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Do you stay up late at night looking at government websites that make no sense? Your family asks, "How is your business doing?" It's scary to tell them the truth. The system feels hard to understand. When you came to Canada, you brought skills and experience. Most of all, you brought dreams. This checklist is what we wish every new person had. It helps when you start your business in Canada. It will make insurance less confusing. It will show you the steps you need to take to protect your dream as you go from newcomer to business owner.
Business insurance, also known as commercial insurance, can help protect your business from unexpected expenses related to property damage, legal liability, and more. Whether you are just starting out and shopping for a small business insurance or just looking for better rates or coverage, having the right insurance policy can make all the difference when you really need it.
Some insurance is required by law in Canada. Each province has different rules. It's important to talk to a licensed insurance agent to learn about requirements.
✅ Finding a Licensed Broker
Finding a good insurance broker: Ask the Newcomers Association, Chamber of Commerce, or friends and family for names.
Questions to ask your broker:
FAIRWAY offers business insurance for almost any business, including liability coverage, commercial vehicle insurance, and cyber liability insurance. Look at our choices below to find the right insurance for you!
📋 What to Bring to Your Broker
At FAIRWAY, we understand business owners are busy. That's why we work hard to provide quotes with just a few minutes of effort from you.
📚 Quick Glossary
Commercial General Liability (CGL)
CGL can help cover your business while doing normal work. This coverage includes physical injury liability, property damage liability, and lawsuit costs for covered losses. You can often combine CGL with business equipment and stock coverage.
Commercial Property
This insurance protects your business building, equipment, inventory, and supplies if they are damaged by covered events like fire, theft, or storms. It helps pay to repair or replace your business property so you can keep operating.
Commercial Auto
If someone uses a vehicle for their job, work, or business, you need a commercial policy. You may need commercial coverage if the vehicle is used to transport goods or people, the vehicle is used to perform a service, or employees drive the vehicle.
Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions, E&O)
From bookkeeper to IT Consultants, you need Professional Liability Insurance (PL), also called Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. This coverage protects your business from mistakes or advice your company makes in business, legal defense costs, and problems with services you completed.
Business Interruption (Business Income)
This insurance helps pay for lost income when your business has to close temporarily due to covered damage, like a fire or storm. It can help cover ongoing expenses like rent and payroll while your business is being repaired and cannot operate normally.
Cyber Liability Insurance
This coverage protects businesses from computer-related attacks, such as malware, phishing, ransomware or if a laptop with confidential information on it is stolen.
Product Liability (if you make/sell/import)
This insurance protects your business if someone gets hurt or their property is damaged by a product you made, sold, or distributed. It helps cover legal costs and damages when customers claim your product caused them harm or injury.
Customized Business Insurance
When it comes to protecting your business, a basic insurance policy that's the same for everyone might not work for you. You could be missing important coverage or paying for things you don't need. FAIRWAY INSURANCE can help you find a custom business insurance policy that fits your needs and covers what matters most to your business. Don't take chances with your business's money—trust FAIRWAY INSURANCE to find the right protection for your business.
Why do I need business insurance?
Business insurance pays for things when your business gets damaged or someone gets hurt. Without business insurance, you might have to pay a lot of money from your own pocket if something bad happens to your business.
What does business insurance cover?
Business insurance comes in many types. What your insurance covers depends on what kind of business you have and what you choose to buy. Most business insurance helps pay for things like when someone gets hurt, medical bills, if someone says bad things about your business that aren't true, and money you need for court cases.
What kind of business insurance do I need?
General liability insurance is usually a good idea for most businesses. If you have a company car, you need commercial auto insurance.
How much is business insurance?
The cost of business insurance is different for every business. It depends on things like how big your business is, what kind of business it is, where it is located, how much money it makes, how many people work there, and how risky the work is. Small businesses usually pay a few hundred to a few thousand dollars each year. Big businesses pay much more because they have more risks.
Does business insurance cover lawsuits?
Business insurance can cover lawsuits, but it depends on what kind of insurance you have. General liability insurance helps protect your business if someone gets hurt or if you damage their property. Professional liability insurance covers mistakes you make in your work. These types of insurance usually pay for lawyers, money you have to pay to settle cases, and what the court says you owe.
Can you get business insurance as a sole proprietor?
Yes, sole proprietors can get business insurance to protect themselves and their business. If you are a sole proprietor, you are personally responsible for any problems or damages in your business. Business insurance helps protect your money and your way of making a living.
Do I need business insurance for an online business?
Yes, online businesses need business insurance too. It protects against special risks like hackers stealing information, cyber attacks, and problems with products you sell.
How does business insurance help small businesses?
Business insurance helps small businesses by protecting them from unexpected problems like lawsuits, damage to their building or equipment, or when workers get hurt. It helps keep the business running by paying for costs that could hurt or close the business.
What if my employees use their personal cars for work?
If your employees use their own cars for work, you need something called non-owned auto coverage. This protects your business if an employee gets in an accident while doing work in their personal car. Their personal car insurance might not cover business activities, so this extra coverage helps protect your business from having to pay for damages.
Can I combine different types of coverage into one policy?
Yes, you can combine different types of business insurance into one policy. It can include things like general liability, property insurance, and other coverages all in one plan. Having everything together is often easier to manage and can cost less money than buying each type separately.
What if I rent a space - am I responsible for damages?
If you rent a space for your business, you might have to pay for damages you cause to the building. This is called tenant's legal liability. The good news is that this coverage is usually included in your general liability insurance. It helps pay if you accidentally damage the rented space, like if there's a fire or water damage caused by your business.
Can FAIRWAY INSURANCE help me get business insurance in my province?
Yes, FAIRWAY INSURANCE can help you find business insurance in most provinces and make sure it fits what your business needs. Our insurance experts will show you the different options and make sure you follow your province's rules. With FAIRWAY INSURANCE, you can simplify your insurance and make it affordable!
Are you ready to secure easy and affordable business insurance? Click Secure Now to get your free quote now!