Insurance Resources
Everything you need to understand insurance and make informed decisions for your business or personal coverage needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between general liability and professional liability?
General liability covers bodily injury and property damage (like a customer slipping in your store). Professional liability (E&O) covers mistakes, errors, or negligence in the services you provide (like a consultant giving bad advice that costs a client money). Most businesses need both.
Do I really need workers' compensation insurance?
In Pennsylvania, workers' compensation is required for most businesses as soon as you hire your first employee. Even if you're exempt, it's smart coverage—medical bills and lost wages from workplace injuries can bankrupt an uninsured business. Plus, having it protects you from employee lawsuits.
How much commercial insurance do I need?
It depends on your industry, revenue, assets, and risk exposure. A good starting point is $1 million in general liability coverage, with higher limits for contractors or high-risk businesses. We'll review your specific situation and recommend appropriate coverage levels—not too much, not too little.
What is a Business Owners Policy (BOP)?
A BOP bundles general liability and commercial property insurance into one package, usually at a lower cost than buying them separately. It's ideal for small to mid-sized businesses like retail stores, offices, or restaurants. If you have a physical location and face customer-related risks, a BOP is often the most cost-effective solution.
Can I get coverage if I've had claims in the past?
Yes. Prior claims can affect your rates, but they don't necessarily disqualify you. As an independent agency, we work with multiple carriers—some specialize in businesses with claims history. We'll find you coverage, even if your previous agent couldn't.
How quickly can I get covered?
For most businesses, we can provide a quote within 24 hours and bind coverage the same day if needed. If you need a certificate of insurance for a job or contract, we can often issue it immediately once your policy is active.
What does "additional insured" mean?
An additional insured is someone (often a client, property owner, or general contractor) who you add to your policy so they're also protected if there's a claim related to your work. It's common in contracts. We can add additional insureds to your policy—just send us the request and we'll handle it.
Why should I use an independent agent instead of going direct?
Direct carriers can only sell you their own products. Independent agents like us represent multiple insurance companies, so we can shop around and compare options. You get more choices, better service, and someone who advocates for you when there's a claim. Plus, it doesn't cost you any more—we're paid by the insurance company, not you.
Insurance Guides
Coverage Checklist for New Businesses
Starting a business in Pennsylvania? Here are the essential coverages you need from day one.
- •General Liability (required by most landlords/contracts)
- •Workers' Compensation (if you have employees)
- •Commercial Property (if you own/lease space)
- •Commercial Auto (if you use vehicles)
What to Do When You Have a Claim
Don't panic. Follow these steps and call us immediately:
- Ensure safety first—secure the scene
- Document everything (photos, witness info)
- Call Fox Ridge Insurance right away
- Don't admit fault or negotiate directly
- We'll guide you through the entire process
Understanding Your Policy
Key terms every business owner should know:
- Deductible:What you pay before insurance kicks in
- Limit:Maximum the policy will pay
- Premium:Your cost for coverage
- Exclusion:What's NOT covered
Ways to Lower Your Insurance Costs
Save money without sacrificing protection:
- •Bundle multiple policies with one carrier
- •Implement safety programs & training
- •Increase your deductible (if cash flow allows)
- •Review coverage annually—needs change
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Get in touch and we'll answer any insurance questions you have.