Find the Best Business Insurance Options in Nebraska
There are over 182,000 small businesses in Nebraska, representing 99.1 percent of the businesses in the state. Small businesses employ 48.3 percent of the workforce in Nebraska, making small business an important driver of the state’s economy.
Business owners of all sizes in Nebraska face numerous risks, including property damage caused by crime, severe weather, fires, and natural disasters. A liability claim or a lawsuit can lead to financial devastation that is difficult to overcome for any business.
A comprehensivebusiness insuranceprogram can help you repair and rebuild damaged property after a disaster. It can help you stay in business and pay for your defense if you are faced with a lawsuit.
Anindependent insurance agentcan help you compare business insurance quotes in Nebraska.
Best Business Insurance Companies in Nebraska
Thebest business insurance companiesin Nebraskaare highly rated for their mix of valuable coverage offerings and competitive pricing.
- EMC Insurance Companies: EMC is in the top 60 business insurance companies United States. The company specializes in designing well-rounded insurance programs to protect the financial assets of many types of businesses and organizations.
- Nationwide: Nationwide provides business insurance and other popular types of insurance coverage in Nebraska. The company is headquartered in Columbus, OH and is represented by independent insurance agents in 50 states, including Nebraska.
- Progressive: Progressive is based in Ohio, but offers business insurance across all 50 states, including Nebraska. Nebraska business owners can look to Progressive for most of their business insurance needs.
- Liberty Mutual:Liberty Mutual is headquartered in Boston, MA and has been offering business insurance since 1912. Today the company offers a flexible, multiline range of coverages designed to meet the needs of any business, regardless of size or industry.
- Travelers:Travelers offers highly rated business insurance in Nebraska. The company provides avariety of business insurance options, including inland marine, workers' compensation, and general liability.
Anindependent insurance agentin your area can help you learn more about these and other Nebraska business insurance companies. A local agent can help you get competitive quotes for the coverage that fits your Nebraska business insurance needs.
Nebraska Business Insurance Requirements
Business insurance is a package of insurance policies that cover your property and liability risks. Business insurance is not required in Nebraska, but if your business owns any vehicles, you'll likely have to buycommercial vehicle insurancethat complies with the state’s car insurance laws.
In addition,Nebraska state law requires employers to carryworkers’ compensation insurancefor employees who are injured or contract an occupational illnesson the job. Nebraska employers have to carry workers’ compensation insurance for full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary, and minor employees.
Anindependent insurance agentin your area can help you learn more about Nebraska’s business insurance requirements.
What Business Insurance Covers in Nebraska
When you purchase business insurance in Nebraska, you’ll be purchasing several individual policies or a package of policies designed for your industry. Business insurance in Nebraska will typically include the following types of policies and coverage:
- Commercial general liability insurance(CGL):Protects your business from lawsuits related to bodily injury and property damage claims. It pays for medical expenses, legal fees, and financial settlements or judgments. Your CGL policy even covers personal injury claims such as libel and slander.
- Commercial property insurance: This covers damage to a building and its contents if damaged by a weather event, fire, theft, vandalism, and other covered perils.
- Business interruption coverage: Protects your earnings and pays certain expenses if your business cannot operate because of damage after a fire, hail, wind, equipment breakdown, or another covered event. If you are forced to close for a while to make repairs or rebuild your business, this coverage pays for rent, employee salaries, lost income, relocation fees, and more.
- Commercial auto insurance:Protects your business-owned cars and trucks from property damage and liability claims.
- Workers’ compensation insurance: Pays for medical expenses and a portion of an employee's lost wages after a work-related injury.
Your business insurance in Nebraska may include additional coverage types or policies that cover your unique risks.
Liability Coverage Options for Small Businesses in Nebraska
Most small businesses would have a hard time recovering if they were faced with a lawsuit. Liability insurance can cover you when you’re accused of causing harm to an individual or another business. There a numerous liability coverage options for small businesses in Nebraska.
Acommercial general liability (CGL)policy offers broad protection from lawsuits. It covers your legal costs, medical expenses and other damage for the injured party, and other expenses related to a liability claim against your business.
CGL policies do not protect you from every type of lawsuit. You likely need additional liability policies or endorsem*nts that supplement your CGL policy and eliminate any gaps in your protection.
Talk to anindependent insurance agentabout why you might needenvironmental liability insurance, professional liability insurance,cyber liability insurance, or other types of liability coverage for your Nebraska business.
Property Coverage Options for Small Businesses in Nebraska
Commercial property losses can originate in a variety of ways and cause tremendous financial harm to your business. You need these basic business property coverage options to help you repair or rebuild your physical losses, and even to compensate you for lost income while you recover after a covered property loss.
