Life stages · Middle Tennessee
Starting a Business in Tennessee? Insurance Basics
Starting a business is exciting, and insurance is easy to put off. But a client contract, a lease, or your first hire can make it urgent. Here’s how to cover the basics without overbuying.
- Veteran-owned (USMC)
- Independent agent: compares multiple carriers
- Free, no-obligation quotes
What changes
- Your homeowners or renters policy may not cover business equipment or business liability.
- Your personal car insurance policy may not cover business driving.
- Clients and landlords may ask for certificates of insurance.
- Your first employees bring new legal requirements.
Coverages to review
- General liability Often the first policy a business buys, and often required by contracts. Learn more about general liability.
- Business owner’s policy (BOP) Bundles liability and property for many small businesses. Learn more about business owner’s policy (bop).
- Commercial auto For vehicles used in the business. Tennessee requires a commercial auto policy for vehicles with commercial plates (Department of Revenue). Learn more about commercial auto.
- Workers’ compensation In Tennessee, most non-construction employers need it with 5 or more employees, and construction employers with 1 or more (TN Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development). Learn more about workers’ compensation.
- Professional liability and cyber For advice-based work or businesses that store customer data. Learn more about professional liability and cyber.
Your checklist
- Tell your home or renters insurer if you run a business from home.
- List your equipment, inventory, and tools with values.
- Read contracts and leases for insurance requirements.
- Count employees, including part-time and family workers, for workers’ comp.
- Decide how vehicles will be used and insured.
- Keep proof of coverage ready to share as a COI.
Other life stages
Life rarely changes one thing at a time. See all life stages, or look up a term in our insurance glossary.
Frequently asked questions
What insurance should a new business get first?
Many start with general liability or a BOP. The right mix depends on your work, location, vehicles, and contracts.
Does my homeowners policy cover my home business?
Usually only in a limited way, if at all. Ask your agent about a home business endorsement or a separate business policy.
Do I need workers’ comp for my first employee?
In construction, generally yes. For most other Tennessee businesses, the requirement starts at five employees, per the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Let’s update your coverage together
Eric can review your current policies, explain what changes at this stage, 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.