Business Insurance Archives - Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd. Sun, 24 Sep 2023 18:55:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-favicon@2x-1-32x32.png Business Insurance Archives - Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd. 32 32 178137659 Employee Benefits Insurance: Five Reasons Your Manitoba Business Needs To Offer It https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/article/employee-benefit-insurance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=employee-benefit-insurance Sun, 24 Sep 2023 18:53:09 +0000 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/?p=9039 Employee benefits can give your company a competitive edge—if you pick the right plan. Learn to tailor a plan to your team's needs & maximize the benefits.

The post Employee Benefits Insurance: Five Reasons Your Manitoba Business Needs To Offer It appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>

Employee Benefits Insurance: Five Reasons Your Manitoba Business Needs To Offer It

Four employees sitting down in a meeting taking notes.
September 24, 2023

SHARE THIS ARTICLE 

Employees want more and more flexibility from their employers. Time off. The option to work from home. Flex schedules. To stay competitive, businesses need to compromise. But while flexibility is great for work-life balance, it might not be what’s best for your bottom line.

An employee benefits plan (also known as a group benefits plan) is a comprehensive package of life, health, and wellness insurance coverage that can be tailored to meet the needs of your employees. All while respecting—and maybe even improving—your company’s bottom line.

Our goal with this post? To help you choose the right employee benefit insurance for your business. So you can reap all the benefits of offering insurance and avoid any would-be costs.

Already know you want employee benefits for your team? Or required by your union to offer them? Reach out to us. We’ll give you all the information you need and help you find a plan that aligns with your company values, your budget, and your employee’s needs.

Tight On Time? Go Directly To The Info You Need Most:

Employee Insurance Plans: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

If money or buy-in were no issue, we think it’s safe to assume that most employers would love to provide the best possible benefits packages for their employees. But in reality, there are a handful of objections that hold a lot of employers back from committing, the most common of which tend to be cost, administration demands, and employee perception.

It’s true that certain employee benefits plans can be expensive for you, the employer, and that they may even put a strain on your company budget. It’s also true that managing some plans can be time-consuming and complex, which could put a strain on your administration or human resources teams. Employee perception matters as well—not all employees are enthusiastic about benefits plans. Typically, this is because they’ve had to pay into a plan before that didn’t provide them with the coverage they actually wanted or needed. So as a result, they felt like they were just subsidizing the needs of their coworkers. (Never a good feeling!)

These hesitations are perfectly legitimate. And they can cause real issues for employers. But the important thing to know is that they’re not the result of having an employee benefits plan in general. They’re the result of misalignment between an employer, their employees, and the plan itself. When an employer knows what their employees need and purchases an on-budget plan that meets those needs, issues rarely arise. Instead, the opposite occurs—the benefits plan leads to all kinds of positive outcomes within a company.

The Benefits Of An Employee Benefits Plan

The right employee benefits plan is an asset that can help your organization retain key talent, live out your values, and develop a competitive edge.

#1 Tailor Your Coverage To Meet Company Needs

Employee benefits plans can be tailored to fit your organization’s needs, so the exact benefits included in any given plan vary based on industry, company size, and the specific needs and preferences of both the employer and their employees. As the employer, you can select from all kinds of coverage options.

  • Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance provide financial protection for unexpected events.
  • Health insurance offers coverage for medical, dental, and vision expenses and ensures that your employees have access to extended health care.
  • Disability insurance provides financial security in case an employee loses the ability to work for a period of time due to illness or injury.
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer resources and support for employees and any family members dealing with personal or work-related challenges, such as counseling services or wellness programs.
  • Healthcare Spending Accounts allow employees to access additional funds for various expenses over and above their base policy.

It’s important to note, however, that not every coverage option will be available to every company. Among other factors, the size and composition of your company (the number of employees you have), the number of years you’ve been in business, and the industry you’re a part of can affect which coverage options are available to you.

