Business insurance in Fort Worth
Shops, trades and offices need a different set of policies from a household. We start with how the business makes its money and what it drives.
Workers' compensation policies Texas requires of most private employers
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Texas does not require most private employers to carry it. An employer who goes without loses key defenses in court when an employee is hurt.
What does a small business need?
| Policy | What it pays for |
|---|---|
| General liability | Injuries to customers and the public, and damage to their property, caused by your business. |
| Commercial property | Your building, equipment and inventory after fire, theft or a storm. |
| Commercial auto | Vehicles used for work: hauling tools, making deliveries, carrying customers. |
| Workers' compensation | Medical care and lost wages for employees hurt on the job. |
| Business owner's policy | Liability and property bundled in one policy for a small business. |
What does going without workers' compensation mean?
Texas does not require most private employers to have workers' compensation. Private employers who contract with government entities must provide it for the employees working on the project.
An employer without coverage loses the legal protection against most lawsuits. In court, that employer cannot argue that the employee's own negligence caused the injury, that another employee's negligence caused it, or that the employee knew about the danger and accepted it.
An employer without coverage also has to file a yearly notice with the Division of Workers' Compensation, post notices in the workplace, and tell new employees in writing that they are not covered.
What does Desmond ask first?
- How each vehicle is used, and who drives it
- Whether you have employees, subcontractors or both
- Who asks you for a certificate of insurance, and what limits they want
- What a week of being closed would cost you
What else does Sideoats write?
We are an independent agency, so your policy can be placed with the carrier that fits and checked against the others at renewal.
Home
Hail, wind, fire and theft, with the deductible worked out in dollars before you sign.
Auto
The Texas minimum is 30/60/25. We show you what the next step up covers.
Renters
Your landlord's policy covers the building. This one covers what is inside it.
Flood
Home policies do not cover flooding, and most flood policies take 30 days to start.
Business
You are on this page.
Umbrella
Extra liability coverage that sits on top of your home and auto policies.
Business insurance, answered
Is workers' compensation required in Texas?
Not for most private employers. It is required for private employers on government contracts, for the employees working on that project.
Does my personal auto policy cover my work truck?
Probably not. A vehicle that hauls tools, makes deliveries or carries customers usually needs a commercial auto policy. Tell us how the truck is used and we will check.
What is a certificate of insurance?
A one page proof of coverage that a landlord, a general contractor or a client asks for. We issue them the same business day.
What is a business owner's policy?
A package that combines general liability and commercial property for a small business, usually for less than buying the two apart.
Have us read your policy
Send four details and an agent calls back the same business day. Bring your current policy to the call and we will find the deductible together.
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Central. Magnolia Avenue, Near Southside, Fort Worth.