Introduction
Every industry has unique risks and your insurance needs should match. This article explores how small business insurance requirements differ across sectors and what specific coverage your business may need.

1. Retail Businesses
Risks: Slip-and-falls, inventory theft, property damage
Recommended:

General liability

Property insurance

Product liability

BOP (Business Owner’s Policy)

2. Food & Beverage (Cafés, Restaurants, Food Trucks)
Risks: Kitchen fires, food poisoning, liquor liability
Recommended:

General liability

Commercial auto (for deliveries or food trucks)

Liquor liability (if serving alcohol)

Business interruption insurance

3. Professional Services (Consultants, Designers, Accountants)
Risks: Client disputes, data loss, contract errors
Recommended:

Professional liability (Errors & Omissions)

Cyber liability

General liability

Workers’ comp (if employing staff)

4. Contractors & Trades (Plumbers, Electricians, Handymen)
Risks: Job site injuries, property damage
Recommended:

General liability

Tools & equipment coverage

Workers’ compensation

Commercial auto

5. E-commerce & Online Businesses
Risks: Data breaches, shipment losses
Recommended:

Cyber liability

Product liability

General liability

Business interruption (due to tech outages)

6. Health & Wellness (Gyms, Yoga Studios, Coaches)
Risks: Injuries, malpractice, property loss
Recommended:

Professional liability

General liability

Equipment coverage

Workers’ comp

7. Questions to Ask Before You Buy
What’s legally required in my state/industry?

What’s the worst-case scenario I should prepare for?

Are there bundled options?

Do I need insurance for remote or freelance workers?

Conclusion
No one-size-fits-all policy exists for small businesses. By choosing coverage tailored to your industry, you protect your assets and your reputation from the specific risks that matter most.