Small Business Insurance
We help small businesses see the big picture.
Small businesses can vary in terms of their size, number of employees and revenue. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach to insurance simply doesn’t work. Our knowledgeable small business specialists will work with you to create customized coverage and risk management solutions that addresses your business’ specific needs.
Flexible and affordable small business insurance.
Small business insurance is a critical investment in your business’ longevity. At Acera Insurance, we’re 100% independent with access to more than 100 insurers. That means we’re working for you to find competitive small business insurance quotes that offer you a choice in coverage and support your long-term success.
Who we help
Cooperatives
Corporations
Non-profits
Partnerships (general and limited)
Sole proprietors
Our diverse experience.
As one of Canada’s leading independent insurance brokerages, we help small businesses of all shapes and sizes find the coverage they need to thrive. We have local expertise and highly specialized industry knowledge in these and other areas:
Automotive Services
Health Care
Hospitality
Manufacturing, Distribution & Wholesale
Non-profit
Oil & Gas
Professional Services
Realty
Retail
Recreation
Technology
Transportation
Small business expertise by association.
With active memberships in countless small business associations, chambers and industry networks throughout Canada, we stay informed on the latest topics and trends that impact small businesses like yours.
The essential coverage small businesses need.
Our small business insurance brokers can help you determine your needs and work within your budget to find insurance that works for you.
Business Property
This protects your business’ physical property, which could include the building you operate from, equipment, inventory and other business-related property. If your business’ property is damaged or destroyed by fire, hail, theft, vandalism and more, this coverage can help you recover.
Commercial General Liability
Regardless of your industry, your small business needs commercial general liability. If a third-party is injured while on your premises or has their property damaged due to your operations, they can hold your business liable. This coverage may help cover legal expenses and medical costs related to such an event.
Professional Liability
This coverage is essential for businesses that provide professional advice or services. It helps protect you if a client claims they suffered financial loss as a result of your advice or services by potentially helping to cover expenses associated with the lawsuit including defence costs, settlements and awards.
Product Liability
If you sell or manufacture products and someone is injured or has their property damaged by your product, this liability insurance can help protect your business.
Cyber Liability
Small businesses are often at a higher risk of a data breach or cyberattack because they rarely have the sophisticated software or security practices of larger companies. This coverage can help your business recover after a data breach or cyberattack and provide risk management tools to protect your business.
Business Interruption
This coverage is an essential component of a property insurance policy and helps cover financial losses resulting from physical damage, such as lost income and additional expenses. During the process of recovering from a loss, business interruption coverage can cover the reduction in your profits and extra expenses incurred to keep your business running.
The importance of small business insurance for Canadian organizations.
Is your Canadian-based small business covered with adequate insurance? Can your business withstand disruptions caused by floods, fires, and other potential hazards? Are you protected if you give professional advice that causes damage to another business? These are just a few examples of the risks that small business owners in Canada need to be aware of.
As outlined in the section above, small business insurance isn’t just one type of coverage. Small business insurance is any type of business insurance that you may require for your specific business. This can include many commercial coverages, such as CGL or E&O insurance. In fact, protecting your business operations effectively often requires a combination of multiple insurance solutions—regardless of the size or nature of your company.
For example, commercial general liability protects business owners against losses that could occur in your daily operations, including third party bodily injury or property damage. Meanwhile, professional liability insurance protects you from lawsuits (fees, settlement costs, etc.) if you give professional advice or services to clients. Both are required to safeguard your company from different exposures.
As a business owner, you may also need coverage for:
- Rental property
- Proof of insurance: potential or current clients may ask for proof of insurance before they do business with you.
- Event hosting
- Loans: you may need to provide proof of insurance coverage to get a business loan.
With Acera Insurance, business owners have many options to choose from. Our small business insurance experts get to know your business to help provide tailored recommendations. The type of insurance you need depends on many factors such as industry, revenue, and size. Our broker utilize their industry knowledge to help you find the right insurance solution for your needs.
Speak to a specialist.
Get in touch with a dedicated advisor on our small business insurance team and we’ll get to work building the perfect coverage program for you.
Small Business Insurance in Canada: FAQs
Canadian law does not require you to have a business insurance policy but it’s highly recommended in most industries to protect your business reputation and your finances. Insurance is a smart choice, especially for small-business owners who may not have the money to pay for legal defense fees if they are sued.
With the right insurance you can prevent potential financial problems that could lead to bankruptcy. Acera Insurance can help. Connect with small business insurance specialist or get a free online quote in minutes.
As your business coverage goes up so does your premium. The general rule of thumb is to obtain as much coverage as possible if you can bear the cost. Many businesses regret choosing the cheapest coverage when they must file a claim. Consider the risks your business may be exposed to and your budget. At the same time, try not to overpay for coverage options that your business doesn’t need.
Some personal home insurance policies may cover personal items such as a printer or monitor, but there may be exclusions that do not cover items used for business purposes. Your home insurance will not cover you for any damage to your home, or the loss of equipment that could prevent you from working.
The type of business you are insuring will affect the cost of your small business insurance. Because every small business is different, insurance costs for small businesses can vary. Your company’s size, experience, industry risk, and payroll all play a role in determining the cost of small business insurance.
Our small business insurance brokers are ready to offer you free business insurance quotes along with some expert advice.
Other than over-insuring or under-insuring, many business owners make critical errors that lead to them paying more for insurance. First, you shouldn’t be content with purchasing all your insurance (personal or commercial) through the same provider unless there is a compelling reason to do so. Compare quotes to find the best deal.
Don’t accept the first policy that your broker offers you. Although you may believe your broker is looking out for your best interests, keep in mind that brokers can collect commissions on policies they sell. Some brokers also have relationships with providers.
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