North Carolina business insurance

There’s good reason Forbes has ranked North Carolina as the #1 state for business for three straight years (and in the top five for 12 years and counting).¹ Beyond the inspiration and innovation spearheaded by the world-class universities in the Research Triangle, North Carolina is home to countless natural wonders and relatively low costs of living—for individuals and for businesses.

Although the Tarheel State also boasts the #1 regulatory environment rank, per Forbes, there are still some important requirements to be aware of as you set up shop in North Carolina. This guide will walk you through what you need to know about business insurance in The Old North State.

What business insurance am I required to get in North Carolina?

North Carolina workers’ compensation insurance

All employers in North Carolina with three or more employees are legally required to have workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance exists to safeguard employees from financial impact related to injuries or illnesses sustained on the job. As a business owner, it also protects you from liability related to employee injuries. Workers’ compensation covers expenses and lost wages caused by the following:

• Work-related accidents and injuries, such as repetitive stress injury, and resulting disability
• Illnesses caused by or related to employment

North Carolina auto liability insurance

If you drive a car, truck or van as part of your business operation, you’re required to have auto liability insurance or qualify as a self-insurer. Auto liability insurance can protect you and your business from the following types of third-party claims resulting from auto accidents involving your vehicle:

Bodily injury – If you get into an accident and the driver or a passenger of the other vehicle is injured, your auto liability insurance covers the costs arising out of bodily injury, including medical expenses and death benefits.

Property damage – In the above scenario, it’s extremely likely the other car sustained some damage as well. Your auto policy’s Property Damage Liability coverage insures the cost to repair or replace the other party’s vehicle.

Also, depending on the use of your vehicle, the kind of vehicle or if your vehicle is registered or titled under your business name, you may need a commercial auto insurance policy to secure the appropriate coverage and vehicle registration, and avoid penalties.

What other types of business insurance are recommended for North Carolina?

North Carolina general liability insurance

General liability insurance (also known as CGL—for commercial general liability) is one of the most essential and effective ways to safeguard your business. It protects your business from the financial consequences resulting from liability related to third-party non-employee bodily injury or third party property damage that arises from your business operations. It also provides coverage for personal and advertising injury. Without general liability insurance coverage, you could be in financial trouble in the event of an unfortunate accident involving a customer or other third party.

North Carolina professional liability insurance

If you provide professional services and your advice is alleged to have led to one of your clients suffering a financial loss, professional liability insurance can help. When a former customer or client claims—rightly or wrongly—that a mistake in your work led them to suffer a financial loss, professional liability insurance provides you with investigation and defense of the claim as well as making payments of any settlements or judgments.

Inland marine insurance

Inland marine insurance is designed to protect that vital equipment you use to make your business run smoothly. It protects your business by covering costs associated with accidentally damaged, lost or stolen equipment that is on the go with you. Whether you have an expensive tool collection, pricey construction materials, or other equipment you transport to a job site, having inland marine insurance is a no-brainer. At Thimble, we offer inland marine insurance, or Business Equipment Protection as we call it, with coverage for up to $5,000 worth of business property and equipment.

Commercial property insurance

Commercial property insurance protects your company’s building and the contents inside it from all kinds of risks of physical loss or damage, including theft, vandalism, fires and natural disasters such as floods, storms or earthquakes. Commercial property insurance is often included as part of a Business Owners’ Insurance Policy, or BOP.

Professions covered in North Carolina

No matter what your business is, if you’re in North Carolina, you’ll benefit from being insured. If a non-employee slips and falls due to a workplace hazard or you accidentally damage a client’s property while working in their home, the last thing you need is to pay out-of-pocket for damages. In North Carolina, Thimble’s business insurance covers:

Cost of business insurance in North Carolina

At Thimble, the cost of your business insurance depends on a variety of factors. The amount of risk involved in your business, the industry you’re in, and the amount of business you do all play a part in determining your policy premium.

Another important factor is your location. A large city like Charlotte might have higher premiums on average than a smaller town like Cullowhee.

Finally, Thimble will look at factors such as your crew size, coverage amount and the number of years you’ve been in business before determining how much your premium will be.

Median North Carolina insurance costs

Top cities for businesses in North Carolina

• Asheville
• Chapel Hill
• Charlotte
• Durham
• Fayetteville
• Greensboro
• Greenville
• Raleigh
• Wilmington
• Winston-Salem

Bottom line: North Carolina business insurance

For over a decade, the Tar Heel State has been considered one of the top-five places in America to run a small business. The low cost of living and favorable business environment makes North Carolina an entrepreneur’s dream. But to run a business successfully, you have to protect your investment, and that means getting the right insurance coverage.

Even if you’re just starting up, you can find North Carolina business insurance coverage that’s right for you. Through Thimble, you can get a quote for your general liability insurance, professional liability insurance or Business Equipment Protection in less than a minute and if you decide to buy, you’ll be able to access your policy and Certificates of Insurance (COIs) in your inbox instantly.

Source:

1. 1. Forbes. Best States for Business.