Business Insurance

What factors affect the cost of business insurance in Atlanta?

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The cost of business insurance depends on a variety of factors.

The cost of business insurance depends on a variety of factors.

When you’re buying Atlanta business insurance, there are a lot of different factors to consider. Insurance will help you protect your business, and it’s a big part of your risk management plan – your keep-the-doors-open-and-don’t-go-bankrupt plan. But the question in your mind might be how much does business insurance cost. The answer to that is a bit complicated. One business is not the same as the other, so each business will pay a different rate for their insurance. We’ll explain the factors that affect the cost of business insurance.

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What is cyber insurance and do I need it for my Atlanta business?

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If your business relies on computers, you may want to consider cyber insurance.Technology is everywhere, and small businesses aren’t immune from its far-reaching effects. Businesses are relying on computers and storing more data (including customer information) online, so the risk associated with technology has gone up. Hackers can break into a computer system and cause a business to come to a screeching halt through a data breach, a DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack that locks employees and customers out of your website, and cyber extortion (where a hacker takes your computer files hostage electronically and demands ransom.) Commercial general liability insurance will most likely not help you if you have a cyber issue, but cyber liability insurance was designed for the purpose of covering technology-based risks. Let’s explain how cyber liability insurance can protect your business.

What is cyber liability insurance?

To put it in a nutshell, cyber insurance can cover technology-related risks that other types of business insurance don’t. There are quite a few damaging losses related to computers and technology that could befall your business – more than “quite a few” to tell the truth. Like we said, cyber insurance is specifically tailored to tech-related risks your business faces. In today’s day and age, managing your business’s cyber liability risks has become increasingly important.

Okay – before we go any further we have to say one thing: you really need to know what your particular policy would cover and what it would not. Ask questions, read it carefully, and understand what sort of losses are covered.

What does cyber insurance generally cover?

Your computers are surprisingly fragile. They’re not as secure and impenetrable as they seem, which is why cyber insurance can help you out of the following pickles:

Business interruptions:

Cyber can help your business cover costs associated with being in temporary shutdown mode due to a hostile hacker or another cyber incident. It may help cover…

  • Lost income and profits you would have earned
  • Operating expenses
  • Costs of rented or leased equipment

Data breaches:

If a hacker steals your customers’ personal information, you may have a nightmare on your hands. You could be responsible for notifying the affected customers, which isn’t inexpensive (not to mention that they’re probably not going to be too happy about the situation.) Then there are the costs of possibly offering identity theft monitoring to those impacted and the potential for legal action. Cyber liability insurance can help you with those expenses.

Third-party system damage:

What if one of your employees unintentionally sends an email or file that’s infected with a virus to a customer or vendor and crashes their system? You could be on the hook, and you could owe them damages as your legal responsibility. But cyber could help you.

Cyber extortion:

It sounds almost too out-there to be true, but cyber extortion happens – and it’s fast becoming a favorite of cybercriminals. Cyber extortion is when a hacker takes over your computer system and essentially takes your files hostage, either by encrypting them or blocking your access to the computer. They’ll demand payment to return your files. Talk about taking the direct approach. Anyways, cyber extortion is not only exceedingly rude, it can lead to a host of expenses for your business. Those include loss of revenue and rebuilding if the hacker messed with the files or website before you got them back. But cyber liability could swoop in and save the day.

It would be wonderful if our computers were as invincible as we wish they were, but the reality is that hackers are professionals at finding weak spots in their defenses. From there, they attack ruthlessly. Before you know it, you have a cyber catastrophe on your hands – a catastrophe that may not be covered under your other business insurance policies. When considering what kind of insurance your business needs, you may want to consider cyber liability if your business relies on computers to store or transmit data and information.

Your Atlanta Insurance agent can help you find the cyber insurance and business insurance you need to protect your business. Every business needs a unique insurance plan, and we can help you create one that’s customized for you. All you have to do to get business insurance quotes is fill out our online form or give us a call today.