Why do these factors affect your coverage options? Well, because some companies, professions, and industries are just riskier than others. A company with more employees is more appealing to an insurance company from a financial risk-management perspective because the risks are spread amongst a large number of people. While “risker” professions—airline pilots, flight attendants, and first responders—are generally more challenging to insure given the risky nature of their roles. (Though it is still possible to offer riskier industries an employee benefits program!)

#2 Attract And Retain Great Employees

Companies are facing increasing pressure in the face of changing workforce demands. Employees want more flexibility, the option to work from home, and a better work-life balance overall. So in order to keep great talent and avoid missing out on the best new hires, many employers are feeling the pressure to stay competitive!

A group benefits plan is designed to attract new employees to the organization by offering them perks of employment beyond their base salary. But it’s not just for new talent—employee benefit plans can also help your organization retain existing employees who may be looking for more.

#3 Increase Compensation Without Increasing Salaries

When you have great employees, you want to do everything you can to keep them happy. But sometimes, a salary increase just isn’t an option. In that case, a group benefits plan can be an effective way to increase your employees’ total compensation without having to increase your budget for salaries.

#4 Show Your Employees You Care About Their Well-Being

We know you care about your employees’ well-being. But while, in theory, you might want to give unlimited time off and sick pay, you do still have to operate within certain limits. An employee benefits package is a great way to show your dedication to your employees and their well-being—without sacrificing your bottom line or your team’s productivity.

When It Comes To Offering Employee Insurance, The Benefits Outweigh The Costs.

Not every employee benefits plan is right for every organization. But with our help, you can create a plan that meets the needs of your business and your employees. And when that happens, we know you’ll find that the benefits of, well, benefits greatly outweigh any would-be costs!

Don’t Know Where To Start? That’s Okay. We Do!

Our Insurance Consultants would be happy to help you align your benefits plan with your company’s resources and your employee’s needs.

Click the button below and request a quote to get started. You’ll fill out all the information you can right now, then we’ll get in touch, discuss your options with you, and help you make the right call.

The post Employee Benefits Insurance: Five Reasons Your Manitoba Business Needs To Offer It appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>
9039
What Type Of Insurance Does An Independent Contractor In Manitoba Need? https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/article/independent-contractor-insurance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=independent-contractor-insurance Tue, 14 Mar 2023 20:26:39 +0000 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/?p=7867 If you work as an independent contractor, chances are you NEED contractor liability insurance. Learn more about your requirements and get protected today!

The post What Type Of Insurance Does An Independent Contractor In Manitoba Need? appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>

What Type Of Insurance Does An Independent Contractor In Manitoba Need?

Two contractors on a construction site looking over building plans
March 14, 2023

SHARE THIS ARTICLE 

If you’re an independent contractor or recently became one, you’re probably wondering what type of insurance an independent contractor in Manitoba needs.

If you work with tools or equipment in a field such as construction, roofing, or plumbing, you MUST at least have independent contractor liability insurance. If you work as an independent contractor in another, less hands-on field, you may not have the same obligations. However, we still recommend protecting yourself with coverage such as professional liability insurance.

In this blog, we’ll break down what insurance you need as an independent contractor, what coverage isn’t required but strongly recommended, and how they can help you and your business better plan and succeed for years to come.

Prefer to skip the reading and jump right to getting a quote? Go ahead and submit a quote request! We’ll discuss your options and help you find the right coverage for your business at the best price.

Go Directly To The Information You Need Most!

Do You Need Insurance As An Independent Contractor?

As we mentioned, if you work in a hands-on field where you’re exposed to risks every day, you most likely– at minimum– need independent contractor liability insurance. This type of coverage protects your business in case an accident or incident occurs and you are found liable.

And, even though other types of insurance may not be technically required, such as professional liability or disability insurance– we still strongly recommend getting them as they can save you thousands, if not millions, down the road. Not to mention, it helps give you the peace of mind you deserve.

What Is An Independent Contractor?

An Independent contractor refers to a self-employed individual who provides work for another person or organization under contract but is not classified as an employee.

