By: Erick Loleka
Submitted: 2010-02-18 13:17:56 | Word Count: 545
Covering Your Business with Business Liability Insurance Is Essential
Pretty much no matter what we do, we are told we should have insurance to coincide with it. This is very true for our health, homes, cars, life, and businesses. The Security Industry, including security guard companies, alarm companies, private investigator firms or individuals, polygraph services and personal security services, is one of the most closely regulated industries. However, the coverage requirements for such businesses is less specific, leaving the options to the insured. Due to the many additional hazards associated with companies and individuals serving in the security industry, it is important to understand what is covered and what is not.
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Specialized coverages by agents and carriers who understand the risks and provide comprehensive protection should be your first choice. Often, uninformed or inexperienced agents or agencies overlook the special insurance needs of members of the security services industry. The process of making a claim is not the time to find out your were not protected. Standard business insurance is different from this type of coverage. When dealing with business insurance, it is meant to protect you and your business partners from dealings with others and with loss associated from fire, theft, or natural disasters. Good security related insurance goes far beyond, and the best products and providers keep premiums low.
The first and probably most important type of coverage you should have on your security business is Liability. This will help protect you and your company from loss associated with accidents that occur in company cars or accidents that might happen on your property or, more importantly, on the property of others.
You will need to know the risks associated with your business or occupation to make sure you receive adequate coverage. Other coverage is available for your business on top of liability, but you will need to figure out with your insurance broker what is the right type for you business so you are completely covered. For example, does the policy cover assault and battery, care custody and control, errors and omissions (including financial loss), punitive damages, false arrest, canines, libel and slander, and firearms?
You will, or course, have to carry workers compensation insurance if you have any employees and if you offer health benefits to them.
If you are the chief executive or the owner, what about insurance for yourself, so in the event of your death, the benefits would be given to the company in order for the company to switch hands within the family or to make it free and clear from debt.
Your security services business is your investment into your future and your loved ones futures. Protecting it with adequate insurance is one way to ensure it stays in business to continue to provide the security services you began.
In all cases, you should explore companies or insurance agencies who offer the following:
• Specialize in insurance for the security industry
• Extensive experience in providing coverage for the security services industry
• Comprehensive policies that cover all your needs
• Close relationships with the underwriting insurance company
• In house claims management and processing to avoid mistakes and delays
• Deductibles outside the policy limits
• Dedicated agents ready to serve you 24/7
• Offer billed hour ratings versus payroll ratings to save you money
