There’s No Business Like Home Business…If You Are Covered
There’s No Business Like Home Business…If You Are Covered
There are many benefits to operating a home-based business. The first, of course, is the instant commute. Many who have a home-based business conduct much of their morning office duties from their jammies. There is also the ability to better set your own schedule and be able to react to family duties. Many who operate home-based businesses are their own bosses, which has its perks. Perhaps the biggest reason home-based businesses are so popular, however, is they can be operated with very low overhead.
There is no rent for office space, for example, and utilities are included. In fact, operating a business from a home can have tax advantages that make it even more appealing. If you think, however, that your home-based business will be covered under your homeowners’ insurance policy, you are taking a big risk. The problem is magnified by the fact that you may not know it is a problem until it is too late.
Let’s take a look at the premise for your homeowner’s insurance. It is designed to cover your home from losses due to liability claims and certain calamities. The keyword here is “home”. Once you begin to use a house for more than personal living space (like renting out space or conducting business activities) its use changes. Those activities would not be covered under your homeowners’ insurance policy. From an insurance company perspective, your home now becomes a place where commercial activity is taking place.
This is particularly risky if you have inventory, office equipment or have clients visit your home to conduct business. These items would likely not be covered under your basic homeowners’ insurance policy and you will have increased exposure to liability claims.
It can be relatively simple and inexpensive to protect your home-based business, however. Contact your independent agent and make them aware you have a home-based business and what is involved in the business. They can provide an addendum or rider to your policy that will ensure coverage for your business activities conducted at home.
Yes, there are a variety of reasons operating a home-based business makes sense, as long as you have it properly covered in the event of a loss. Contact us and we can help explain your options and prevent you from experiencing an unexpected and uncovered loss.
Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder
Search All Blogs
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
The Wanderer’s Playbook: The Art of Traveling on a Budget
A practical guide to finding and saving money on travel adventures.
The Entrepreneur’s Toolkit: From Startup to Success, Insuring Every Step of the Journey
A phase-by-phase guide for entrepreneurs on the essential business insurance policies they need.
Beyond a Payout: How Life Insurance is a Living Financial Tool
A guide to how life insurance can be a living financial tool, with a focus on its cash value component.
The Driver’s Playbook: How to Maximize Your Auto Insurance Benefits
A playbook for drivers, revealing key policy benefits and strategies to get the most from your auto insurance.
Beyond the Big House: Uncovering the Hidden Value in Home Insurance
A deep dive into the valuable but often overlooked components of a home insurance policy.
The Thrill of the Grill: A Masterclass in BBQ Perfection
An ultimate guide to mastering grilling and barbecue, with tips, techniques, and delicious recipes.
The Entrepreneur’s Armor: A Guide to Protecting Your Business
A crucial guide to business insurance, covering essential policies and strategies for entrepreneurs.
The Gift of Security: A Simple Guide to Life Insurance
An easy-to-understand guide to life insurance, explaining policy types and a simple way to calculate your needs.
Hitting the Road Safely: Understanding Your Auto Insurance Policy
A simple guide to auto insurance, explaining coverage, premiums, and tips for finding the best policy.
The Homeowner’s Handbook: Protecting Your Property and Peace of Mind
A clear guide to home insurance, covering policy types, inventory tips, and how to save money.