Commercial property insuranceprotects you when your commercial property is damaged by someone else or by some type of unforeseen event like a fire or severe weather. You need business property insurance if you own your building or have tangible business assets (furniture, computers, fixtures, inventory, materials, tools, etc.).It helps you pay for repairs or to replacedamaged or destroyed commercial property after a covered loss.
Business interruption insuranceis a separate coverage that is typically included as part of a commercial property policy. It is designed toprotect your earnings if your business is unable to operate because of damage after a fire, hail, wind, equipment breakdown, or some other covered event.This means thatif you’re forced to close your doors for a period of time in order to make repairs or rebuild, this coverage pays for rent, employee salaries, lost income, relocation fees, and more.
A localindependent insurance agentcan help you get quotes for business property insurance in Nebraska.
Other Insurance Options for Small Business Owners in Nebraska
Most businesses in Nebraska likely need more than just basic property and liability insurance. Other insurance options for small business owners in Nebraska include:
- Business owners policy (BOP):A package policy that includes commercial liability insurance, commercial property insurance, and business interruption insurance.
- Workers’ compensation insurance:Typically required for any business that has employees. It pays for lost income and medical expenses for employees who are injured on the job.
- Commercial vehicle insurance:Covers your vehicles and drivers in the event of an accident or other types of vehicle damage.
- Cyber liability insurance:Provides coverage in the event of a data breach involving your business.
- Employment practices liability insurance:Protects you if an employee sues you for discriminatory employment practices.
- Floodor hurricane insurance:Your basic commercial property policy does not cover flood or hurricane damage. Talk to your agent about flood and hurricane insurance if you live in an area that is prone to these events.
- Professional liability insurance: Protects you if a client claims you have been negligent in providing professional services.
- Commercial umbrella insurance:Provides excess liability coverage above and beyond the limits of your applicable underlying commercial liability policies.
This is not an exhaustive list of your business insurance options in Nebraska. Anindependent insurance agentcan make sure that all of your Nebraska business insurance needs are met.
Average Cost of Business Insurance in Nebraska
Every business is unique and there are many variables that contribute to the cost of business insurance, making it difficult to compute an average cost of business insurance in Nebraska. Several factors, including the following, influence the cost of Nebraska business insurance:
- The size and physical location of your business
- Your number of employees
- Your gross sales and payroll
- The nature of your business (what do you do?)
- The value of your physical assets (buildings, vehicles, machines, equipment, inventory, etc.)
- Your prior claims history
- The types and amounts of coverage that you need
Anindependent insurance agentcan help you understand all of the risks you face and get quotes for affordable business insurance in Nebraska.
How Does Your Nebraska City Measure Up?
Number of businesses in the US:30,819,176
Burglary rate per 1,000 residents in the US:3.76
Auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles in the US:2.29
| City | No. businesses | Burglaries / 1,000 people | Auto thefts / 1,000 cars |
| Alliance | 778 | 3.94 | 0.98 |
| Beatrice | 1,192 | 2.29 | 1.31 |
| Bellevue | 3,060 | 1.83 | 3.06 |
| Blair | 634 | 1.4 | 2.68 |
| Columbus | 2,115 | 1.62 | 1.41 |
| Crete | 436 | 1.69 | 1.27 |
| Fremont | 1,983 | 4.78 | 1.81 |
| Gering | 673 | 0.86 | 0.73 |
| Grand Island | 4,366 | 3.65 | 1.93 |
| Omaha | 37,664 | 3.58 | 6.7 |
| Papillion | 1,730 | 0.83 | 1.07 |
| Scottsbluff | 1,448 | 3.47 | 1.19 |
| Seward | 566 | 0.41 | 0.41 |
| York | 893 | 3.43 | 0.89 |
How Does Your Nebraska City Measure Up?
Property: In addition to severe weather events, property crimes like theft and arson can lead to large business losses if you do not have the right insurance. The crime rate in Bellevue can affect your coverage rates.
Commercial auto: Commercial auto insurance rates are based on a number of factors. Depending on the number and types of vehicles you are covering and the risk of collisions and auto theft in your city, your rates could be higher or lower than your neighbor's.
Workers’ compensation: Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Nebraska employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.
Workers' compensation insurance should address your unique business, which is why these rates are different from one another and why a construction company needs more insurance protection for its employees than a retail store. If a liability claim comes your way after an employee suffers a job-related injury or illness, you need the right protection to stay financially stable.
