Business Insurance New York Guide

Business insurance isn’t one policy — it’s a category covering several distinct types of coverage, and most New York small businesses end up carrying two or three of them together. This page walks through what each type protects, whether you need it, what it typically costs, and how to buy it, with links to in-depth guides for each coverage type and industry we work with.

Answer quick questions about your business, and we’ll match you with the right and cost-efficient insurance policy

- Step 1 of 8

What does your business do? *Third ChoiceAccountingActing coachActorsActuarial servicesAcupressure servicesAcupuncture servicesAdjustment, collection, and credit reporting servicesAdvertisingAerobics instructorAir conditioning systems installation and repairAnswering / paging servicesAntique storesAppliance and accessories installation and repairAppliance distributor (wholesale)Application developmentApplication service providerAppraisal servicesArchitectureArt gallery or dealersArt instructorArt therapyArt, pictures, posters or frames storesAthletic trainerAuctioneeringAudiologyAuditorAuthors and playwrightsAuto and home supply storesAutomotive repair shops and paint shopsAutomotive services, except repair and carwashesAwning installationBands and orchestrasBarbeque truck / trailerBarber / hair stylist servicesBathroom remodelingBeautician / cosmetology servicesBeauty suppliesBeekeeping and apiculture servicesBehavioral health professionalBicycle storeBilling serviceBloggerBook storesBookkeepingBooks, periodicals, and newspapers distributor (wholesale)Bowling alleysBrand consultantBridal and dress storeBuilding inspectionBurglar and fire alarm installation and repairBusiness consultingBusiness manager servicesCabinet installationCamera and photographic equipment storeCandle sales representativeCandle storeCandy, nut and confectionery storesCar detailingCarpentryCarpet, rug, furniture, or upholstery cleaningCateringCeiling or wall installation (metal)Cemetery subdividers and developersCertified case managerCertified rehabilitation professionalChild day care servicesChimney cleaningChristmas / holiday storeCivil engineeringClaims adjustingClock making and repairClothing / apparel storesClown / magician / entertainerCoffee / donut cartCoffee and tea supplies storeCoffee shop or caféCollectibles / memorabilia storesColleges, universities, and professional schoolsCombined heating and air conditioning installation and repair (HVAC)Commercial printingCommunication, cable or satellite installationComputer facilities management servicesComputer hardware resellerComputer processing and data preparation and processing servicesComputer programming servicesComputer repair and maintenanceComputer supplies distributor (wholesale)Computer system / network developerConcrete constructionControl systems integration / automationConvenience stores (food only)Cooking instructorCopywriterCosmetics, toiletries, and personal care storesCounselorCraft / art supply storeCraft vendor / crafterCredit counselingDairy products storesDance instructorDance therapyData processingDatabase designerDebris removalDeck installationDental laboratoriesDentistDepartment storeDessert cartDiet / nutrition servicesDigital marketingDirect mail advertising servicesDirect marketingDisc jockeyDoctor or physicianDocument preparationDog walkingDoor or window installation and repairDraftsman (including CAD / CAM)Driveway or sidewalk paving / repavingDrug storesDrywall or wallboard installation and repairE-commerce and online retailersEducation consultingElectrical engineeringElectrical supplies distributor (wholesale)Electrical supply storesElectrical workElectronics repair shopsEmbroideryEnergy healingEngineeringEnvironmental engineeringEsthetician servicesEvent planning / promotionExcavationExecutive placementExercise physiologistExpert witness servicesExterior cleaning servicesEyelash technicianFacilities support management servicesFarm supplies distributor (wholesale)Fence installation and repairFinancial advisorFinancial auditing or consultingFinancial securities and commoditiesFirst aid and CPR trainingFitness professionalFloor covering installationFloor coverings storesFloristsFood / beverage cartFood cartFood service equipment and supplies storesFraming workFruit and vegetable storeFuneral service and crematoriesFurniture or fixture installationFurniture storesGarbage, ash or refuse collectingGas stationGeneral contractorGeneral merchandise storeGift delivery serviceGift, novelty, and souvenir shopsGlass installation and repairGlass storeGolf instructorGrading of land or site preparationGraphic designGroup fitness instructorGutter cleaningHalloween storeHandypersonHardware merchant distributor (wholesale)Hardware storesHat storeHealth and wellness educator / counselorHealth or natural food storesHearing aid storesHeller worker / rolferHobby, toy, and game shopsHoliday lights installationHome bakeryHome electronics storeHome furnishing storesHome health, homecare, or hospice aidesHome inspectionHome theater installationHot dog cartHouse furnishings installationHousehold appliance storesHousekeepingHuman resources consultingHypnosisIT consultingIT project managementIT