Working in real estate takes effort, but the results are often very rewarding. However, many agents and brokers forget that they need an additional layer of insurance due to the unusual amount of risk associated with their industry. Here are three reasons why real estate agents need a business owner's policy (BOP).
Reason #1: General Liability Insurance
Perhaps the most important reason for real estate agents to purchase a BOP is that it includes general liability coverage. This type of coverage protects you against lawsuits arising from injury to others or damage to someone else’s property.
For example, imagine a situation where you accidentally cause damage to a client’s home while you are hosting an open house. Or, what if someone trips and becomes severely injured while at your office. The general liability portion of your business insurance helps handle the lawyer’s fees, court costs, and possibly the claim for damage. In some cases, general liability coverage might also protect you from slander, libel, or copyright lawsuits associated with marketing and signage.
Reason #2: Coverage For Your Office & Business Property
Another reason to buy a BOP is that it includes property damage coverage for your office. Even if you don’t have a singular office location, this could also mean things you use on a regular basis to run your business, such as computers, tablets, smartphones, signage and furniture. Business property even includes boxes of your favorite promotional gadgets. If fire or vandalism damage these items, your insurance would help get things back on track by replacing them.
Reason #3: Business Interruption Income
If sudden damage to your office prevents you from doing business, a BOP might be able to help. Most BOPs include a provision for business interruptions. It help you pay for certain expenses while you get things operational again. This is crucial coverage designed to help real estate offices of all sizes to continue to make money even if the unthinkable happens.
Of course, a BOP isn’t the only important type of business insurance to carry. For instance, commercial auto policies are important, but aren’t usually included in the BOP.
Having proper business insurance is important in many different industries, including real estate. To learn more about the various types of policies available to agents and brokers, speak to a AssuredPartners agent today.