Free checklist · Printable PDF
Small Business Insurance Checklist
Whether you run a one-person shop or a growing crew, this checklist helps you spot the risks that matter and the questions to bring to a coverage review. Tennessee workers’ compensation rules are linked to the state’s own pages.
- Veteran-owned (USMC)
- Independent agent: compares multiple carriers
- Free, no-obligation quotes
Quick takeaway
- Most small businesses start with general liability, then add property, vehicles, and employee coverage as they grow.
- In Tennessee, most employers with five or more employees need workers’ compensation, and construction employers generally need it with one or more.
- Contracts and leases often set your minimum insurance requirements.
Know your risks
- List what you own: equipment, tools, inventory, computers, and furniture.
- List where you work: your location, customer sites, or online.
- List what could go wrong: injuries to customers, damage to client property, mistakes in your advice, data breaches.
- Gather contracts and leases that list insurance requirements.
Coverages to review
- General liability or a business owner’s policy (BOP).
- Commercial property and business income.
- Commercial auto, or hired and non-owned auto if employees drive their own cars.
- Workers’ compensation.
- Professional liability (E&O) if you give advice or design work.
- Cyber liability if you store customer data or take card payments.
- Tools and equipment (inland marine) if gear leaves your shop.
- Commercial umbrella for higher limits.
Tennessee workers’ comp check
- Count employees, including part-time workers and family members who work for you.
- Non-construction: most employers with 5 or more employees must carry it (TN Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development).
- Construction: employers with 1 or more employees must cover them (TN construction rules).
- Ask whether owner exemptions apply to you (TN exemptions).
Keep it current
- Review coverage at renewal and when you hire, buy equipment, or sign a big contract.
- Keep certificates of insurance from your subcontractors on file.
- Write down your claims number and agent contact.
Download, print, and share
Download the free Small Business Insurance Checklist (PDF). It’s a direct download, with no form to fill out. Print it, check things off, and bring it to your next coverage review.
Share this guide: https://insuredwitheric.com/small-business-insurance-checklist/
Related reading
- Business insurance in Middle Tennessee
- Business owner’s policy (BOP) 101
- General liability insurance
- Commercial auto insurance
- Business interruption insurance
- Business insurance by industry
- General liability vs. professional liability
- Business interruption insurance
- All checklists and printable guides
Frequently asked questions
What insurance does a small business need in Tennessee?
It depends on your work, employees, vehicles, and contracts. Many start with general liability, then add property, commercial auto, and workers’ comp as needed.
When is workers’ compensation required in Tennessee?
Per the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, most non-construction employers need it with five or more employees, and construction employers need it with one or more.
Is a BOP the same as general liability?
No. A BOP usually bundles general liability with business property coverage, and often business income, in one package.
Want a second set of eyes?
Bring this checklist to a free coverage review. Eric can walk through it with you, explain what you have, and help you shop options from more than one carrier. Call or text 615-808-1105.
Coverage descriptions are general information only; your policy documents determine actual coverage. Availability varies by carrier.
Eric Henry, licensed insurance producer, NPN 3953606 · Affiliated with Hutsenpiller Insurance. Coverage subject to policy terms and carrier approval.