software / hardware training servicesIce cream and yogurt storeIce cream cartIce cream truckImage consultingIndustrial engineeringInstruments and medical equipment manufacturingInsulation workInsurance inspectorsInsurance professionalsInterior decoratorInterior designInterior finishing workInvestment adviceJanitorial servicesJewelry making / manufacturingJewelry storesJewelry, watches, silverware supplies distributor (wholesale)Junior colleges and technical institutesKinesio therapistKinesiologistKiosk (no food / drink)Labor unions and similar labor organizationsLamps and lighting fixtures storeLand surveyorsLandscape architectLandscaping servicesLaundry & dry cleaningLawn and garden sprinkler systems installation and repairLawn care servicesLawncare & garden supply storesLeather manufacturingLegal servicesLemonade cartLicensed / certified school counselorLicensed professional counselorLife / career / executive coachingLinen supplyLiquor storeLocksmithLogistics managementLuggage and leather goods storesMaid servicesMailing servicesMakeup artistManagement consultingManufacturers' representativesMarket researchMarketing consultingMarriage and family therapyMasonry workMassage therapyMeal planning servicesMeat and fish (seafood) storeMedical billingMental health counselingMetal erectionMetal supplies distributor (wholesale)Mobile food truckMobile street food vendorMortgage brokering / bankingMotion picture and video distribution (wholesale)Motivational speakingMuseumsMusic instructorMusic therapyMusical instrument tuning and repairMusical instruments manufacturingMusical instruments storesMusiciansNail technician servicesNews dealers and newsstandsNewspaper, magazine or book publishing servicesNonresidential building constructionNotary servicesOccupational therapyOffice machines storesOphthalmologistsOptical goods storesOpticianOptometristsOsteopathyOther apparel and accessories storesOther consulting servicesOther marketing / PR servicesOther stores (no food / drink)Other stores (with food / drink)Packaging and labeling servicesPaint and wallpaper storesPaint supplies distributor (wholesale)Painting and wall covering contractorsParty supplies storePersonal care aidesPersonal chefPersonal concierge / assistantPersonal shoppersPersonal training (health and fitness)Pet day care and overnight boardingPet grooming servicesPet sittingPet supplies storePet trainingPet waste removalPhotocopying and duplicating servicesPhotographic equipment and supplies distributor (wholesale)PhotographyPhysical therapyPicnic plannerPlastering or stucco workPlastics or rubber supplies distributor (wholesale)PlumbingPlumbing fixtures and supplies storesPodiatristsPower / pressure washingPrivate investigatorProcess engineeringProcess serverProfessional membership organizationsProfessional organizerProfessional sports clubs, managers, and promotersProject managementProject manager - constructionProperty managementPsychiatristsPsychologyPublic relationsRadio, television, and publishers' advertising representativesReal estate agents / brokersReal estate appraisersRecording studiosRecreational therapistRecruiter (employment placements)Refrigeration equipment (dealers or distributors)Refrigeration service or repairRehabilitation therapistRemodelingResearch & testing facilitiesResearch consultingResidential building constructionResume consultingRoofingSafety consultingSales representativesSearch engine services (SEO / SEM)Secretarial and court reporting servicesSecurity system installationSeptic tank installation, service and repairSeptic tank systems cleaningSewing, needlework, and piece goods storesSheet metal workShoe repair and shoeshine shopsShoe storesSiding installationSign installation or repairSign painting and letteringSign storeSinger / vocalistSmall engine repairSnack truckSnow blowing and removalSnow cone / shaved ice cartSocial media consultantSocial work servicesSoftware developmentSoftware publishing servicesSolar energy contractorsSound equipment installationSpeech therapySporting goods storesSports medicine instructorSports medicine therapistStationery storesStock brokeringStone, clay, and glass manufacturingStrategy consultantStructural body workerSubstance abuse counselingSupermarket / grocery storeSwimming pool cleaning and servicing (no install)Swimming pool installation, service, or repairTailorTalent agencyTax preparationTaxidermistTeaching or tutoringTelemarketingTheatrical servicesThrift storeTile, stone, marble, mosaic, or terrazzo workTire shopTitle abstractorsTitle agentTraining (business, vocational or life skills)Translating / interpretingTransportation engineeringTravel agencyTree servicesTrucking & transportation servicesTrustee servicesUpholstery workVacant landVending machine operatorsVeterinarian servicesVideo tape and disc rentalVideography (freelance)Vinyl and leather repairVirtual assistantVocational schoolsWatch or jewelry repairWater softening equipment installation, service or repairWaterproofingWebsite designWedding officiantWedding plannerWelding or cuttingWindow cleaningWindshield repairWomen's accessory and specialty storesWood and lumber supplies distributor (wholesale)Wrecking and demolition workYoga / pilates instructionZumba instructor

