By Jon Merwin, Founder and CEO
Small business owners usually call us at a turning point: they’ve opened a shop downtown, started a contracting business, or are about to hire their first employee, and they want someone local to explain what they actually need. This page is that conversation, written down.
Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance has been an independent agency in Portsmouth, NH since 2005. Our team of 15 compares coverage from 40+ carriers, and because we’re not tied to one company, we can match your business to the carrier that wants that kind of risk.
Start with what’s required
Many insurance requirements come from contracts: your lease, your lender, or a client who wants a certificate of insurance before you start work. The New Hampshire Insurance Department’s business insurance page has a checklist of property and casualty coverages small businesses should consider.
The three coverages most NH small businesses ask about
General liability (GL)
General liability responds when your business is blamed for injuring someone or damaging their property: a customer slips in your shop, or a crew member cracks a client’s countertop. It also usually includes advertising and personal injury coverage. Landlords and larger clients often ask for it, and the certificate needs to name them correctly.
Business owners policy (BOP)
A BOP packages general liability with property coverage for your building, equipment and inventory, plus business income if a covered loss shuts you down for a while. It’s built for smaller “main street” businesses like offices, retail shops and some service businesses, and carriers have eligibility rules on size and type of operation. If you qualify, it’s usually the simplest way to buy coverage.
Commercial auto
If a vehicle is titled to the business, or you and your employees use vehicles to haul tools, equipment or goods, a personal auto policy may not cover it. Commercial auto covers liability and physical damage for business vehicles, and hired and non-owned auto coverage can protect you when employees drive their own cars for work. Our article on commercial vs personal auto insurance explains where the line usually falls.
Other coverages worth a look
- Professional liability for advice-based businesses, from consultants to designers.
- Umbrella coverage to raise liability limits above your GL and auto policies.
- Bonds for contractors and businesses that need a license or permit bond.
- Builders risk for buildings under construction or renovation.
- Restaurant insurance for food and drink businesses.
- Employee benefits once you’re ready to offer them.
How we quote a small business
We’ll ask what you do, your annual revenue and payroll, how many people you employ, any vehicles, where you work, and any contracts that set insurance requirements. Send current policies or declarations pages if you have them. We’ll walk through the differences between options rather than just sending a price.
Request a quote, call (603) 431-4020, or email insure@portsmouthatlanticins.com.
New Hampshire small business insurance FAQ
Is general liability insurance required for NH businesses?
General liability requirements usually come from contracts rather than state law: landlords, lenders and clients often ask for it, along with a certificate of insurance. Some licenses and permits carry their own insurance requirements, so check yours. Even when it isn’t required, one injury claim can be expensive to defend.
What’s the difference between general liability and a BOP?
General liability covers injury and property damage you cause to others. A business owners policy (BOP) bundles general liability with coverage for your own property and business income, and is designed for smaller businesses that meet the carrier’s eligibility rules.
Do I need commercial auto if I use my own car for work?
It depends on how the vehicle is titled and used. Vehicles owned by the business, or used to carry tools, equipment or goods, often need a commercial policy. If employees drive their own cars for work, hired and non-owned auto coverage can protect the business.
Can you insure my business and my home and car too?
Yes. We can handle your business coverage alongside your home, auto and umbrella policies, which makes it easier to line up liability limits and review everything at renewal.
Sources: New Hampshire Insurance Department, Business Insurance.
Based in Portsmouth and serving businesses across the Seacoast and New Hampshire. Visit our Portsmouth, NH office page or see every town we serve on our service areas page.