Business Insurance

As a business owner, you have enough on your mind without having to worry about your insurance needs. You want to have the confidence that the business you've built is covered by a company that understands your business insurance needs.

Commercial business insurance provides wide-ranging protection for businesses and their subsidiaries under a single policy. There are various types of commercial business insurance that take care of property, liability and workers' compensation, to name a few. While property insurance covers damages to business property and products stored within the premises; liability insurance provides coverage for damages to third parties; and workers' compensation insurance covers injuries to employees.

Commercial business insurance is an important aspect of any business that should not be ignored especially if the business premises are leased or rented. Whatever your commercial insurance needs, we can design a protection program that's right for you.

NorthWest Insurance Agency provides the following types of business insurance protection:

Auto - Commercial

A commercial automobile insurance policy is required under most circumstances when the vehicle is used for business purposes and meets certain other requirements. It is not just the registration that determines the requirement for a business automobile insurance policy. Other requirements are ownership by a corporation, use in hauling goods for hire, and gross vehicle weight of the vehicle. Some small trucks can be owned and insured under a personal automobile insurance policy under specific circumstances.

Commercial automobile insurance policies are not regulated in pricing, as are private passenger policies. There is price competition between insurance companies for good commercial automobile insurance.

Commercial Auto Insurance Quote

BOP (Business Owners Package)

Business Owners Package policy, commonly called a "BOP" contains many of the insurance coverages needed by most small businesses. While these policies are not standard, there is great variation from insurance company to insurance company; there are certain common elements. The basic BOP offers business property for both building and contents, and liability insurance protection for the operation of your business. This liability protection will generally include both the operation of your business, at its established location, and the liability from your products or completed operations.

Some, but not all of the policies, will also offer business income and extra expense protection after an insured loss. BOP policies do not contain all of the coverages needed by a small business. Notably they do not cover any workers' compensation, professional liability, or business vehicle coverage.

Business Owners Package Insurance Quote

Business Interruption

If your business suffers a property loss it could cause the business to slow or close down while repairs are made. This may mean a complete or partial revenue loss depending on the time frame and the damage. From the time the loss occurs until your business is running again, insurance can replace your lost profits, and provide a source of money to pay your necessary continuing expenses, like rent, payroll, taxes, etc.

Commercial Property

Commercial Property protects your business against the loss or loss of use of company property. "Property" can include a variety of types: lost income or business interruption, buildings, computers, money, and valuable papers.

Commercial Property Insurance Quote

Commercial Umbrella

Most package policies provide a liability insurance limit of $1 million for any one loss and $2 million in any one year. For many businesses, this limit is inadequate for real economic security. As a result, additional layers of protection in million-dollar increments are readily available in today's insurance market for most businesses.

Contractor's Insurance

Contractor's General Liability insurance is for residential and commercial builders, general contractors, construction managers, design and build firms, specialty contractors or subcontractors, owners or public and private construction projects.

We offer contractor policies for every type of project:

• Property
• Builders risk insurance and course of construction
• Liability insurance
• General liability insurance
• Contractor insurance
• Commercial auto
• Umbrella
• Workers' compensation
• Railroad protective
• Equipment insurance
• Contract bond

Contractor Insurance Quote

Directors & Officers Liability

Directors and Officers Liability Insurance provides financial protection for the directors and officers of your company in the event they are sued in conjunction with the performance of their duties as they relate to the company. Think of Directors and Officers Insurance as a management Errors and Omissions policy.

Directors and Officers Insurance is often confused with Errors & Omissions Liability. The two are not synonymous; Errors & Omissions is concerned with performance failures and negligence with respect to your products and services, not the performance and duties of management. Generally it is a good idea to carry both Directors and Officers Liability Insurance and Errors and Omissions Liability Insurance.

Earthquake

Coverage for earthquake is not automatic, but may be purchased as an "add-on" to your business property policy. The cost for earthquake insurance depends on the location, amount of coverage, construction, and deductible of your business property.

The deductible for earthquake claims is separate from any other policy deductible and is usually a percentage of the loss rather than a flat dollar amount.

Earthquake Insurance Quote

Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)

Employment Practices Liability Insurance otherwise known as EPLI is insurance that helps protect you against claims from your employees that result from the general conduct of your business. Common examples of employee related claims include claims relating to:

• Discrimination
• Wrongful Discharge
• Sexual Harassment
• Hostile Working Environment
• Wrongful Termination
• Lack of Advancement

Farm/Agribusiness Insurance

At NorthWest Insurance Agency, we know that your farm is important to you and you have a lot to protect. That is why we take the time to analyze your farm insurance needs, develop a plan that is customized and responsive to your own specific situation, and offer you a competitive pricing that is reflective of your exposure and experience.

