It can be difficult to determine which kinds of insurance is needed for a small business. Different types of insurance have confusingly similar names. Your state, town, or county may have its own insurance requirements and many industries have coverage specific to them.

To assist in determining which kind of insurance a business should have, you might want to check with the following agencies:

• The county or city clerk
• A local chapter of your industry association
• The state insurance office

Here are three great website resources that provide helpful information regarding regulatory requirements:

• The Official Business Link to the U.S. Government
• The Official Site of Houston
• Texas Business Portal

The basic business insurance package consists of four fundamental coverages–workers’ compensation, general liability, auto and property/casualty–plus an added layer of protection over those, often called an umbrella policy. In addition to these basic needs, you may also want to research business interruption coverage and life and disability insurance.

Types of Business Insurance

• Business Owner’s Policy
• Workers’ Compensation
• General Liability Insurance
• Property / Casualty Insurance
• Professional Liability Insurance
• Commercial Automobile Insurance
• Umbrella Insurance
• Business Income/Extra Expense Insurance / Interruption Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Product Liability Insurance
• Extra Equipment Insurance
• Specialized Equipment Insurance