Commercial Insurance FAQs (Printable Version)

The following information is intended for general information purposes only. For a comprehensive assessment of insurance for your business, please contact our office.

What does it mean to be an Independent Agent?

Many insurance agents work for just one company and sell only one brand, therefore you the business owner are presented with only one choice. DSIS is an Independent Insurance agency, which means our agency represents many different insurance companies. In addition, we have access to "surplus lines carriers" who offer specialized insurance coverage for high risk businesses and hard to place risks. This means that we can offer you a choice of insurance plans, programs, and prices that best suit your individual circumstances and budget. We compare coverage and prices offered by the companies we represent in order to find you the best possible value and coverage for your individual business needs. We also act as your advocate when you have a claim and we periodically review your coverage to ensure that your changing insurance needs are met. DSIS is the agency to choose for a total commitment to you, your insurance needs, and your satisfaction.

Do I need Commercial Insurance for my business?

Every business owner should protect themselves and their livelihood with adequate property and liability insurance coverage. Commercial insurance is designed to help protect business owners from unforeseen risks, such as damage or destruction to the buildings, business property, vehicles, office equipment or inventory, theft or loss of tools or equipment, risks to cargo while in transit or storage, and crime coverage including robbery, burglary and even employee dishonesty. Commercial Insurance can also cover your lost income and other costs in case your business temporarily relocates or closes because of a covered loss.

Do all businesses need the same coverage?

All businesses need basic fire and liability coverage, but because businesses vary from one to another, it is impossible to have just one standard policy to cover all contingencies. Many businesses have special liability needs that require special coverage. However, many conventional businesses can now be insured under package policies that cover the major property and liability losses, as well as loss of income. These package policies provide small business owners complete coverage at a lower price than separate policies for each type of insurance. Our agents can offer their knowledge and expertise as to which policy or policies are right for your business.

What coverage options can DSIS provide me with?

Because DSIS represents many different insurance companies, we are able to offer a wide range of coverage, in addition to different liability limits and deductibles:

General Liability * Ocean Marine * Auto Liability * Special Events * Property * Rain Insurance * Crime * Sports Liablilty * Employment Practices Liability * Accidental Programs * Inland Marine * Director & Officers Legal Liability * Workers Compensation * Life and Health (through an alliance with West Coast Benefits)

Whether you own a large or small business, our agents can assist you with a business package policy that is tailored for your specific needs and company size.

Is it my responsibility to protect my employees in the event they are injured on the job?

Yes. State laws vary, but most states require that you carry some form of workers compensation insurance. This protects the employee and offers you the business owner a degree of immunity from a lawsuit by an injured employee.

How do I protect my business if someone sues the business?

No business can afford to be unprepared for a lawsuit. General liability insurance protects your business assets when the business is sued for something the business did (or failed to do) that contributed to injury or property damage to someone else. Product liability insurance protects you in the event that a product you manufacture, for example, malfunctions and causes injury or damage. In all cases, liability coverage extend not only to paying damages but also to the attorneys' fees and other costs involved in defending against the lawsuit - whether valid or not. At DSIS, our agents can advise you on the best liability protection covering any type of situation that may arise in your business.

Can I get insurance for a special event for one week/one day?

Yes. DSIS can provide coverage for many different types of events and venues such as:

For a full description of coverage available for your business, please contact our office. 

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