If you own your own business and run it out of your house, will your homeowners insurance cover any damages or liability claims that occur as a result of running your business at home? If a client falls in your driveway or your computer is stolen from your home office will your home insurance pick up the tab? Odds are the answer is no. You may be covered for a small portion of damages but if it all goes up in flames, you might go out of business. The smart move here is to purchase business insurance, your business, regardless of its location is your livelihood and should not go uninsured.

There are three basic types of business insurance policies. There are endorsements (AKA riders), which you can add to your existing homeowners insurance policy. Endorsements ar appropriate for small businesses with little equipment or inventory because they usually only cover a small amount of damages; generally up to $5,000 for contents.

In-home-business-owners policies combines a home and business policy into one contract so that there are no gaps or duplications. Why would you want to pay for something twice? This type of policy generally only covers activities and contents on the property so it may not be a good option if much of your business is conducted away from the office.

Business-owners package policies is a good option for larger business that run out of the home and covers the most possibilities. Similar to a commercial policy, this type is separate from the home policy and includes liability on and off the premises, equipment and inventory, loss of income and injury.


Read more: Homeowners policy won't cover all home-based business - Pittsburgh Post Gazette Homeowners policy won't cover all home-based business Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA - Jan 30, 2006 ... risk. Given the risks, experts advise home-based entrepreneurs to beef up their coverage by buying business insurance . There are ...