Save money on Atlanta restaurant insurance with these restaurant safety tips

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Restaurant safety can help you get lower insurance rates.

Restaurants are usually a frenzy of go, go, go as waiters take orders, cooks rush around preparing meals, and customers ask for extra pickles. With the high-pressure environment and near-constant multitasking, safety may sometimes take a backseat. But it’s essential to make safety a priority at your Atlanta restaurant – doing so can help you save money on your restaurant insurance (general liability, workers’ comp, and the like.) Safety helps everyone, employees and customers alike, avoid accidents. So here are our restaurant safety tips.

How safe is the food preparation area/kitchen of your restaurant?

The first area we’ll examine is the kitchen itself. Boiling water, sharp knives, slick floors…the kitchen is one rogue tomato slice falling on the floor away from a workers’ comp claim. Check out these tips – your kitchen staff will thank you.

  • Plan out the food prep areas so no one has to strain or overreach.
  • Train your staff on how to chop and dice so they can avoid stress injuries from the repetitive motion.
  • Provide uniforms, hairnets, and gloves as well as the right utensils to get the job done.
  • Make sure employers are wearing and using the approved tools and clothes.
  • Provide chairs, footrests, or stools if needed so your staff can avoid standing for too long.

Are your employees lifting safely?

You probably wouldn’t wish a thrown-out back on your worst enemy. Lifting light or heavy loads could cause strain or injury if not done properly. Arms, legs, back – there are a lot of things that could hurt. Try implementing these lifting rules at your restaurant so everyone knows how to lift loads properly.

  • Lift with your legs, not your back. That means you have to squat to lift the load.
  • Bring heavy loads close to the body. This helps with balance and reduces the chance of muscle strain.
  • Use tilt containers or get help when transporting fluids or heavy items.
  • Have your supervisors lead by example.

Will your employees (or guests) slip, trip, or fall?

Slips, trips, and falls are one of the leading causes of general liability claims. Guests could hold you legally liable if they get hurt on your premises. And if an employee gets hurt on the job, you’d have to file a workers’ comp claim. Check out these tips for preventing a slip, trip, or fall on your premises.

  • Make sure your staff is trained to mop up and clean spills ASAP.
  • Keep all walkways, the kitchen floor, supply room, and freezer clear of things that people could trip over. Provide clear paths and move obstacles out of the way – this is a restaurant, not an Olympic hurdling competition.
  • Enforce proper ladder safety and train your staff to use ladders safely.
  • Have your employees wear slip-resistant shoes.
  • Sweep and mop the kitchen floor each night.

Are you preventing cuts, burns, and lacerations?

The last thing you want is to hear a cry of pain coming from your kitchen. You don’t want to see any of your employees get hurt, so take these steps to prevent cuts and burns.

  • Teach safe cutting, slicing, and dicing and spend ample time training new employees.
  • Have refresher training for employees who have worked with you for a while.
  • Make sure everyone knows how to use the appliances safely.
  • Provide hand protection for cutting, slicing, dicing, and chopping food.
  • Don’t allow employees to wear loose clothing or long jewelry.
  • Set up a protocol for using hot cooking appliances, grease, and water.

Do you prevent kitchen fires at your restaurant?

Unfortunately, many restaurants have met their doom because of kitchen fires. There are many ways that a kitchen fire can start and get out of control. Since flames are probably not the decorative look you have in mind for your restaurant, use these tips to lessen the chances of fire.

  • Keep work areas clean and tidy.
  • Have functional fire extinguishers on-hand and readily accessible.
  • Train employees on how to use fire extinguishers.
  • Have a no-smoking policy and enforce it.
  • Create a fire-escape plan.
  • Practice said fire-escape plan by holding fire drills (they’re not just for school children.)
  • Teach all workers how to raise the alarm and call 911 in case of an emergency.
  • Regularly check and maintain all fire equipment (sprinklers, etc.)

