Small business insurance

Whether you’re running an ecommerce business out of your home or standing up a storefront, Federated can tailor a small business insurance policy to your unique needs. That way you can focus on what really matters – your business.

What does your small business do?

Are you a contractor who works with their hands? Do you offer consulting or provide a specialized service? Do you sell products in a store or online?

Your industry helps us identify what kind of small business insurance you need. For example, If you’re a consultant and you store sensitive client information, you may want to consider cyber insurance. If you regularly use a vehicle to deliver products or services, commercial auto insurance may be right for you.

We offer solutions for:

Automotive Dealers & Repair

Automotive Dealers & Repair

Powersports Dealers & Repair

Powersports Dealers & Repair

Tire Dealers

Tire Dealers

Contractors

Contractors

Retailers

Retailers

Manufacturers

Manufacturers

Printers

Printers

Restaurants

Restaurants

Professional Services

Professional Services

Why small business owners trust us

Federated Insurance has been protecting Canadian businesses of all sizes for more than 100 years. We believe that knowing your business matters, so whether you run a small automotive repair shop or sell handmade clothing, we’ll provide you with a tailored small business insurance solution that helps cover your unique risks.

At Federated Insurance, we provide:

  • Customized insurance solutions designed for small business owners
  • Dedicated advisors who work with you directly
  • Expanded coverage options
  • Flexible payment and deductible options
  • Quick, no-hassle renewals

Common risks that small businesses can face

There are several scenarios that indicate what coverage small business owners may need. Whether you participate in tradeshows and events, need a commercial space, or use expensive equipment are all factors that help us identify the right coverages for you. A few of the common risks that small businesses can face are:

No matter the precautions you take, it’s likely that you could incur a loss during your small business’ lifetime. Commercial general liability (CGL) insurance can provide a safety net when it comes to liability claims. This coverage can help cover damages that your business may be found legally liable for. These damages are typically caused by bodily injury or property damage to third parties, including when you and your staff are conducting business off-site.

If you run your small business from a storefront, a workshop, or an office, there’s always risks associated with operating out of a commercial space. For example, a faulty outlet could cause a sudden electrical fire causing damage to inventory, furniture, or equipment. Repair and replacement costs can quickly pile up, leaving you in a tough situation. Commercial property insurance can help in these scenarios and help mitigate costs associated with a covered event.

There are many scenarios that could interrupt your small business’ operations. An unexpected fire or storm could cause extensive damage to your business property and force you to temporarily close for repairs. Or one of your suppliers might suffer their own business interruption after a disaster, which could cause delays to shipments your business needs.

If you had to temporarily close your business, would your business be able to survive? In many cases, temporary closures become permanent. If your business income has been interrupted or drastically reduced, ongoing business expenses can pile up. Business interruption insurance can help cover operating expenses and lost income while your business is closed temporarily.

As large enterprises continue to improve their cybersecurity measures, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting small businesses who may not be able to afford sophisticated security systems.

When cash flow is limited, spending on security can suffer which can lead to an increased threat of a cyber breach. Investing in cyber insurance, as well as taking preventative measures to reduce cyber exposures, can help you reduce the risk of becoming a target for cybercriminals.

All businesses face the risk of fire, but some businesses may have a unique or elevated risk related to their operations and equipment. For example, the owner of a contracting business or small auto repair shop may be at a higher risk of equipment related fires than someone who owns a café. Understanding your business’ risks is important in finding the right small business insurance coverage.

Insurance for small businesses

At Federated Insurance, we have coverage options designed to ensure that your small business is properly protected. Our representatives are committed to continuously evaluating your changing risks and making sure your small business has the right coverages:

Commercial general liability insurance

The right CGL coverage can help safeguard your small business if you’re found legally liable for property damage to a third party on your property or bodily injury, such as a slip and fall on a slippery warehouse floor.

Read more

Commercial property insurance

This coverage can help you recover if your building, equipment, furnishings, inventory, and/or supplies are damaged or destroyed during a natural catastrophe such as a fire, flood, earthquake, or because of theft or vandalism.

Read more

Business interruption insurance

If you’re forced to shut down operations following a covered loss — say, to repair your business after a fire — this coverage can help with your loss of net income so you can continue paying normal operating expenses and speed up your return to business as usual.

Read more

Equipment breakdown insurance

This coverage can help protect you from costly repairs and production delays if there’s a sudden, accidental breakdown of vital equipment or machinery.

Read more

Cyber insurance

If your business is the victim of a data breach or cyberattack, this coverage can help with expenses related to data recovery and communications to customers.

Read more

Commercial auto insurance

Whether you have just one delivery truck or a whole fleet, commercial auto coverage can help with potential repair costs and provide replacement car coverage, if you need to rent a temporary car for day-to-day operations after an accident.

Read more

Value-added services for your small business

Just like no two people are alike, no two small businesses are alike. That’s why our small business insurance policies are crafted based on your unique operations and risks. Our Field Risk Analysts are trained to identify and measure risk exposure, go over your insurance needs, and recommend the best coverages for your small business.

Once you become a customer, you’ll have access to an array of value-added services for your small business, including:

Because of our specialized insurance approach, our Claims Specialists are skilled in handling claims specific to the unique industries we serve. We’ve made it our mission to handle and resolve every claim in a way that is responsive, timely, and transparent. We’ll be there for you every step of the way, and available 24/7 to resolve your claim as quickly as possible — so you can get back to what you do best: running your small business and serving your customers.

With a dedicated Commercial Insurance Specialist on your side, you always get personalized service, expertise, and advice to help you protect your business and keep it safe. Your agent will work directly with you and our Field Risk Analysts to build a customized business insurance solution designed specifically for your small business.

Loss prevention is at the heart of what we do, and our Risk Services Specialists deliver a host of value-added programs including on-site consultations, in-depth assessments, and insightful training solutions. They can also provide expert advice as your small business grows and evolves.

We provide you with the tools you need to create, implement, and maintain safety programs, with a focus on identifying, communicating, and mitigating risks.

If you’ve experienced a traumatic loss, we provide confidential one-on-one counselling services to help you get through tough times.

Ready to learn more about how Federated Insurance can help your small business?