Our farm insurance coverages are tailored to meet your farm's property and liability risks, whether you're running a large-scale operation or simply enjoying a retirement hobby.

Farm Insurance programs from NorthWest Insurance Agency cover your dwelling and household personal property, farm personal property, plus barns, stables, silos and other structures. Our farm liability insurance protects you against injury and property damage, medical payments, advertising injury and farm pollution.

General Liability

Normally, it is difficult for businesses or general contractors to work without general insurance. General liability insurance is intended to guard operators and owners of companies from claims that may come from a broad spectrum of sources. These exposures could be just about anything, including liability engendered by accidents from the operations of the insured party, contractual liability, products manufactured by the insured party, etc.

The liability you select, whether it is one, two, or three million dollars, determines the cost of general liability insurance. Also factored into the rates are the kind of work undertaken, gross receipts and total payroll expenses. Similar to auto insurance, when it comes to general liability insurance, you will first have to make a down payment and then follow it up with installments. Before buying general liability insurance, it is best to compare the quotes available in the market.

It is the business owner's or general contractor’s job to make sure that the people working under him/her are covered by an insurance policy. If for example, a person who is not a part of the project gets injured, the injured person’s lawyer can target just about anyone involved in the project. The more individuals that are involved, the greater the chances of a successful lawsuit.

General Liability Insurance Quote

Hotel & Motel Hospitality Insurance

Running a hotel in today's competitive environment is a big challenge. Getting the proper business insurance at a reasonable price can be frustrating and time consuming.

Hotel insurance provides business protection coverage for owners and managers of hotels. Hotel insurance covers motels, resorts, spas, ranches and more. Learn more about the coverages included in the hotel and motel insurance policy.

Hotel insurance includes a multitude of coverages specific to the needs of a hotel manager or owner.

• Flood, earthquake, wind, crime, builder’s risk, business interruption, boiler and machinery, flood clean-up expenses and improvements are available and included in the property section of the motel insurance policy.
• General liability, business auto, excess liability, liquor liability and umbrella coverage are included in the casualty portion of the insurance policy for ranches and provide protection for valued guests.
• Worker’s compensation provides insurance protection for employees in case of injury on the job.

Hotel & Motel Insurance Quote

Investment Property

If you own an investment property, you should make sure that you carry adequate insurance coverage. Accidents may occur and ultimately cause damage to your investment property. If you do not have the necessary insurance, you will be responsible for the full financial cost.

Owning an investment property brings with it a large degree of liability. In addition to the building itself, you may be responsible for injuries received by others while they are on your property. You could also be held responsible for damage to their belongings.

Interpreters/Translators E&O

As a translator or interpreter you run the risk of having those you help not completely understanding how you are assisting them.  What if one of them accuses you of incorrectly interpreting their comments or writings?  Who will defend you against these accusations? 
With our Translators/Interpreters Professional Liability (also known as Errors & Omissions Insurance) you can have the coverage you need at a low annual cost.  This program also includes coverage for bodily injury liability arising out of the course of interpreting services.

Download Interpreters/Translators E&O Application (PDF) and fax to (707) 573-0313.

Kidnap & Ransom

As your company expands globally, so do your exposures. Companies with international operations and executives or staff who travel internationally may be targets for kidnappers and extortionists.

While no one can predict where or when a kidnapper or extortionist might strike, there are steps that you can take to protect your executives and families and prepare for a possible threat. A Kidnap & Ransom policy should be an integral part of your risk management program.

The Kidnap & Ransom policy will provide coverage for the following:

• Ransom and extortion payments as a result of a kidnapping or extortion threat.
• Loss of the ransom or extortion payment while being delivered.
• Expense coverage as a result of a ransom or extortion demand which includes fees and expenses of independent negotiators, and travel and accommodation expenses.
• Legal liability coverage protection in the event it is alleged the insured was negligent in a hostage retrieval.
• Political threat coverage for expenses when a person is wrongfully detained by anyone acting for a government or with the government's approval.

Liquor Liability

Liquor Liability Insurance is designed to provide liability insurance protection for those businesses who manufacture, distribute, or sell liquor. You need liquor liability insurance if you sell liquor and your business is a:

• Bar
• Tavern
• Nightclub
• Fraternal Club
• Convenience Store
• Liquor Store
• Restaurant

Medical Malpractice

In today’s challenging healthcare marketplace, we can help guide you to better results and a higher set of expectations with our value added services. We understand your struggle to deliver quality health care and avoid medical malpractice claims. Working in partnership with your practice, we will address affordability issues regarding medical malpractice insurance, while improving safety and quality.