Your restaurant is supposed to be a place for relaxing and enjoying delicious food. Yes, your employees might run around like crazy to make that happen for your guests, but don’t forget to make safety part of your day. It might be a lot to remember as everyone’s cooking, waiting tables, and sidestepping each other, but if you implement a little bit of teamwork and look out for each other, you can make safety a matter of routine and get lower restaurant insurance rates.

Looking to get a restaurant insurance quote in Atlanta? We can help with that. We’ll help you shop for the best possible rate for your restaurant insurance. All you have to do is fill out our quote form or give us a call today.

How to prevent general liability tripping, slipping, and falling claims at your Atlanta business

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Prevent general liability claims by minimizing the chances of tripping or slipping at your business.

Prevent general liability claims by minimizing the chances of tripping or slipping at your business.

As a business owner, you assume a lot of risks. Whenever there are people on your premises – whether they’re employees or customers – there’s the chance that someone could slip and fall. If someone does slip, trip, or fall and get hurt on your property, your business could be found responsible and you could face a hefty lawsuit. Lawsuits are often financially draining for businesses. Sure, you have general liability insurance to protect you from slipping and tripping lawsuits, but the best thing is to prevent slips and falls before they happen. We’ve got some tips to help you slip-proof and trip-proof your business so that you can avoid general liability claims.

1. Train your employees.

Slips and falls can happen in a split second. If someone gets hurt, your employees might get a bit panicked, so it’s important that they know what to do so they can take charge of the situation calmly and efficiently. And it’s important that your employees know what could become a slip or trip hazard.

Your training should cover:

  • Recognizing slip, trip, and fall hazards
  • Cleaning up spills promptly
  • Keeping the workplace tidy and free of clutter
  • Keeping walkways clear
  • Reporting hazards that the employee can’t fix themselves so that management can take care of it
  • What to do if someone falls or gets hurt
  • Informing management about the fall
  • Calling 911 if necessary

2. Neutralize indoor slipping and tripping hazards.

There are many potential hazards that could cause someone to slip or trip. Since you don’t want a customer or employee to have a fall, take some time and evaluate the inside of your premises for hazards.

You can use the following list as a start:

  • Check carpet for any holes, tears, or seams that could trip someone and fix them.
  • Mark any ledges or steps on your floor clearly so that people won’t trip over them.
  • Make sure any doormats and rugs are lying flat.
  • Use wet floor signs for freshly mopped areas or places where there are spills. Clean up spills immediately.
  • Check that there’s enough lighting so people can see where they’re going. Replace any burned out light bulbs.
  • Make sure your emergency exit lighting is working properly.
  • If you have any stairs, make sure they’re not cluttered and that your handrails are secure.

3. Get rid of any outdoor tripping/slipping/falling hazards.

Your responsibility/liability doesn’t end at the front doors of your business. If someone gets hurt outside your business, like in the parking lot, you could be found liable. Make sure that your property – including the outside – is free of trip hazards.

  • Check that the walkway is clear of cracks and holes that could trip someone.
  • Get any potholes or cracks in the parking lot repaired and fix any uneven surfaces.
  • Make sure that you have enough outdoor lighting so that people can find their way. (Side note: Having adequate outdoor lighting can also help you prevent a burglary at your business.)
  • Have a plan for how to handle ice in the winter months. Maybe we don’t get a ton of snow in Atlanta, but we do get ice when it freezes overnight. Have sand or salt on-hand and look into getting a service that will clear your walkway and parking lot. Be vigilant for icy patches and use signs to keep people from accidentally walking on them.

Taking steps to remove slipping and tripping hazards at your business can help protect both your customers and your employees (you would have to file a workers’ comp claim if an employee fell at work.) Tripping can lead to broken bones, sprains, and many other injuries. But your business can take to reduce the chances of someone getting hurt and subsequently taking legal action against you. So, go on trip patrol and remove any hazards before they hurt someone.

