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• Get More for Your Money
• Insurance DOs and DON'Ts
• - The DOs
• - The DON'Ts
• Evaluating a Proposal
• Claims Check-Up
• Jargon Translator

To get more for your money, there are a few things to make sure you do, or don't do, when you purchase and maintain insurance for your business.

The DOs

Do make sure your business insurance company has experience in your industry. The more the insurer knows about your industry, the more confident you'll be that it can provide a cohesive business insurance program that minimizes gaps in your protection.	The Hartford's industry-specific programs are tailored to your business's unique needs.
Do make sure your business insurance program covers all the basics. Today, most midsize companies need: property insurance including equipment breakdown, general liability coverage, including product liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, workers' compensation insurance, and professional liability insurance. Depending on your industry, as well as your specific business operations, you may also need to consider specialized commercial insurance coverages such as employee dishonesty, money and securities, directors and officers liability insurance, cargo insurance and marine insurance.	Learn more about the coverages The Hartford offers in each of these areas.
Do make sure you keep an inventory of all your property in a safe place, off premises. Whenever possible, include photographs of your property and your inventory lists. If you ever need to report a claim, this kind of documentation can be invaluable.
Do check on the financial stability of a business insurance company before purchasing a policy. Consider the insurer's reputation and integrity as well. If you're going to put the future of your business in its hands, you want to make sure it has a solid history of paying claims.	Download The Hartford's Financial Facts at-a-glance document.
Do buy an insurance policy that will pay the replacement cost of any insured property. If you only insure your property for its current book or actual cash value (ACV), you may not have the necessary funds to replace damaged property.
Do make sure your policy would cover your liability for damage to space you rent, even if your lease doesn't require it. Often, the building owner's policy won't cover damages to the building caused by the negligence of your employees, leaving you exposed to property damages and liability risks.	See how The Hartford's general liability insurance helps protect your business from loss due to employee negligence.
Do check on the insurer's claims services. Does the insurance company have a reputation for paying legitimate claims with a minimum of stress? Are its claims representatives responsive to customers' needs in times of crisis?	Exceptionally responsive claims service is a big reason why so many businesses choose The Hartford for coverage.
Do make sure you update your workers' compensation insurance to reflect changes in your payroll. Not only do most states require that you have appropriate coverage, the ongoing financial health of your company and ability to retain employees may depend upon how effectively you can take care of injured workers. As you grow, it's important that your workers' comp protection increases to reflect your potential exposure.	Learn more about The Hartford's workers' compensation insurance
Do confirm that your sub-contractors carry their own workers' compensation and liability insurance. If they get injured on the job, or if they injure one of your customers, you need to be sure they are capable of paying for that loss.
Do protect your business with more than just general liability insurance, including: 1) employment practices liability insurance (appropriate for any business with employees); 2) professional liability insurance (to protect you against claims of professional misconduct); and 3) directors and officers' liability insurance (even if you're not a publicly traded company).	Learn more about The Hartford's different types of liability coverage.
Do consider buying all your business insurance policies through one reputable insurer. That can help to ensure your coverages fit together more seamlessly—without costly gaps or overlaps. It can also streamline the process of filing and settling claims, since you'll only have to deal with one insurance company.	See what The Hartford offers for different industries.
Do be sure you work with a qualified, professional licensed insurance agent with a reputation for delivering quality service.	Use our Agency Locator to find a reputable agent in your area.
Do inform your agent of changes to your business, so that your business insurance policy always provides adequate coverage.
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The DON'Ts

Don't underinsure to get a reduced premium. If you skimp now, you could really pay later. A lower limit means less financial protection when a loss occurs.
Don't hide or misrepresent unusual risks from your agent. Sometimes a failure on your part to disclose a risk can result in a denial on the part of the insurance company to cover a loss. Better to know you're protected now, than find out later you're not.
Don't assume your business' theft coverage will extend to the personal property, tools, or equipment used by your employees. Make sure your policy includes provisions for theft of employees' tools.
Don't assume that "malpractice insurance" is only for doctors and lawyers. These days, almost any professional can be sued for something they did or didn't do.
Don't skimp on errors and omissions coverage if your business needs it. While these types of claims may be few in number, they're often huge in impact. Just one professional liability lawsuit can wipe out an entire business.
Don't overlook the policy's "exclusions." It's just as important to know what you're not covered for as what you are. Be sure to ask your agent about standard policy exclusions and whether specialty insurance is available.
Don't just focus on reducing the cost of your insurance. Look for ways to reduce the likelihood of losses. Remember, your renewal insurance premiums will typically be based on your loss history. So the best way to control your ongoing costs is to limit your yearly losses.
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