Get answers to some of our most important commonly asked questions that will help you make good decisions here. Each section is grouped by insurance type.
- Business Insurance – Get clear answers to some of the most common questions business owners have about commercial insurance, coverage options, and policy considerations. The FAQs below are
organized to help you better understand how business insurance works and what information
may be needed when reviewing coverage. - Emergencies – Answers to questions if you have a loss or a claim.
Business Insurance
What is business insurance?
Business insurance is a general term for commercial insurance policies designed to help address
a company’s property, liability, employee, vehicle, equipment, and operational exposures. It is
not a single policy, but rather a combination of coverages that may be tailored to a business’s
size, industry, location, and activities.
What types of business insurance do you offer?
Helga Rivera Insurance offers a range of commercial insurance solutions, including:
- Builders Risk & Vacant Property Insurance
- Commercial Auto Insurance
- Commercial Excess Liability Insurance
- Commercial Inland Marine Insurance
- Commercial Surety Bonds
- General Liability Insurance
- Small Business Insurance
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Each coverage option is designed to help address specific risks that businesses may face.
How do I know what coverages my business needs?
The right coverage depends on many factors, including your industry, operations, number of
employees, business property, vehicles, contracts, and exposure to liability claims. A business
should review its insurance program whenever operations change, new equipment is added,
vehicles are used, employees are hired, or contractual requirements change.
What is a Business Owner’s Policy?
A Business Owner’s Policy, or BOP, is a package policy that may combine commercial property
insurance, general liability insurance, and business income coverage for eligible businesses.
However, a BOP does not automatically include every coverage a business may need. Separate
policies or endorsements may still be required for workers’ compensation, commercial auto,
inland marine, excess liability, or other specialized risks.
What is general liability insurance?
General liability insurance may help protect a business from certain third-party claims involving
bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, and advertising injury. These claims may arise at
a business location, at a customer’s premises, or while work is being performed at a job site.
What does commercial auto insurance cover?
Commercial auto insurance helps address liability and physical damage exposures involving
vehicles owned or used by a business. It may apply when a company vehicle is involved in an
accident, a delivery vehicle causes damage, or an employee uses a vehicle for authorized
business activities.
What is commercial inland marine insurance?
Commercial inland marine insurance provides coverage options for certain business property
that is transported, used at job sites, or stored temporarily away from the primary business
location. This may include tools, equipment, materials, and other movable property.
What is builders risk and vacant property insurance?
Builders’ risk insurance may help protect eligible buildings, construction materials, and certain
property while a structure is being built or renovated. Vacant property insurance may be
considered when a building is temporarily unoccupied, awaiting sale or lease, or between
tenants.
What are commercial surety bonds?
Commercial surety bonds may be required for businesses and contractors to obtain licenses,
secure permits, enter into contracts, or comply with legal and financial obligations. A bond
generally involves three parties: the principal, the obligee, and the surety.
What is workers’ compensation insurance?
Workers’ compensation insurance may provide benefits when an employee experiences a
covered work-related injury or occupational illness. Depending on state law and policy
provisions, benefits may include medical care, partial wage replacement, rehabilitation services,
disability benefits, and death benefits for eligible dependents.
When should a business review its insurance coverage?
A business should review its insurance program when it:
- hires employees
- purchases vehicles or equipment
- opens or closes a location
- adds products or services
- begins operating in another state
- enters into contracts with new insurance requirements
- increases revenue, payroll, or inventory
- changes ownership structure or operations
What information is commonly requested when applying for business insurance?
A business may be asked to provide information such as:
- description of operations
- ownership and business structure
- years in business
- annual revenue and payroll
- number of employees
- business locations
- property and equipment values
- vehicle information
- subcontractor use
- prior insurance and claims history
- contractual requirements
- requested limits and effective date
Why do insurers ask for so much information?
Insurers use this information to evaluate the business’s risk profile, determine eligibility, and
identify the most appropriate coverage options. The details provided help the carrier decide
whether to offer coverage and how to price it.
What should I do if my business has a claim or loss?
If your business experiences a loss, report it to your insurance agent as soon as possible and
provide the date of loss and a description of the incident. You should also take photos or video,
keep records of expenses, and preserve damaged property until the adjuster has had an
opportunity to review it.
What should I do if an employee is injured at work?
If an employee is injured at work, provide immediate medical care as required by workers’
compensation law and contact your insurance agent for claim reporting instructions. Be
prepared to provide the date, location, nature of the injury, and employee information.
What should I do if there is a liability incident at my business?
If there is a liability incident, contact your agent and provide the date, time, description of the
event, names of injured parties, property owners, and any witnesses. If legal papers are served,
forward them immediately to your agent.
How can I request a commercial insurance review?
You can request a commercial insurance review by completing the secure contact form on our
website. Our team will contact you to discuss your business and determine the appropriate next
steps.
Emergencies
What should I do if I have a business loss?
If your business experiences a loss, take the following steps as soon as possible:
- Report the loss to your insurance agent promptly and provide the date of loss and a brief
description of what happened. - Take photos or video of the damage before cleanup or repairs begin, if it is safe to do so.
- Keep records of emergency or temporary repair expenses.
- Separate damaged items from undamaged items and do not dispose of damaged
property without the adjuster’s permission. - Prepare a detailed list of all damaged or lost property, including when and where each
item was purchased. If available, include original receipts, serial numbers, or purchase
records. - Obtain repair or replacement estimates for the damaged items.
- If the loss involves theft or vandalism, contact the police immediately and file a report.
What should I do if a company vehicle is in an accident?
If a vehicle used for business is involved in an accident:
- Call emergency services right away if anyone is injured.
- Report the accident to the police when appropriate and keep a copy of the report.
- Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible and provide the date, time, location,
and details of the accident. - Exchange information with the other driver, including names, addresses, insurance
details, and vehicle information. - Gather contact information for witnesses if available.
- Do not admit fault or sign any statements except to your insurance company or its
authorized representative. - Do not authorize repairs until the insurance company has reviewed the claim, unless
emergency action is needed to protect the vehicle or public safety.
What should I do if someone is injured or property is damaged at my business?
If your business is involved in a general liability incident:
- Provide immediate assistance if needed and call emergency services for any injuries.
- Contact your insurance agent promptly and provide the date, time, location, and
description of the incident. - Include the names and addresses of injured parties, property owners, and witnesses.
- Forward any suit papers, demand letters, or legal documents immediately to your agent
or insurance company.
What should I do if an employee is injured at work?
If an employee is injured or becomes ill because of work:
- Provide immediate medical attention as required.
- Report the incident to your insurance agent or claims contact as soon as possible.
- Be ready to provide the employee’s name, date of injury, location, and a description of
what happened. - Follow the carrier’s claim reporting instructions carefully.
- If the incident involves a fatality, follow all required OSHA reporting rules immediately.
What should I do in case of a property claim?
If your business suffers a property loss:
- Call emergency services if anyone is injured.
- Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to the property.
- Document the damage with photos or video, if possible.
- Notify your insurance agent promptly with the date of loss and details of the claim.
- Keep damaged items available for inspection until the insurance adjuster gives
permission to discard them.