If you want to shop around for your business insurance so that you can save some money, we would be more than happy to help you! We can help you get Atlanta business insurance quotes and save some money. All you have to do is fill out our online form or give us a call today.

What kind of insurance do I need for my Atlanta business?

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Every business needs a unique insurance plan.

Every business needs a unique insurance plan.

Business insurance is an essential part of risk management and protecting your business. There are many mishaps that could befall you, so it’s important to have different types of coverage to protect against various risks. However, the process of getting the coverage your business needs can seem very overwhelming. Determining what kinds of insurance you need can be complicated, and we recommend enlisting the help of a trustworthy insurance advisor. Nonetheless, we’ve come up with a list of seven types of coverage that you might want to consider for your business.

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Atlanta workplace hazards: How to become a sensational ladder safety pro

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We've got some ladder safety tips to help you and your coworkers stay safe on the job.

We've got some ladder safety tips to help you and your coworkers stay safe on the job.

You and your coworkers might be super confident around ladders. You might use them all the time and scamper up and down without fear. But it’s important to remember that ladders, though they seem harmless enough, present risks to your safety. Falling from heights is always among the top ten causes of workplace injuries. To help you brush up on your ladder safety skills, become a pro, and avoid worker’s comp claims, we’ve come up with a dozen safety tips for you and your coworkers.

1. Wear the proper footwear.

It’s important that you wear nonslip shoes if you’re going to be climbing up and down ladders. If the soles of your shoes don’t have enough grip, you could find yourself in free fall before you even realize what happened.

Also, take the time to check the bottom of your shoes before going up. Mud, debris, or leaves stuck to your soles might cause your foot to slip. Clean your shoes off before climbing.

2. Always face the ladder when climbing up or down.

Always face the rungs when you’re going up or going down. This will help you keep your balance and have more security on the steps.

3. Take turns.

Only one person on the ride at a time, please. Ladders are only meant to hold one person. Adding a second person to the mix can throw off the balance and support, which might result in the ladder crashing down.

4. Watch the doors.

Don’t put a ladder near a door that could hit it if it opened suddenly. Make sure that all problem doors are locked or guarded if someone has to get on a ladder near a doorway. Also, don’t support or prop the ladder against a door – bad plan. If the door suddenly opened … well, no one wants to do a face plant, right?

5. Clear the area around the base of the ladder of items that could endanger the worker using it.

Make sure to keep the work area nice and tidy. Move anything that could cause a teammate harm out of the way.

6. Work in pairs.

There should be someone to hold the ladder to keep it steady whenever someone climbs. Don’t fly solo – employ the buddy system.

7. Never move the ladder while someone’s on it.

The ladder should only be moved when everyone has their feet safely on the ground. Seriously. Avoid the insurance claim and save money on your business insurance premiums.

8. Keep your center of gravity steady.

Balance is important when it comes to ladders. Your belt buckle should always be in the middle of the rungs to make sure that you’re centered and balanced. Don’t stretch or overreach over the side – you could lose your balance and make an unplanned descent to the ground.

9. Choose the right ladder for the job and set it up right.

Make sure that your ladder is the right size for the task at hand. The length of the ladder should be three feet over the roofline of the roofing surface if you’re doing roof work.

When you place the ladder against the wall or surface, it should make a 75˚ angle with the ground. You can use the 1:4 ratio trick to help you figure out if you’ve got the angle right. Place the base one foot back from the wall for every four feet of height from the ground to the place of contact.

10. Don’t step on the top rung or shelf.

The big “NOT A STEP” and “DO NOT STEP” signs are there for a reason. Don’t disobey the warnings. It might seem like you can balance on that top step, but it is definitely not worth the risk of falling.

11. Make sure the ladder is in good condition.

Never use a ladder that’s broken or in disrepair. Ladders that aren’t in tip-top shape can slip, break, or collapse while someone’s using them. And that would not be good. If you’re using an extension ladder, check all of the locks carefully and make sure they’re secure before using it.

