Essential Insurance Questions Small Business Owners Ask

What Affects the Cost of Small Business Insurance?
Short answer: it depends on your business.
Every business in the Myrtle Beach area is a little different, and your insurance price reflects that. A few of the biggest factors include:
  • What you own (equipment, inventory, tools, etc.)
  • How many employees you have
  • The type of work you do
  • The coverage limits and deductibles you choose
For example, a boutique in downtown Myrtle Beach will have very different risks than a contractor working jobs from Conway to Murrells Inlet. Insurance companies look at all of this to figure out your level of risk—and that’s what shapes your premium.
Do Home-Based or One-Person Businesses Really Need Insurance?
They do—and this surprises a lot of people.
Even if you’re running a small business from home or it’s just you, things can still go wrong. Someone could get hurt, equipment could get damaged, or a client issue could turn into a claim.
A lot of people assume their homeowners insurance has them covered, but in most cases, business activity is only covered in a very limited way. Having a simple general liability policy can go a long way in protecting you.
What Types of Coverage Do Most Small Businesses Start With?
This depends on your business, but we see a lot of Myrtle Beach–area businesses start with a few key basics:
  • General Liability – Covers injuries or property damage claims
  • Commercial Property – Protects your building, tools, inventory, and equipment
  • Workers’ Compensation – Usually required once you hire employees
These cover a lot of the everyday risks that come up across different industries around the Grand Strand.
What’s a BOP (Business Owner’s Policy)?
You’ll probably hear this term come up a lot.
A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) bundles general liability and commercial property into one policy. It’s often more affordable than buying them separately, which is why so many small businesses in Myrtle Beach and nearby areas go this route.
It’s simple, cost-effective, and works really well for many businesses—though some higher-risk operations may need something a little more customized.
Do I Need Commercial Auto Insurance?
If you use a vehicle for your business—even here and there—it’s worth a closer look.
That includes things like:
  • Driving to meet clients around Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach
  • Running deliveries
  • Hauling tools or equipment between jobs
Most personal auto policies don’t cover business use, so it’s important to make sure you’re not caught off guard if something happens.
What Happens If I Don’t Have Enough Coverage?
This is where things can get tough.
Without the right coverage in place, even one claim can turn into a big financial hit. That could mean paying out of pocket for things like:
  • Legal costs
  • Medical bills
  • Repairs or replacements
  • Lost income if your business has to pause
  • Fines for not having required coverage
Having the right insurance isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about making sure your business can keep going if something unexpected happens.
Is There a Way to Keep Insurance Costs Down?
Absolutely—and it doesn’t mean cutting corners.
Here are a few simple ways business owners around the Grand Strand manage costs:
  • Review your coverage every year as your business grows
  • Talk with your agent about deductibles and options
  • Bundle policies when possible, to get discounts
A quick check-in once a year can make a bigger difference than most people expect.
Final Thoughts
Owning a business in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas is exciting—but it also comes with real responsibility. The good news is that insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. When you understand your risks and have the right coverage in place, you can focus on what you do best running and growing your business. And if you ever feel unsure, having a local agent who understands the area, the risks, and your goals can make the whole process a lot easier.

Top 5 Insurance Mistakes Business Owners Make

And How to Avoid Them

Running a business comes with enough challenges — insurance shouldn’t be one of them. Yet many business owners unknowingly expose themselves to financial risk simply because they misunderstand their coverage or overlook key protections. The good news is that most insurance mistakes are completely avoidable with the right guidance.

Below are the top five insurance mistakes business owners make, why they matter, and how to protect your business from costly surprises.

1. Underestimating the Value of Their Assets

Many business owners choose coverage limits based on price rather than actual exposure. The result? Policies that fall short when disaster strikes.

Why it’s a problem:  If your building, equipment, or inventory is undervalued, your policy may not pay enough to fully rebuild or replace what you’ve lost.

How to avoid it:

  • Conduct annual asset reviews
  • Update values as your business grows
  • Work with an agent who understands your industry and can recommend accurate limits

2. Not Carrying Enough Liability Protection

General liability is essential, but it’s often not enough on its own — especially for businesses with customer traffic, employees, or higher‑risk operations.

