Starting a property management company can be a very lucrative business venture. But like any other business, there are risks associated with owning and operating one. That’s why it’s important to have the proper insurance in place before you open your doors for business.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the types of insurance that are essential for property management companies.
The Importance of Obtaining Insurance
First, let’s start with the basics. Property management companies are typically responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of properties owned by others. This includes everything from collecting rent to handling repairs and maintenance issues. Because of this, property management companies can be held liable for any damages that occur on the property they manage.
This is why it’s essential to have liability insurance in place.
In addition to liability insurance, property management companies should also carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Let’s dig in a little further.
Property Management Business Insurance Policy Options and Cost
The four most common types of insurance for property management businesses are as follows:
- General liability insurance, which protects you from lawsuits arising from injuries or property damage that occurs as a result of your business activities. General liability insurance can also help protect your property management business’ assets in the event of a lawsuit.
- Commercial property insurance, which can help reimburse you for lost or damaged property caused by fire, theft, or other covered events.
- Workers’ compensation insurance, which helps property management businesses cover the costs of employee injuries or illnesses. This type of insurance can help businesses pay for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other related expenses. Workers’ compensation insurance is required in all states except Texas. Workers’ compensation insurance typically costs between 1% to 1.5% of your total payroll costs.
- Business income insurance, which is sometimes called business interruption insurance or business continuity insurance. This insurance helps businesses recover from certain losses caused by events such as property damage, theft, or business interruption. This type of insurance can help businesses cover the costs of not being able to operate for a period of time. It can also help businesses pay for expenses such as employee salaries, rent, and other ongoing costs.
Other types of business insurance to consider based on the specifics of your property management business include:
- Product liability insurance, a type of insurance that helps businesses protect themselves from lawsuits that may arise due to products that they sell.
- Professional liability insurance, also known as Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, helps professionals protect themselves from lawsuits.
- Employment practices liability insurance, also known as EPLI, helps property management businesses protect themselves from lawsuits that may arise from the way they employ their staff.
- Cyber liability insurance, which protects you from lawsuits that may arise from a data breach or other cyber incident.
- Business identity insurance, which protects your business from theft or misuse of your company name or logo.
- Commercial auto insurance and commercial fleet insurance, which protect you from lawsuits that may arise from accidents involving employees while driving for work.
- Key person insurance or key man insurance, which protects your property management business from losses that may arise from the death or illness of a key employee.
- Equipment breakdown insurance, which can help pay for the cost of repairing or replacing damaged equipment.
While this list of insurance options covers most property management businesses, you may be required to purchase additional coverage depending on the specific nature of your property management business. It is important to speak with an insurance company to determine which policies are right for your business.
The cost of business insurance will vary depending on the type and amount of coverage you purchase. However, business owners can expect to pay a few hundred dollars per year for general liability insurance.
It is important to talk to your insurance company to make sure you have the right coverage in place for your property management company.
How Much Insurance Should a Property Management Business Have?
This is a difficult question to answer, as the amount of insurance you need will vary depending on the type of services you offer and the size of your company. That being said, most insurance experts recommend that business owners purchase enough coverage to protect their assets in the event of a lawsuit.
When shopping for liability insurance, be sure to ask your insurance company about the coverage limits and supplemental coverage options available.
Conclusion
In summary, business insurance is an important way to protect your property management company from lawsuits and other unforeseen events. Be sure to speak with an insurance company to determine which policies are right for your business. You may also want to consider purchasing additional coverage based on the specific nature of your business.