12. Set up the ladder on a firm, solid surface.

Be sure to place the base on a steady, even surface so that it won’t wobble or slip.

13. Don’t leave a ladder set up and unattended.

When you’re done with the ladder, take it down and move it to a safe place. Don’t leave it propped up against a home or wall and walk away – that’s a general liability claim waiting to happen if someone gets hurt.

Ladders might not seem like the most dangerous of tools, but falls are a serious cause of injury among workers. It’s important not to skip the basic safety rules of using ladders on the job. Make sure everyone stays safe by training everyone in proper ladder use and enforcing safety skills in the workplace.

Need business insurance? We can help with that! We’ve got lots of experience helping business owners save money on their insurance rates – we can help you shop for your insurance. All you have to do to get started with your quotes is fill out our online form or give us a call today.

Do I need business interruption insurance for my Atlanta business?

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If you have to close your business temporarily, business interruption insurance can help.

 

Life is full of unexpected surprises. As a business owner, you might dread a surprise that causes you to close temporarily. If you ever have to close your business because of a natural disaster or another interruption, it’s crucial that you get your business running as quickly as possible. Your reputation – not to mention your income – could suffer the longer you stay closed. But there’s business insurance that can help you in the event of a temporary closure – business interruption insurance. Let’s take a closer look at why your business may want to consider it.

What is business interruption insurance?

Business interruption protects your business from closures resulting from things like natural disasters, equipment damage, and vandalism. The goal is to minimize the financial loss to your business if you have to shut down for a time due to a covered loss.

What is covered by business interruption insurance?

Business interruption insurance covers many different losses that result from having to close your doors. The specifics depend on your policy, which is why you need to make sure to go over the coverage offered very carefully.

Lost revenue:

If you’re temporarily closed due to a covered loss, business interruption insurance will provide you with the earnings that you would have made if your business were running normally. Lost revenue due to a forced closure is often devastating to small businesses, many of which never open their doors again after a disaster. Remember, property insurance only covers the cost of the physical things that were lost or damaged (the building and its contents.) It won’t help you out with your lost income. That’s why business interruption insurance an important thing to consider when you’re creating a disaster plan for your business.

Relocation expenses:

If it’s not possible to use your premises to run your business, you may need to move to a temporary location to keep things rolling. Business interruption insurance may help you with the costs of relocating and your rent and moving costs may also be covered, depending on your coverage.

Wages of your employees:

Your employees would greatly appreciate being paid during your business’s misadventure. Business interruption insurance may help you continue to pay your employees and ensure that they stay with your company by helping you out with payroll.

How do I get business interruption insurance?

Business interruption insurance can be added to your property insurance or included with your business owner’s policy (BOP.) Keep in mind that these policies can be complicated, so you may want to enlist the help of a trusted, qualified insurance advisor to guide you through the process so you can rest assured that you have the insurance you need.

How much business interruption insurance do I need?

You should plan to get enough insurance to cover your business for a good amount of time. You don’t want to run out of insurance when you’re in need.

How much does business interruption insurance cost?

The price of the coverage varies from business to business since no two companies are exactly the same. Some of the factors that influence the cost of business interruption insurance are:

  • Your business’s location
  • The type of work you do
  • How easy it would be for you to work out of a temporary location

Since we don’t know what the future will bring, it’s important to make sure that you plan for a variety of disasters. It’s crucial that you have cash flowing in while your business is closed, and business interruption insurance can help with that. You can secure your business’s future by protecting it with the right business insurance. You might want to consider business interruption insurance to ensure a certain amount of continuity if you ever have to close your business for a short time.

Do you need some quotes for business insurance? We can help you with that. We know that you’d love to save some money on your rates, and we love to help business owners just like you do just that! All you have to do to get started with your quotes is fill out our online form or give us a call today. Our team of agents is here to help.

8 secrets to improving customer loyalty at your Atlanta business

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Having a loyal customer base is important for any business.

Having a loyal customer base is important for any business.

