small business insurance

admin

Iam getting ready to go out on my own in the next month.  Does anyone know of a good small business insurer that will cover out-of-state work?  What are some of the insurances everyone is using?  Thanks for any suggestions.  -Tye
Reply:The only help I can give is go to a BROKER not an agent.  A broker represents many companies.  an agent reps ONE.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:What type of coverage are you thinking about?Product liability, worker's comp, vehicle coverage, equipment loss...?
Reply:I will echo David's advice. But don't depend on the terminology to steer you. You need to interview/talk with an insurance guy, face-to-face. Get some recommondations from people you know who have their own businesses. Talk to the  brokers/agents they recommend. (There are independent agents, who represent multiple lines, and there are captive agents who represent a single line). Agents tend to be more full-service, while brokers tend to find you a good insurance deal, hook you up and get out of the picture. When you're running a small business, regardless of the title the guy uses, what you want is "an insurance guy." Someone you know and trust. Someone who specializes in serving businesses like yours -- small and, preferably, industrial. He'll know who the good carriers are, and he'll know exactly what kind of coverage you need. If he's the right guy, he'll also know that you don't have extra money to spend, and he'll set you up to be safe and responsible without spending extra money.So don't focus on the company or the type of coverage first. Focus on finding your guy; find 2 or 3 people who you make a connection with, and who quickly seem to understand you. then ask them to put together a proposal for you. From there, you'll start to feel who is the best provider for you.Best, if you do this, in the event that you do have a claim, you won't be calling an 800-number. You'll call your guy and he'll take care of you.Bob RosenbaumFormer PublisherPenton's WELDING Magazine