or services caused them financial loss.
● Commercial property insurance: Protects your business premises and contents from damage due to incidents like fire, theft, vandalism, etc.
● Workers compensation insurance: Mandatory for businesses with employees, as it covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is injured while on the job.
● Business interruption insurance: Covers loss of income if your business cannot operate due to a covered event, such as a fire or flood.
It might seem not very easy, but your policy will clearly state which types of business insurance are and aren’t covered – and as such, you may need to take out more than one policy. The bottom line is that having the appropriate amount of insurance is the only way to guarantee your business will be financially protected against the abovementioned risks.
Is small business insurance compulsory?
While not all forms of business insurance are compulsory in Australia, certain types are required by law. If you have employees, for example, you may need workers’ compensation insurance.
Certain industries or contracts will also require that you take out a specific type of cover, such as public liability or professional indemnity insurance. Even if it’s not mandatory, having something like business interruption insurance is highly recommended, as the right policy could protect you against events that could hamstring your business’s financial health.
What’s the difference between public liability insurance and professional liability insurance?
Public liability insurance and professional liability insurance serve different purposes for protecting a business. First, public liability insurance covers claims related to injuries or property damage that directly result from your business activities. This is highly recommended, if not necessary, for companies that interact with the public or clients in person (e.g., retail shops or tradies).
Then there’s professional liability insurance, which is also sometimes referred to as professional indemnity insurance. This one protects businesses that provide professional services or give out advice. It covers legal costs and damages if a client claims your services caused them financial loss, so it’s perfect for consultants, accountants, lawyers and other service-based businesses.
Can I get business insurance as a sole trader?
Yes, sole traders in Australia can – and should – get at least some level of business insurance. Since you work for yourself, you are personally responsible for every part of your business operations – meaning your personal assets could be at risk if a claim is made against your business.
Depending on your work, you’ll want to consider the small business insurance cost of not taking out cover. From public liability to professional indemnity to income protection insurance, sole traders can get a lot out of protection from these policies.
Do I need commercial property insurance?
Commercial property insurance can be a smart investment if your business owns or leases physical premises. The right policy will protect not just the building but also your equipment and stock against damage caused by fire, theft, and natural disasters.
Without commercial property insurance, the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property could be financially devastating for your business. Even if you work from home, it’s worth considering this policy as your standard home insurance probably won’t cover business-related damages.
How much does business insurance cost for small business owners?
Small business insurance costs can be strikingly different depending on the size of your business, the industry you operate in, the level of cover required, and the risks associated with running your business.
Ultimately, premiums can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand annually. It’s up to you to research, compare quotes from different providers online, and find a policy that matches your needs while fitting into your budget.
Remember the golden rule: an insurance policy that doesn’t cover you adequately is not worth the money, no matter how cheap. Instead, look for value to get the most out of your business insurance cost.