As a business owner, your clients are what keep your doors open. You’re proud of your business and the services you provide. But the key to the success of any business, whether it’s a home-based business or a traditional workplace, is developing a strong base of loyal clients, people who will keep coming back and tell all their friends how awesome your business is. Loyal customers are vital because let’s face it – it costs less to keep people coming back than win over new folks. So, we’ve got some tips for keeping your loyal customers lined up at your doors.

1. Step up your customer service game.

Everyone wants to be treated right. It’s nice to feel like the person assisting you genuinely wants to help you and has an interest. Think about what you can do to improve the customer or client experience. Treat clients with respect and kindness, and make that the business standard. Make sure your employees are greeting and bidding farewell to your clients with a smile and warmth. Even the little things make a difference.

Customer service is a must because it can lead to referrals and recommendations, which are worth their weight in gold.

2. Be genuine.

It’s important that the atmosphere of your business is friendly and welcoming. People like likable people, so if your employees are a good mix of upbeat, friendly, and professional, they’ll win over some customers. Make sure that your loyal clientele gets the treatment and attention they deserve. Develop a relationship with your clients.

3. Do some research.

Take a visit to a competitor (or, if you’re an online or service-oriented business, cruise through some websites.) Find out what worked and what didn’t in your overall customer experience. What could have improved your experience? What would have won you over (or what did win you over, despite this business being your archenemy?)

It’s helpful to take a step back and approach customer loyalty from the perspective of a customer, then bring your observations back to your own company.

4. Amp up your employee morale.

Grouchiness is contagious. If your employees aren’t happy, your clients will pick up on it. Upbeat, smiling employees will make your customers happy, and happy people buy more stuff. So, think of what you can do to help your employees be excited to come to work. Another benefit of improving morale at the workplace is lowering the chance of employee theft at your business.

5. Know how to handle unhappiness.

Unfortunately, the world is not perfect. Mistakes happen. Circumstances conspire against you to create an unpleasant experience for a customer. If that happens, you need to be prepared to handle the complaint professionally, calmly, and promptly. Don’t argue. Apologize, validate the concern, and explain what steps you’re going to take to correct the problem.

Sometimes a customer will be so impressed by the way you handle an adverse situation that you can win them back. So, make sure your employees are prepared to handle various scenarios in which a customer gets testy about something (whether the reasons for their grumpiness are valid or not.) Unhappy customers might not be on your business disaster response plan, but everyone should know how to handle that kind of situation.

6. Think ahead.

Learn to anticipate what your customer or client will need so that you can present it with a flourish when they come to realize the need for themselves. Going the extra mile to take care of a customer will never go amiss.

7. Don’t forget your loyal customers when you’re chasing new business.

Yes, chasing after new customers and trying to win people over is tough work, but it’s important that you don’t get so caught up in doting on potential customers that you forget about the customers you already have., Make sure to nurture the relationships your business has with your current customers so that no one feels like chopped liver.

8. Ask how you can help.

Greet people politely and ask how you can help them. Then, make a genuine effort to do so. Take the time to ask how their day is going and have an honest conversation with them. This will help people feel like you see them as human beings and not just money.

Keeping your valued customers coming back can pump life into your business. Maintaining and building a strong base of loyal clients will ensure that you never lack for people visiting your business and enlisting your services. Throw yourself into customer service. Treat people like human beings. Show that you genuinely care and want to help. Take pride in what you do and blow your customers’ expectations out of the water.

Need some business insurance quotes? Atlanta Insurance can help! We can help you save money on your business insurance rates by shopping around for the best possible price for the coverage you need. All you have to do to get started with your business insurance quotes is fill out our online form or call us today.

Source:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/marccompeau/2011/10/03/nine-ways-to-build-customer-loyalty/#360ee874375c

10 tips to protect your Atlanta business from employee theft

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Employee theft is a major risk for businesses.