Independent contractors typically have specialized skills or knowledge that are required to do the outlined job. They also provide their own tools and equipment.

This article focuses on contractors in hands-on fields, such as construction, roofing, electrician, plumbing, etc. However, If you have questions about your specific field of business regardless of what it is, get in touch! We are here to help you navigate the world of business insurance, as nothing is worse than being caught without the proper protection in place!

What Are Some Scenarios Where You’d Want Insurance?

As an independent contractor, ensuring you have the proper protection in place is not only important but also required.

There are many scenarios where having the right coverage would not only help you keep your hard-earned money in your bank, where it belongs– but make sure a claim brought on by a slip and fall or accidental damage doesn’t end up costing you your business.

Scenario 1

Did you know: As an independent contractor, you can be held legally responsible for damages such as bodily injury inflicted on a third-party individual (e.g. customers or clients) that is due to, or happens on, your work site?

Scenario: A homeowner hires a contractor to renovate his kitchen. The owner tours the construction area during the project, and a ladder falls, knocking him to the ground. The homeowner’s arm is broken, and he sues the contractor. Fortunately, the contractor can cover the cost of any medical costs and legal fees through his insurance.

Scenario 2

Did you know: Things that are out of your control (such as accidents, theft, and property damage) could not only cause you to bear sudden expenses but could also create significant setbacks in your project timeline (AKA big financial losses).

Scenario: During a construction project, a contractor leaves their tools at the job site over the weekend. When they return the next week, they discover that nearly $5,000 worth of their tools and equipment have been stolen. Since they had an insurance policy, these expenses are covered, and their business operations can continue uninterrupted.

Scenario 3

Did you know: A mistake that takes a second to make could end up costing you big time without the right coverage in place?

Scenario: A plumber completes maintenance work on a washing machine. They accidentally forget to ensure they’ve secured all lines before leaving the job. The next time the client runs their machine, it floods her laundry room. The client sues the plumber, but luckily they can cover the cost of the damages through their trades and contractors’ insurance.

What Type Of Insurance Do You Need As An Independent Contractor?

So, you now know that as an independent contractor, you need to have Independent contractor liability insurance in place. Not only is it required, but it’s there to help you reduce your risks as a business owner and protect you from expenses that could end up costing you your business.

The best way to take full advantage of your insurance is by getting it and understanding what it is and why it’s an essential part of your business protection plan.

Commercial General Liability Insurance For Independent Contractors

What it is: Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance is designed to protect you and your business from a loss if you’re found legally liable. This can include bodily injuries or property damage to a third party caused by the product you sell or the service you provide. CGL insurance can also offer protection when you or your staff are conducting business offsite.

Why you need it: CGL is not only important to have as it would cover your legal expenses in the event your business is liable for an injury or damage, but it is also required to have.

We also recommend requesting to add business interruption coverage to your CGL policy.

While commercial property insurance pays for actual physical damages or losses, Business Interruption coverage covers lost net income due to the closure of the business while repairs are underway. These policies may cover rent or lease payments, relocation costs, employee wages, taxes, and loan payments.

Disability Insurance For Independent Contractors

What it is: Disability insurance protects you, the insured, from losing your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. It provides a monthly income replacement (up to a certain percentage of your normal income) so that you can focus on getting better instead of worrying about your finances while you are unable to work.

Why you need it: Although having a disability insurance policy is important for everyone, it becomes particularly important if you work in a higher-risk job. And, as a contractor, you rely on working to provide your income. So, if you cannot work for some time, it could severely impact your finances and lifestyle.

Professional Liability Insurance For Independent Contractors

What it is: Professional Liability Insurance– also known as errors and omissions insurance– helps protect your business if a client holds you responsible for errors in your work. If your client suffers a loss due to errors in your work or feels that you failed to meet their expectations, they could sue you.

Why you need it: As an independent contractor, you are open to the risks of getting sued for negligence and errors just by offering services. And if that ever happens, you’ll want to ensure you have the right insurance coverage to help protect yourself.