Non-Profit Insurance

NorthWest Insurance Agency respects the interests of non-profit organizations like yours who serve, educate, rehabilitate, and, most of all, care about improving the lives of people and their communities. Your organization's future and security is how we measure our success.

We carry out our mission with affordable comprehensive insurance, loss control programs, risk management, and helpful reports. Please let NorthWest Insurance Agency handle your insurance work so you can do what you do best - serve your community!

Product Liability

Product liability insurance protects you in case a product you produce or provide causes harm to a user or a user's property. A "product" is anything that is tangibly used, touched, or consumed. This type of insurance is recommended for every business that manufactures a product, but is especially important for companies that produce food, clothing, toys or anything else that could conceivably cause harm to someone.

Most business owners policies include limited product liability coverage. If, for some reason, you do not have this coverage through a business owner's policy and your product runs the risk of inflicting harm on other people, you may need to buy product liability separately. Similarly, if your product presents a higher risk of injury (for example, it contains a hazardous material), you may need to purchase additional coverage.

Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions)

Professional liability insurance, also sometimes referred to as Errors and Omissions, is insurance to protect you and your company in the event a client alleges they have suffered a financial loss as a result of an error or an omission committed by you in the delivery of your professional services. Professional liability coverage is separate from a General Liability (GL) policy which would cover you mainly for bodily injury or property damage liability.

Professional Liability Insurance Quote

Property Liability

The general or public liability policy provides protection for claims of liability that are made by third parties. The policy provides defense protection even if the allegations are groundless. In addition the policy will pay any judgment up to the policy limit of coverage.

Restaurant

Today’s restaurant environment is more complex than ever and you want to know you’re covered for the unexpected occurrence.

Whether you run a small cafe or a national chain, you could be held liable for anything from contaminated or spoiled food to spilled coffee. That’s why you deserve an insurance company with commercial restaurant insurance coverage specifically designed for the risks you face.

Eligible classes include, but are not limited to:

• Fine Dining
• Casual Dining
• Fast Food
• Ethnic Cuisine
• Delicatessen
• Coffee Shop
• Micro Brewery

Restaurant Insurance Quote

Special Event

Whether you are planning a corporate event, holding a large rock concert, or organizing a local flower festival, you will need special event insurance to ensure that you are covered for unexpected occurrences that may spoil the success you and your company may receive when the big day arrives.

Special Events Insurance Quote

Surety Bonds

We work with many of the country's top-rated surety companies to secure:

• Contract Payment and Performance Bonds
• Fidelity Bonds on Employees
• Code Compliance Bonds
• Judicial and Court Bonds, including estate guardianship and repletion bonds
• Professional Service Bonds

Technology Insurance

Many companies are unaware that their current business and insurance policies most likely do not cover them for all of their technology-related risks. Our technology insurance portfolio offers coverage options tailored to fit your company's unique needs.

In today's technology-driven world, companies face a number of dynamic exposures. Whether it is faulty software, inappropriate advice, misconfigured firewalls or inadequate anti-virus software, hardware failure - companies are increasingly at risk. Claims are growing rapidly, leaving companies liable for expensive lawsuits.

Vineyard and Winery Insurance

NorthWest Insurance Agency understands that you have worked hard to become experts in your winery and vineyard, and we want to insure your growth.

NorthWest Insurance Agency Vineyard and Winery Insurance policies are designed to protect your business throughout the entire wine making process. Our extensive experience in agribusiness and farm insurance, combined with our expertise of the wine industry, enables us to work with you and your independent insurance agent to adapt winery insurance programs to your business' unique protection needs.

Wholesalers & Distributors

NorthWest Insurance Agency offers a broad range of coverages that are cost-effective and perfectly tailored for your business requirements if wholesaling or distributing. Get coverage specifically designed for today's wholesalers and distributors.

Our programs for wholesalers and distributors include detailed risk assessment and loss control expertise that can help reduce insurance costs for everyone from the small supplier to the large distributor.

Workers' Compensation

Workers' compensation insurance protects employers from claims resulting from injuries to employees. It protects your business from lawsuits and provides employees with compensation for on-the-job injuries.

By law, most employers are required to provide coverage for lost wages and medical bills incurred as a result of on-the-job accidents or illnesses. For many businesses, this coverage is the largest part of its insurance expense.

Workers' Compensation Insurance Quote