For many businesses, summer is the busiest and most profitable time of year. From restaurants and retail shops to contractors and event venues, the warmer months bring increased foot traffic, more employees, and new operational challenges. That also means new risks — and it’s worth making sure your business insurance is ready for the season ahead.
Increased Foot Traffic and Premises Liability
More customers on your property means more opportunities for slip-and-fall accidents, property damage claims, and other incidents that could result in a liability lawsuit. General liability insurance is the foundation of most business insurance programs, covering bodily injury and property damage claims that arise from your business operations.
If your business hosts outdoor events, sets up seasonal displays, or expands into outdoor seating during the summer, talk to your agent about whether those activities fall within the scope of your current policy.
Contractor and Seasonal Worker Considerations
Summer often brings a need for additional staff. Seasonal employees and temporary workers may be covered under your workers’ compensation policy, but it’s important to verify this before onboarding new team members. Misclassifying a worker as an independent contractor when they should be an employee can create gaps in coverage and expose your business to significant legal risk.
If you hire independent contractors for seasonal projects, ask whether they carry their own liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and consider requesting a certificate of insurance before work begins.
Property and Equipment Exposure
Summer storms, high winds, and flooding can cause serious damage to commercial properties. Review your commercial property insurance to understand your coverage for weather-related events. If your business relies on equipment — refrigeration, HVAC, outdoor furniture, or specialized machinery — ask your agent about equipment breakdown coverage and whether your current policy addresses outdoor property.
Business Interruption Insurance
What happens to your business if a summer storm causes significant damage and you can’t open for several weeks? Business interruption insurance can help cover lost income and ongoing expenses during a covered shutdown. This coverage is often added as an endorsement to a commercial property policy and is worth considering for businesses that could not sustain an extended closure.
Make Time for a Mid-Year Review
The shift into summer is a natural checkpoint for a business insurance review. Has your business grown since you last updated your coverage? Have you added new equipment, hired more staff, or expanded your services? Changes like these can affect the amount and type of coverage you need.
Dowling Knipfing Klein Agency can help you review your current business insurance and explore options that fit where your business is today. Call (631) 584-6222 or request a consultation through our website.
Filed Under: Business Insurance | Tagged With: Business Liability Insurance