As an employer, you don’t want to think that your employees would ever steal from you or do anything that could hurt your business. Unfortunately, employee theft is far more prevalent than many business owners think. Small businesses are just as vulnerable to employee theft as large corporations. Your employees could steal merchandise, cash, or even the financial information of your customers. There are a number of reasons that employees might be tempted to put some money into their own pockets – financial stress or worry about job security can be motivators. We’ve got some tips to help you protect your business from employee theft.

1. Develop positive relationships with employees and create a positive workplace atmosphere.

The first tip is simple. It’s important that your employees feel appreciated and that they enjoy their jobs. If there’s a mutual respect between you, it will reduce the temptation to steal. It’s harder to steal from someone you care about than someone you don’t.

2. Make sure everyone knows what employee fraud is.

All of your employees should know what constitutes employee theft. It might not occur to them that certain things are considered fraud – for example, giving freebies or discounts to friends. You also need to emphasize that you won’t tolerate it.

3. Consider adding crime coverage to your BOP.

You can further protect your business by adding coverages to your business owner’s policy (BOP.) One coverage that can help you is crime coverage. This protects you against a variety of illegal acts. Normally you can add between $1,000 and $5,000 of coverage to your business owner’s policy.

4. Divide up the financial responsibilities.

Make sure that one employee isn’t handling all of the financial duties, such as balancing the books, making deposits, etc. It’s more difficult to get away with stealing when multiple people are watching over the financial details.

Also, make sure that your employees have appropriate oversight by management. Many thefts are of opportunity – the money is there and no one’s around to see an enterprising employee take it.

5. Keep an eye on your inventory.

You should do frequent inventories and internal audits for your business. If your employees know that you’re diligent about checking that everything is as it should be, they’ll be less inclined to try to get away with something. Plus, that’ll make it easier for you to catch any abnormalities, too.

6. Have a security or surveillance system.

A surveillance system or CCTV can help you keep an eye on your premises and dissuade theft of all kinds. This will also help you prevent a burglary at your business. Before you hire a company to outfit your business with cameras and monitoring, do some research about how to choose the right company to install your commercial security system.

7. Use clear trash bags.

It’s a bit gross, but sometimes employees will hide things in the trash and go to retrieve them later. To deter people from doing so, use clear trash bags for all trash cans.

8. Don’t keep lots of cash on-hand.

Deposit money to the bank frequently. If someone does steal cash, better $100 than $500. Do what you can to reduce the amount of cash that you have on-site or in your register.

9. Have a procedure for returns and voids.

Make sure that any returns and voids are properly handled – fraudulent returns are another method of stealing from an employer. They should be witnessed by a second employee to make sure that they’re legit. You can also have your point-of-sale system flag excessive returns and voids so that they’re immediately sent to management.

10. Have a way for employees to report suspicious behavior.

Not that you want to turn your employees into informants, but there should be a way for them to let you know about anything they’ve noticed. Preferably there would be an anonymous way for them to do so – that way they don’t have to worry about retaliation or being seen as a tattletale.

Your employees are a huge asset to your business. They’re what keeps the place going. You want to be able to trust your employees, but that doesn’t mean that you have to leave yourself wide open to the possibility of employee theft. You need to reduce the risk of employee theft and protect your business.

Are you looking for business insurance? We’d love to help you shop for your insurance so that you can get the best coverage for the best possible rate. We can get you free quotes for your Atlanta business insurance so that you can compare rates. All you have to do to get started with your quotes is fill out our online form or give us a call.

8 simple tips for how to buy the best Atlanta business insurance

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We've got a few tips for buying business insurance.

We've got a few tips for buying business insurance.

Business insurance can be intimidating. It can be hard to know where to start with the process of protecting your business, and since the stakes are high it’s important to make sure that you get the insurance you need. If you’re feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed about how to start your quest to insure your business, fear not, valiant business owner – we have some tips that are going to help you as you venture forth on your mission.