Health Insurance For Independent Contractors

What it is: Having an individual health policy allows you, the insured, to offset some of the costs that are associated with medical necessities (for example, physiotherapy and ambulance coverage) as well as dental needs (for example, routine teeth cleanings and oral surgery) over and above what you would receive from your primary provincial health care. Which, when it comes to non-emergency coverage, isn’t much.

Why you need it: Healthcare can be costly, so having access to an insurance policy that will assist in paying some of the associated costs can be extremely helpful! This is especially true when you work in a field where having your body feeling its best is vital to your business.

Related: How To Choose & Get Health Insurance For Your Manitoba Small Business

Commercial Auto Insurance For Independent Contractors

What it is: Commercial auto insurance offers protection for vehicles used for work/ business purposes. Whether you have a specific commercial vehicle or use your personal vehicle for work, if it’s used for business (beyond driving to and from work), it needs commercial coverage.

Why you need it: If you only carried a personal auto insurance policy and were to get into an accident with a vehicle that was being used for business purposes (even if not at the time of the accident), there is a likely chance that the claim would not be processed.

So if you think you need to up your auto insurance game, get in touch. We are happy to discuss your situation and determine if the current protection on your vehicle is enough to cover you.

Related: When Do You Need Business Car Insurance In Manitoba?

How To Get Insurance As An Independent Contractor

The best option to get coverage as an independent contractor would be to speak to a licensed business insurance specialist and discuss/outline all your business needs. They’ll be able to help you get a policy tailored to your business and your risks so that there are no gaps in coverage.

This can usually be done with either a single policy or a combination of two. Working with a licensed business insurance company that is also an insurance advisor (like us!) will help you lock in the lowest rates and get you the unique coverage to suit your specific needs.

Let’s Get You Covered!

As an independent contractor who works in a hands-on field where you’re exposed to risks every day, you MUST, at minimum, have Independent contractor liability insurance.

This type of coverage helps protect your business if an accident or incident were to occur and you were found liable. Plus, we recommend adding on a few additional insurance policies like disability, health, and professional liability insurance coverage, as they will help make sure you and your business are covered from every angle.

When picking out the best policy for your business, we always recommend working with a licensed business insurance advisor. They will not only be able to help you pick out a policy that is tailored to your unique needs but also help you lock in the best rate.

So if you’re ready to protect your business– start by getting a commitment-free quote. We’ll help you figure out a plan that offers you the protection you need and help you find one that works within your budget.

The post What Type Of Insurance Does An Independent Contractor In Manitoba Need? appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>
7867
Business Succession Planning For Your Manitoba Business https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/article/business-succession-planning/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=business-succession-planning Wed, 11 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/?p=7552 Find out how to protect the legacy of your business while still protecting your personal financial security with business succession planning

The post Business Succession Planning For Your Manitoba Business appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>

Business Succession Planning For Your Manitoba Business

Three business people in an office planning something on a computer
January 11, 2023

SHARE THIS ARTICLE 

Congratulations! You clicked on this post, which means you’re most likely starting to think about the future of your business and do some long-term planning. And although planning how and when you intend to exit your company may not be the most exciting task– business succession planning for your Manitoba business is so important.

Business succession planning is how you– as a business owner– protect the legacy of your business while still protecting your personal financial security. It is part of a larger financial planning process, meaning that it should be addressed at various stages of your financial plan and reviewed regularly. It also should include talking to specialists to ensure you’ve considered as many factors as possible, including ensuring you have the right insurance to cover both you and your business.

In this article, we break down what business succession planning is, why you need it, what steps it entails, and how to do it successfully.

Prefer to skip the reading and jump right to speaking with an insurance advisor to make sure you have the right coverage? Go ahead and get in touch!

Jump To The Information You Want Most!

What Is Business Succession Planning, And Why Do You Need It?

Business succession planning is the process of determining what will happen to your business when you make your exit.