Property: Severe weather events and property crimes can lead to serious business losses. If you don't have the right property insurance, you will have to pay for the damage out of pocket.
Commercial auto: Whether your business owns a single car or an entire fleet of vehicles, you need commercial auto insurance. Your rates will be based on a number of factors, including the number and types of vehicles you are covering and the risk of collisions and auto theft in your city.
Workers’ compensation: Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Nebraska employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.
All businesses have different workers' compensation insurance needs. When you talk to a local professional, you'll receive coverage that addresses your risks and takes workplace exposures into account.
Property: In addition to severe weather events, property crimes like theft and arson can lead to large business losses if you do not have the right insurance. The crime rate in Grand Island can even affect your coverage rates, so consider all of the moving parts when looking at insurance.
Commercial auto: Commercial auto insurance doesn't have to be complicated. A local adviser can walk you through the process and explain why your rates are based on a number of factors such as the number and types of vehicles you are covering and the risk of collisions in your city.
Workers’ compensation: Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Nebraska employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.
Manufacturing businesses have many different workers' compensation insurance needs from retail trade businesses. Why you may pay more for coverage than another business can be discussed with a professional. It's important to have the proper coverage so you're fully insured in case a medical bill or lawsuit comes your way.
Property: Severe weather events, property crimes, and unexpected flooding can lead to large business losses, and property insurance helps protect against them.
Commercial auto: If your business owns a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles, you will need commercial auto insurance. Your rates will be based on a number of factors, including the number and types of vehicles you are covering and the risk of collisions and auto theft in your city.
Workers’ compensation: Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Nebraska employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.
Each industry has its own specific workplace hazards and risks to keep in mind when looking at insurance options. Just consider the risks at a construction site vs. the risks in a classroom. That's why these rates are different from one another and why you need to walk through the process with a trusted adviser to ensure that you're receiving comprehensive, affordable, and customized insurance.
Property: Since the crime rate in Hastings can affect how much you pay for coverage, your insurance protection should match the risks you face. It's the only way you'll be fully protected and completely insured against the unexpected.
Commercial auto: Whether you have a pickup truck or a nice sedan, any vehicle your business owns needs commercial auto insurance protection. But remember that your rates will vary depending on the number and types of vehicles you are covering, the risk of collisions, and average amount of auto theft in your city.
Workers’ compensation: Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Nebraska employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.
Not all industries are the same, which is why an employee at a construction site has much more risk of getting injured than someone behind a store counter. Workers' comp insurance should address your unique risks and provide enough protection for you and your employees in the event of an accident.
Property: Property insurance is useful if your property is damaged by forces of nature or things like robberies or arson, and is useful to look into depending on the risks that your business faces.
Commercial auto: No matter what kind of services you perform or how far you drive, your business needs commercial auto insurance. It's essential to protect not only your employees who are driving but also the vehicles you've worked so hard to acquire.
Workers’ compensation: Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Nebraska employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.
Each workplace presents its own inherent risks to the employees who work there, and your business needs the right kind of protection for its specific and unique hazards. A manufacturing company has much more risk than one in retail. Keep this in mind when shopping for insurance.
Property: Did you know that the crime rate in Lincoln can affect how much you pay for commercial insurance?
Commercial auto: If your small business owns even one vehicle, you need commercial auto insurance. But remember this: Your rates will be based on a number of unique factors, starting with the number and types of vehicles you want to protect. Make sure both your employees and your vehicles are properly insured against unexpected accidents.
Workers’ compensation: Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Nebraska employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.
Each business has different workers' compensation insurance needs. Be sure to talk with a professional so you can receive coverage that addresses your exposures and takes workplace risks into account.
Property: Did you know that the crime rate in Norfolk can affect your coverage rates? There may be other things you aren't aware of. When it comes to your commercial insurance, you can't afford to skimp on coverage or be unaware of the risks you're up against.
Commercial auto: The number and types of vehicles you are covering, as well as the risk of collisions and the amount of auto theft in your city, will change how much you pay for insurance. It all comes together to give you a comprehensive overview of what you need protection against when purchasing coverage.
Workers’ compensation: Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Nebraska employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary so significantly depending on your industry.
Manufacturing-based businesses have much different workers' compensation insurance needs from businesses in retail. Why you may pay more for coverage than another company will depend on your industry. It's important to have the proper coverage so you're fully insured in case a medical bill or lawsuit comes your way.
Property: Your storefront and property are essential to your business success. If your building needs to be repaired or rebuilt, you should have enough coverage to get it fixed in a timely manner — without paying out of pocket.
