Own a small business? If so, be aware of the risks of different kinds. These risks can either be manmade or natural, and they may eventually bring serious damage to your business and may also leave a serious impact on your financial stability and daily business operations.
Following are the risks that your business may face and in this article you will know how to protect your business against these risks.
Acts of God
Storms, floods, fire, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters are high potential risks. These disasters are unpredictable and may occur at any time and pose as risks to your business.
As a small business owner, you cannot afford to ignore these risks. You need to determine these risks and take a sensible business decision by purchasing business interruption insurance, to keep your business operations moving.
Security breaches
Small businesses face potential threat to data online. For example, data hacked online. Further, the personal data of customers, such as e-mail addresses, passwords, social security numbers, etc., face the risk of being lost, theft or leaked.
You cannot rule out such risk to your business data. However, you can insure against it by purchasing security breach insurance or cyber liability, to protect your business.
Breakdown of machinery and equipment
Your business faces the probable risk of accidental breakdown or failure of machinery or equipment. You may be forced to shut down your business temporarily, if the cost of repairs or replacement of damaged equipment is more. If you are financially unable to bear these expenses, it will ultimately affect your business' profitability badly.
Buy equipment breakdown insurance for this kind of circumstances. This type of insurance protects your business against the risk of accidental breakdown of the equipment. It covers the repairing/replacement cost incurred.
Lawsuits
Small businesses majorly face the risk of litigation issues such as employment dispute, wrongful termination, injury to employees, libel, slander - to name a few. Also, due to your negligence with regard to your products or in business premises, the third party may sue you to recover the damages that they have incurred.
Business liability insurance will protect your business from the risk of legal issues. It covers the cost of litigation, medical expenses in case of injury to the third party in your business premises in an accident or because of a fall.
Insure against your risks
You should be aware of all the probable risks to your business. Identify the risks that may interrupt your business and decide for yourself which insurance coverage suits best for your business.
Purchase a comprehensive insurance package to protect your business against all potential risks. It is better to pay insurance premiums, rather than spending for the liability the risks bring in.
Choose an experienced and reputed insurance broker
Purchase an appropriate insurance coverage for your business, taking help and advice of an experienced and reputed insurance broker. They will look into all aspects of your business and figure out where your business is likely to face risk and then suggest a policy for you. It will not only save your time, but also gives you professional advice.