What type of insurance does a business need? “It depends,” begins Tim Quigley, “on the type of business you are.” The Safeco representative in Bremerton, says, “Talk with your agent. Things are not all the same,” and there may be special programs for specific trades.

Kim Hall, of Alfred Interwest Insurance of Port Orchard, begins with general liability as essential for a business. Liability covers what you are legally liable for when injury or damage is caused by the operation of the business, she explains.

Hall says next is professional liability, errors and omissions, or malpractice insurance. This one is skill-related, and she defines it as “oops, I made a mistake” coverage.

Property insurance would cover inventory, building, if owned, and possibly the interior of the building, if rented, according to Hall, if shelving and lighting are considered part of the business itself.

A landlord will require proof of liability insurance, and may require that the business specifically insure the glass windows, although they are not owned by the business.

Quigley reminds those who have an office to consider what it would cost to fully reproduce valuable paperwork.

“Sit down and be very descriptive about your work,” advises Monica Bayness with Olympic Northwest Progressive Insurance in Silverdale. Be certain that what you are doing is going to be appropriately covered in case something goes awry.

Some home-operated businesses may get coverage through a homeowner’s policy, Bayness continues, but this will require a rider on the policy.

Bill Berg, representing State Farm in Belfair, says that an in-home daycare, for example, may be limited to a small number of children, thus reducing the risk exposure.

It’s all about risk, or perceived risk: what could go wrong? If something bad happens, who is harmed? How many people are entering the business daily? Each one adds risk exposure.

Bud Grahan, with Allstate in Silverdale, says that business partners may want to take out life insurance on one another. “Key man insurance,” might also be appropriate on a top salesperson, for example, whose loss could dramatically interrupt business.

If a business sells alcohol for either on or off-premises consumption, that can translate to potentially hefty premiums.

Auto insurance is another important consideration, says Quigley. “Have you got a delivery vehicle? You may need auto insurance apart from the goods being delivered.”

If your personal auto is used for business, you may not be automatically covered, warns Bayness. “Be aware. Ask questions,” she says.

One needs to consider business interruption insurance to continue receiving an income, for instance, after a fire, but before your business can get up and running again.

Bayness says if your agent can’t get back to you in 24 hours, “Get another agent!” She elaborates, “Be faithful to your spouse, be faithful to your children, but not to your insurance agent if they treat you like that.”

When seeking business insurance, find a professional who will answer your questions, and be extremely honest with them about what you do.