Commercial auto: Whether your business owns a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles, you will need commercial auto insurance. Your rates will be based on a number of factors, including the number and types of vehicles you are covering and the risk of collisions and auto theft in your city.
Workers’ compensation: Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Nebraska employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.
Workers' compensation insurance should address your unique business, which is why your rates are different from another's. A transportation company needs more insurance protection for its employees than a retail store. If a liability claim comes your way after an employee suffers a job-related illness or injury, you need the right protection to stay financially stable.
Property: The property crime rate in Omaha is higher than the national average. Because you have to protect yourself against the risks you face, property insurance in less safe areas can sometimes be more expensive.
Commercial auto: If your business owns a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles, you will need commercial auto insurance. Your rates will be based on a number of factors, including the number and types of vehicles you are covering and the risk of collisions and car theft in your city.
Workers’ compensation: Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Nebraska employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why workers' compensation rates vary significantly depending on your industry.
Industries are not all created equal. An employee at a construction site has a much higher risk of getting injured than someone behind a store counter. Workers' comp insurance should address your unique risks and provide enough protection for you and your employees in the event of an accident.
Nebraska Business Insurance FAQ
While you can't predict the exact costs of business insurance in Nebraska, it’s important to understand what variables play a role in your insurance rates. Here are just a few of the factors that insurance companies use when calculating your business insurance costs in Nebraska:
- Type of industry
- Number of employees
- Gross annual sales
- Location of business
- Number of company vehicles
- Past claims reported
- Number of years in operation
In Nebraska, it’s essential for almost every business to carry a comprehensive business insurance package.Nebraska state law requires employers to carryworkers’ compensation insurancefor employees who are injured or contract an occupational illnesson the job. Nebraska employers have to carry workers’ compensation insurance for full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary, and minor employees.
In addition, if your business owns any vehicles, you’re required to comply with Nebraska’s car insurance laws by purchasing appropriatecommercial vehicle insurance.
Most businesses in Nebraska need a combination ofpropertyandliabilityinsurance, in addition to workers’ compensation insurance and commercial vehicle insurance as required by the state.
Depending on your unique business and the risks you face, you’ll likely need some additional coverage, such as professional liability insurance,commercial umbrella insurance, orcyber liability insurance.
Small business liabilityinsurance is a primary building block of your Nebraska business insurance program. It helps protect your operation from bodily injury and property damage lawsuits that come your way as a result of doing business.
Though not mandatory by Nebraska state law, this policy is necessary to avoid the major financial repercussions of even a single negligence claim or lawsuit.
Health insurance and otheremployee benefitsare important for many small businesses and their employees. A good employee benefits plan helps companies support a healthy and satisfied workforce. In addition, employers who offer employee health plans may also be eligible for significant tax benefits.
There are many small business health insurance plans and options available in Nebraska. Anindependent insurance agentcan help you find business health insurance plans near you.
EMC,Nationwide,Progressive,Liberty Mutual, andTravelersare some of thebest business insurance companies in Nebraska. They are highly rated for offering broad coverage, top-notch customer service, and a variety of affordable options for business owners.
Small businesses in Nebraska may need the following types of business insurance
- Commercial general liability insurance
- Commercial property insurance
- Business interruption/loss of use insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
- Commercial vehicle insurance
- Commercial umbrella insurance
Business owners in Nebraska may also need additional policies including professional liability insurance, equipment breakdown insurance, inland marine insurance, employment practices liability insurance, and more, to cover their unique risks.
A certificate of insurance is a document you obtain from your insurance company to prove you have business insurance. Certificates of insurance assure your clients that you have the right insurance before they agree to work with you. This can be very important in certain industries, such as construction.
Most insurance companies make it easy to request a certificate of insurance. You can usually request one directly from your insurance company by phone or online, or your independent insurance agent can handle it for you.
While your industry does not affect what business insurance is required by the state of Nebraska, it does affect what business insurance is likely needed to properly protect your assets when you have a loss. The business insurance package for a retail store will definitely be very different than the business insurance package for a manufacturer, a landscaper, or even a restaurant.
An independent insurance agent in your area can help you understand the unique risks faced by businesses in your industry and how the right business insurance policies can protect you.
Searching for the best and most affordable business insurance can be frustrating and confusing. That’s why it pays to have an experienced insurance professional in your corner.
Find anindependent insurance agentin Nebraska now, and get one-on-one consultation and affordable options for the best coverage for your unique needs. Your agent will work with you free of charge, offering you a variety of options so you can make the best choice
Do You Know What Your Business Insurance Covers in Nebraska?