Why it’s a problem:  A single lawsuit can exceed basic liability limits, leaving the business responsible for the remaining costs.

How to avoid it:

  • Consider an umbrella policy for added protection
  • Review contracts to ensure you meet required liability limits
  • Evaluate risks specific to your industry (e.g., professional liability, cyber liability, EPLI)

3. Misunderstanding Workers’ Compensation Requirements

Many business owners assume Workers’ Compensation only applies to large companies or high‑risk industries. That’s a costly misconception.

Why it’s a problem:  Most states require Workers’ Comp as soon as you hire even one employee. Failing to carry it can lead to fines, lawsuits, and uncovered medical expenses.

How to avoid it:

  • Know your state’s requirements
  • Classify employees correctly
  • Review payroll and job duties annually to ensure accurate premiums

4. Letting Policies Auto‑Renew Without Review

Life gets busy, and insurance renewals often get pushed aside. But businesses evolve — and your coverage should evolve with it.

Why it’s a problem:  Auto‑renewing without review can leave you underinsured, overpaying, or missing out on new coverage options.

How to avoid it:

  • Schedule an annual insurance review
  • Update your agent on new equipment, employees, services, or locations
  • Compare coverage options to ensure you’re getting the best value

5. Not Protecting Against Cyber Risks

Cyberattacks are no longer a big‑business problem. Small and mid‑sized businesses are now prime targets — and many don’t carry cyber insurance.

Why it’s a problem:  A data breach can cost tens of thousands in recovery, legal fees, and lost business. Most general liability policies do not cover cyber incidents.

How to avoid it:

  • Add a cyber liability policy
  • Train employees on cybersecurity best practices
  • Use multi‑factor authentication and secure data storage

Final Thoughts

Insurance isn’t just a requirement — it’s a strategic tool that protects your business, your employees, and your financial future. By avoiding these common mistakes and partnering with a knowledgeable insurance professional, you can ensure your coverage grows with your business and keeps you protected when it matters most.

Submitted by Gina Vatell

3 Things You Should Check on Your Policy Today

Have you ever thought about what is most important in your homeowner’s insurance policy? If you want to understand your home insurance policy, it’s important to make sure you have the coverage you really need. There are three main areas of your policy to focus on for comprehensive protection for your property. Comprehensive protection in an insurance policy is when you are insured against a wide range of risks and unforeseen events, adequately. 

# 1. Coverage Types

– Dwelling Coverage: Make 100% sure that your policy has the full replacement cost of your home as well as all structures on your property, even your fencing! Your agent can help you determine the cost to rebuild your home in today’s market by running a quick replacement cost estimate. 

– Personal Property Coverage: Is your policy limit too low or too high? We see this a lot in today’s market, sometimes the limit is preset by companies you may be overinsured. Why pay for more than what you own? You may need a separate policy called an inland marine policy to schedule valuables such as jewelry, guns and collectibles. Never assume everything you own is covered, most policies have preset limitations on specific valuables. 

– Liability Coverage: it is imperative to have enough liability protection/limits in case someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. No one likes getting sued, but it happens daily. 

# 2. Deductibles

– Amounts:  In coastal SC, almost every company sets a minimum amount on your wind/hail deductible and that is normally 2% of your dwelling coverage. All other peril deductibles (anything not related to wind/hail) can range from $1,000-$5,000 or a percentage of dwelling coverage. You can pick which deductible is most affordable to you. But remember, you pay those deductibles out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. Choose an amount that fits your financial situation.

# 3. Exclusions and Limitations

– Specific Exclusions: In our area, flood damage is specifically excluded on property policies. Be aware of what is not covered under your policy and don’t just assume you have coverage. Read through your policy to see the exclusions.

– Coverage Limits: A lot of policies have caps on damages caused by water on older homes. See if your policy has any caps on specific types of claims, like theft or damage to personal property. This also ties back to valuables and realizing there are certain limits built into policies. 

    Our homes are our livelihoods. Please ensure that you understand your policy. No one thinks the unimaginable could happen to them, but we see it more than you know. In the event of a total loss, you will need the tools necessary to help yourself recover financially. Reviewing these three areas on your policy does just that! 

Submitted by Mary Beth Morris