The Lowdown on Small Business Property Insurance

You can purchase business property insurance on the basis of the property’s actual value, (the replacement cost minus depreciation), the replacement value (the cost of replacing an item without deducting for depreciation, or on an agreed-upon amount, which is generally used for art objects and other unique items.

Basic business property insurance will typically cover your losses in the event of a fire or a lightning strike. It will pay the cost of removing property to protect it from further loss. A standard small business owner policy will also usually cover losses from windstorms, hail, explosions, riots and civil commotion, and any damage caused by aircraft, automobiles, or simple vandalism. Optional business property insurance can be purchased, which will insure against perils such as earthquakes, floods, building collapses, and glass breakage.

What is important to know about business property insurance is that it can be categorized by what is insured, and by the events that lead to a loss.

The following checklist was created by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, in regards to the business property that should be protected with business property insurance coverage.

37. Buildings and other structures, leased or owned
    
38. Furniture, equipment, and supplies
    
39. Leased equipment
40. Inventory
41. Money and securities
42. Records of accounts receivable
43. Improvements and betterments you made to the premises
44. Machinery
45. Boilers
46. Data processing equipment and media, including computers
47. Valuable papers, books, and documents
48. Mobile property, such as automobiles, trucks, and construction equipment
49. Satellite dishes
50. Signs, fences, and other outdoor property not attached to a building
51. Intangible property (goodwill, trademarks, etc.)