It involves figuring out how to transfer your business ownership and transition out of a business management role while still maximizing your personal financial security.

There are many reasons businesses need to have a succession plan:

  • A bad management transition can have severe impacts on the business, including its failure.
  • In the case where your succession plan includes passing the company on to a family member, you’ll most likely need to coordinate it with your estate plan. Plus, you’ll want to look at any tax deferral opportunities that could benefit you and other family members.
  • You never know what the future holds! The death or disability of you or a business partner could cause significant challenges for the business. You’ll want to plan in advance for these types of situations to reduce stress and financial challenges.
  • Proper succession planning can help to ensure that risks to your retirement capital are minimized as you come to the end of your career.

When Should You Start Business Succession Planning?

As we already mentioned, business succession planning isn’t an isolated event. It should be part of your larger financial planning process. This means that it’s never too early to start planning!

As you start the planning process, we recommend speaking to multiple different specialists and advisors, such as:

  • Your board of directors
  • Family members (who have a vested interest in the business)
  • An Insurance Advisor (Hi, it’s us. 🙋‍♀️​ We’d love to help!)
  • Your tax specialist
  • A legal advisor
  • Your financial and investment advisor.

They’ll be able to help you consider and plan for multiple different factors, including:

  • Having sufficient income in your retirement to support your desired lifestyle
  • Maximizing tax planning opportunities
  • Ensuring you have an adequate savings plan for you and your family members
  • Planning for the financial challenges that would be associated with a death or disability in the family
  • Creating an estate plan to minimize taxes and ensure your estate assets go where you intend them to

Business Succession Planning Checklist

As much as we’d love to provide you with a one-stop-shop checklist, the reality is that successful business succession planning will look different for every business and business owner.

This is why creating a team of specialists and advisors is so important. Each of these specialists will offer a different vantage point and items of consideration. Plus, they’ll help you build your checklist along the way.

No matter your company, though, we suggest you get started by picking a successor, determining your company’s value, and– if you don’t already– getting life insurance.

Pick your Successor

You’ll want to know that you’re leaving your business, employees, customers and other key relationships in good hands. You’ve worked so hard to build up this incredible business that you’ll likely want your legacy to live on in a certain way, and choosing the right successor can help accomplish this.

Picking a successor sooner rather than later can help reduce stress on you and your partners/family members should the need for your succession plan be enacted sooner than you had initially planned (for example, following an illness, disability or loss of life).

Plus, it gives you time to start preparing them. Taking over a company is no easy work. Having more time to get them ready means a smoother transition for everyone involved.

Determine The Value of Your Company

Determining your company’s value will help you get the most return out of all the work you’ve put in. And it will help reduce the guesswork in determining the sale price as you plan for your business’s future and your exit. Not to mention it can help you minimize tax implications.

When doing this, ensure you consult the right professionals to build your plan.

Get Life Insurance

Life insurance forms another part of your financial plan and should be considered early on in your life and/or business life cycle. If you, or a business partner, don’t already have life insurance, now is the best time to get it.

Life insurance removes the guesswork, reduces stress, and provides a clear plan that your family and business partners can rely on.

Plus, if one of your business partners was covered with life insurance and were to pass, their death benefit could be used to buy out their business shares and distribute them equally amongst the other partners.

And if you have a life insurance policy through your company, consider how this might change when you leave. You may want a supplemental policy to help ensure your insurability later on.

Is Business Succession Planning Different for A Family Owned Business?

Business succession planning isn’t all that different if you plan to pass your business on to a family member. However, sometimes people tend to skip over steps or ignore warning signs when planning to hand their business over to a loved one.

