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Commercial & Business Insurance Made Practical: Protecting What Your Business Has Built

January 07, 20263 min read

Running a business means managing risk every single day, often without realizing how quickly one unexpected event can disrupt everything you’ve worked for. Commercial insurance isn’t just a requirement or a line item on a budget; it’s a strategic tool designed to keep your operations, finances, and reputation protected when the unexpected happens.

At the Paoletta Insurance Agency, we help business owners make confident, informed insurance decisions by building coverage that reflects how their business actually operates not a one-size-fits-all policy.

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What Is Commercial Insurance?

Commercial (or business) insurance is a collection of policies designed to protect businesses from financial losses related to property damage, liability claims, employee injuries, cyber incidents, and operational interruptions. Coverage can be tailored for sole proprietors, growing startups, and established companies alike.

The goal is simple: keep your business financially stable so you can focus on growth, not recovery.

Types of Business Insurance Coverage

1. General Liability Insurance

This is the foundation of most business insurance plans. It helps cover:

  • Third-party bodily injury or property damage

  • Legal defense costs

  • Advertising or personal injury claims

Even a minor accident involving a customer or vendor can become costly without proper liability protection.

2. Commercial Property Insurance

Designed to protect your physical assets, including:

  • Buildings you own

  • Office equipment, inventory, and furnishings

  • Damage from fire, theft, vandalism, or certain weather events

For many businesses, property coverage is essential to avoid major out-of-pocket expenses after a loss.

3. Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

A BOP bundles general liability and commercial property insurance—often at a lower cost than purchasing each separately. It’s commonly used by:

  • Retail stores

  • Professional offices

  • Service-based businesses

Optional add-ons can be included based on your operations.

4. Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Required for most California businesses with employees, workers’ comp helps cover:

  • Medical expenses

  • Lost wages

  • Rehabilitation costs

It also protects employers from many employee injury-related lawsuits.

5. Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions)

Ideal for businesses that provide services or advice. This coverage helps protect against claims alleging:

  • Negligence

  • Errors or omissions

  • Failure to deliver professional services

It’s especially important for consultants, real estate professionals, and service providers.

6. Commercial Auto Insurance

If vehicles are used for business purposes, personal auto policies may not provide adequate protection. Commercial auto insurance helps cover:

  • Business-owned vehicles

  • Employee-driven vehicles for work tasks

  • Liability and physical damage claims

7. Cyber Liability Insurance

With data breaches and cyberattacks on the rise, cyber liability coverage helps businesses respond to:

  • Data breaches

  • Ransomware attacks

  • Customer notification and recovery costs

This coverage is increasingly important—even for small businesses.

Why Tailored Coverage Matters

Every business is different. A contractor, a retail shop, and a professional office all face unique risks. Over-insuring can waste money, while under-insuring can expose your business to devastating losses.

That’s why our approach focuses on:

  • Understanding how your business operates

  • Identifying real-world risks

  • Designing coverage that evolves as your business grows

Common Gaps Business Owners Overlook

  • Inadequate liability limits

  • Missing endorsements or add-ons

  • No coverage for business interruption

  • Assuming personal insurance extends to business activities

A regular policy review helps prevent these costly surprises.

How We Help Business Owners

At the Paoletta Insurance Agency we build long-term protection strategies. Our team works closely with business owners to:

  • Compare coverage options clearly

  • Align policies with current operations

  • Adjust coverage as your business changes

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Commercial insurance doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. With the right guidance, it becomes a powerful safeguard for your livelihood.

Ready to protect your business with clarity and confidence?

Contact the Paoletta Insurance Agency to request a quote or schedule a coverage review tailored to your business needs.

Marlen Paoletta is the owner of Paoletta Insurance Agency, a Farmers Insurance agency serving Burbank, CA, since 1979. After her husband’s passing in 2013, she chose to continue his legacy and has since led the agency to earn Farmers® Championship and Toppers Club honors. With a team of licensed professionals, she provides personalized Auto, Home, Life, Business, and Medicare coverage with compassion and integrity. Marlen is deeply committed to helping families and businesses protect what matters most while staying active in her community.

Marlen Paoletta

Marlen Paoletta is the owner of Paoletta Insurance Agency, a Farmers Insurance agency serving Burbank, CA, since 1979. After her husband’s passing in 2013, she chose to continue his legacy and has since led the agency to earn Farmers® Championship and Toppers Club honors. With a team of licensed professionals, she provides personalized Auto, Home, Life, Business, and Medicare coverage with compassion and integrity. Marlen is deeply committed to helping families and businesses protect what matters most while staying active in her community.

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