1. Figure out the risks your business faces.

Each business is different, which means that each business has unique risks that need to be covered. You need to consider what risks your business faces every day – and keep in mind that these could be disaster-related risks, such as storms, and liability risks (basically risks relating to your legal responsibility if something goes wrong.) Consider how you can lower these risks and figure out how to disaster plan for your business.

2. Do some research on what coverages might be right for you.

Of course, you’re going to want to enlist some professional help when it comes to covering your business’s risks and getting insurance, but it’s still helpful to know some of the lingo before you move forward. Different coverages cover different risks, and some of them are more industry-specific than others.

Some common coverages are…

  • General liability: Protects your business if someone claims that you caused them bodily harm or damaged their property.
  • Commercial property: Protects your premises from disasters like fire and lightning strikes.
  • Business interruption: Reimburses you for lost income if your business has to close temporarily due to a covered loss.
  • Workers’ compensation: Protects your employees by covering medical expenses and a portion of their lost wages if they get hurt on the job.
  • Professional liability: Protects you if negligence or error causes a customer to have a financial loss.
  • Product liability: Protects your business from claims that one of your products caused someone physical harm.
  • Home-based business coverage: This is one way that you can insure a home-based business. It’s basically an extension of your homeowners insurance policy.

3. Find a trustworthy broker who’s familiar with your industry.

When you’re on a mission to get business insurance, it helps to find an agent who understands your line of work and the risks you face. They need to be knowledgeable about your type of work so they can best advise you on your insurance needs and help you get the best rate for the coverage you need.

You also want to find someone that you can trust, someone who’s not going to put their own interests first. One way to find an agent or broker is to ask your friends and connections within your industry if they have any recommendations for you.

4. Don’t forget about BOPs.

BOPs, or business owner’s policies, are a common package policy for small business owners. A package policy is one that bundles different coverages into one policy. In the case of a BOP, it includes general liability, business interruption, and property insurance.

BOPs are helpful because they’re convenient and could help you save money, so you may want to find out if a BOP is right for you. However, you need to look closely at your risks to see if you need to add coverages to a BOP to make sure you’re fully protected.

5. Consider what deductible and limits of coverage are right for you.

Insurance policies will come with deductibles, which is the amount of money you have to pay before the insurance company will pay the rest of a claim. When choosing a deductible, you need to consider how much money your business can comfortably afford if you face a claim. Choosing a higher deductible can help you save money on your business insurance premium, but you don’t want that deductible to be unrealistic or destructive to your business.

As far as limits are concerned, you need to make sure the limits of coverage on your policies – the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out on a claim – are high enough to protect your business. You don’t want to end up finding out the hard way that your business is underinsured.

6. Go insurance shopping.

It’s important to compare rates from several different companies when you’re shopping for insurance. You’ll want to compare coverages and prices to ensure that you’re getting the best insurance plan for your business for the best price. Companies assess risks differently, meaning that you might find a lower rate by checking around with several different carriers. Keep in mind, though, that you should never sacrifice coverage to save a bit of money.

7. Know what insurance you’re required by law to have.

When you’re on your insurance quest, make sure you look into any insurance requirements that you might need to fulfill. You might be required by state or federal law to carry certain coverages at certain limits. Double check to make sure you’re staying compliant with those laws.

8. Check your business insurance needs every year.

It’s important to reconsider your business’s insurance needs annually because things may have changed. Your business may have grown, meaning you might need to raise your limits of coverage. Maybe there are new risks that you need to cover. Whatever the case may be, it’s advisable to take a good hard look at your business insurance once a year to scout for any changes that might mean you need to adjust your coverage.

Get a business insurance quote.

Getting business insurance may seem like a daunting prospect, and hopefully the above tips are helpful to you as you undertake your quest. If you have any questions at all about your insurance, please feel free to reach out to us. If you want to do some shopping to see if you can save on your rates, we can help with that, too. All you have to do to get started on some business insurance quotes is fill out our quote form or give us a call today. Our team of agents is ready to help you.

Sources: 

https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch/get-business-insurance-assets-liability