If passing your business to a child or close family member is a part of your plan, be sure you’re considering the following:

  • Ensure you still have a formal agreement in place.
  • Remember to look at suitability– does it actually make sense that a family member or child takes over the business?
  • Be realistic and ask yourself if this person wants to be your successor. If your kid– or other family member– doesn’t have the business desire or interest in the type of work– they probably won’t develop it later on.
  • Plan your timing accordingly – especially if you plan to pass your business to your kid. You want them to get other work experience that they can bring to the table. However, if you wait too long, they may have carved out their own career path that they don’t want to leave.
  • Give yourself some separation from your business when you leave. It can be very difficult to give up control and decision-making power, especially when your successor is a family member. You may not agree with, or even like, their decisions, but if you continue to make all the big decisions for them, they likely won’t stay in business for long.
  • Always get objective and professional advice.

Protect Your Business’ And Loved Ones’ Future Today With Life Insurance!

Business succession planning isn’t an isolated event. It’s part of a larger financial planning process, meaning that it should be addressed at various stages of your financial plan and reviewed regularly.

The best way to create a business succession plan for your business and ensure all your unique factors have been considered is by getting a group of specialists on your side– including an insurance advisor.

Life insurance can help provide financial support to your family and/or business partners in case you were to pass away unexpectedly. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is challenging and expensive enough without having the financial stress of their business.

Start your financial planning today by speaking to an insurance advisor. They’ll be able to help discuss your long-term business goals and what insurance policies can help protect you and your loved ones while you get there.

The post Business Succession Planning For Your Manitoba Business appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>
7552
When Do You Need Business Car Insurance In Manitoba? https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/article/business-car-insurance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=business-car-insurance Mon, 08 Aug 2022 21:41:13 +0000 https://staging-new.winnipeginsurancebrokers.com/?p=5973 You may be considering getting a vehicle for your business or already have a vehicle you’re now wanting to use for business purposes and are wondering, “when do you need business car insurance in Manitoba?”

If you’re using your vehicle for work purposes outside of just getting to and from work, you probably need additional insurance on top of your personal vehicle policy. By not having the proper insurance, you run the risk of having a future claim denied.

In this post, we break down all the reasons you may want to up your car insurance policy. Make sure you have the right coverage so you can rest easy knowing you, your car, and your business are properly protected!

The post When Do You Need Business Car Insurance In Manitoba? appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>

When Do You Need Business Car Insurance In Manitoba?

Male driving car
August 8, 2022

SHARE THIS ARTICLE 

You may be considering getting a vehicle for your business or already have a vehicle you’re now wanting to use for business purposes and are wondering, “when do you need business car insurance in Manitoba?”

If you’re using your vehicle for work purposes outside of just getting to and from work, you probably need additional insurance on top of your personal vehicle policy. By not having the proper insurance, you run the risk of having a future claim denied.

In this post, we break down all the reasons you may want to up your car insurance policy. Make sure you have the right coverage so you can rest easy knowing you, your car, and your business are properly protected!

Want to skip the reading and get a quote? Contact us today!

Take The Direct Highway To The Info You Want Most

Personal Vs Business Car Insurance

Business and personal auto insurance are similar in the way they provide protection. They both would give you and your vehicle financial shielding if anything were to go wrong. 

However, it’s important to note that personal car insurance will not cover you if your vehicle is used for business purposes, and business car insurance– or commercial vehicle insurance– will not cover you if it is used for personal use. In other words, you must get additional vehicle coverage if you need to use your vehicle for business purposes. 

Suppose you got into an accident and your insurance company discovered that your vehicle was being used for business purposes (even if not at the time of the accident), and you only had a personal auto insurance policy. In that case, there is a likely chance that the claim would not be processed. 

By not having the proper insurance you’re putting yourself, your finances, and your business at risk. So, what might seem like a way to save some cash, may end up costing you thousands! Ouch!

At What Point Do You Need Business Car Insurance?

If your car is helping/is vital for you to gain income (carrier business, uber driver, mobile vet) you need additional coverage. A good rule of thumb is if you’re using your car for business beyond driving to and from work, you probably need business car insurance. This is true regardless of whether you are a business owner or a sole proprietor. It’s needed for company-specific vehicles as well as personal vehicles that are also being used for your business. 

If you’re unsure if you need business car insurance, the best thing you can do is talk to an Insurance Consultant! They will be able to help you make sure you have the right coverage for what you need.

What Types Of Business Car Insurance Can You Buy?

Much like personal car insurance, there are many different options when it comes to picking a policy that is right for you. One of the main things that should be considered when choosing a business car insurance policy is what type of business the vehicle is being used for. We’ve outlined a few typical business vehicle types below:

A common carrier passenger vehicle (local) is used by a courier or common carrier within a city or municipality. This vehicle is used for any delivery purposes in connection with a business, trade or occupation for more than four days in one month or more than 1,609 km during an annual registration period. These vehicles require a business car insurance policy.

A Passenger Vehicle for Hire is a vehicle used for ride-sharing, such as Uber/Lyft. For these types of business vehicles, various time bands are available depending on your needs and the approximate times and days you plan on running your shared-ride service.

Trucks that are hauling business equipment with a gross vehicle weight of over 4500 kgs may require a Special Risk Extension policy to cover all perils and third-party liability.  $1M, $2M. $5M and even $10M are available.  

These trucks are regulated under Transportation services and will require a valid Safety Fitness Certificate issued by the Transportation Services. Depending on the weight of trucks and the policies needed, getting this could take anywhere from one day to one week.

There are different coverage options, and finding the right policy depends on the nature of the business type and use of the vehicle. Tools and equipment owned by the company are usually covered under a Commercial General Liability insurance policy, with liability coverage options of $1, $2 and $5 million available.

How Do You Get Business Car Insurance?

Whether you’re looking for personal auto insurance or business car insurance, the process is the same (come in and see one of our Insurance Consultants for assistance!). If additional coverage is needed, we’ll also put you in touch with one of our Business Insurance Advisors so they can ensure you have the additional coverage you need to protect you and your business. Remember,  if you’re doing any business outside of Manitoba, special licenses/permits are required. 

On a Commercial General Liability policy, there are options to purchase coverage for any stock and Equipment in transit. Installation floaters are also available. Reach out to one of our Business Insurance Advisors for more information!

Make Sure You’re Prepared!

The best way to make the insurance process as smooth as possible is to have your documents ready to go– don’t worry, though, if you’re missing one or need help finding it– we are here to help! 

Documents required to get the coverage you need may consist of:

  • A Bill of Sale
  • A Certificate of Inspection (safety)– required for vehicles over the Gross Vehicle Weight of 4500 kgs
  • A Transfer of Ownership document
  • A NVIS form if the vehicle is brand new

It’s important every area of your business is protected, not just your car. That’s why we’re here to make sure you’re covered from every angle, so you are prepared if anything were to go wrong. Check out our post on Getting Insurance for your Small Business to learn more about what other coverage you may need so you can focus on being a pro at your business and we can take care of the not-so-fun stuff. 😉 

Business Car Insurance FAQs

You got a business to run, and we’ve got answers to help you run (or drive) it safely! 

If you’re a small business owner who uses their vehicle for their business needs, you can usually consider the additional insurance a business expense, meaning it would be tax-deductible. We love saving $$!

As you can probably guess, driving a vehicle for business purposes is riskier than just driving it for personal use, meaning there are a few extra costs involved.

 

It’s important to note that numerous factors go into getting you a quote for business car insurance. Things like the type of vehicle, its age, the type of business it’s being used for, the number of drivers, and who the drivers are (age, vehicle history) can all impact how much this will run you.

 

If you’re interested in starting the process to figure out how much this could cost, click here to get a quote from us today. 

Make Sure You've Got The Coverage You Need!

It’s important you have the right car insurance, especially when not having it runs you the risk of paying out of pocket if an accident were to occur.

The coverage you need will change depending on your car, business, and vehicle use. That’s why we recommend contacting one of our Insurance Consultants today to get a quote that is best suited for your needs. 

The post When Do You Need Business Car Insurance In Manitoba? appeared first on Winnipeg Insurance Brokers Ltd..

]]>
5973