What state is your business located in? *New YorkFloridaTexasPennsylvaniaNew JersyCalifornia

Next

Where does your business operate?

• Home Only
• Home And Client Locations
• Own Or Rent Space

Select the statement(s) that apply to your business

• I have employees and/or hire professionals or contractors.
• I collect or store sensitive customer data (ex: financial info, personal identification, tax returns, etc.).
• I have clients who require me to meet minimum insurance limits.

Next

How long ago did you establish your business?I have not started yetLess than 1 year1-2 years2-3 years3-4 years4-5 yearsOver 5 years

Do you have 3 or more years of professional experience in your industry?

• Yes
• No

What is the legal structure of your business? *Individual/Sole proprietorPartnershipCorporationLimited Liability Company(LLC)Limited Liability Partnership(LLP)Join VentureAssociationOther

Please describe the legal structure *

Next

Will you be the policyholder?

• Yes i am purchasing from my own business
• No i am acting on behalf of business owner

Acting on behalf of the policyholder

Policyholder contact details

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Phone

• Keep the policyholder updated on the latest small biz news, Simply Business updates, offers, and promotions. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.

Your contact details

Add contact info if you are acting on the behalf of policyholder.

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Phone

Next

How many employees do you have?First Choice123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051+

Please include yourself and other owners, but not subcontractors.

How many owners does your business have?12345

You indicated that including yourself there is at least one other employee. How many of these are owners of the business.

What is your estimated revenue over the next 12 months?

This typically may include gross sales, commissions, and fees for your professional services or goods
sold.

What is your estimated total payroll over the next 12 months?

Estimate the total amount that you will pay over the next 12 months for:
1 .Yourself
2. Full-time employees
3. Part-time employees
Temporary employees (W2) For Owner only businesses, please enter your yearly salary as your payroll.

Do not include subcontractors (1099). Please note the payroll may be adjusted to meet state requirements.

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Please give us some details about your business

• Auto repair or gas stations
• Auto, boat, or utility vehicle parts and dealers
• Convenience stores
• Department stores
• Electronic cigarette or vapor stores
• Farming or gardening supply stores
• Grocery stores
• Gun, firearm, or ammunition stores
• Health food, vitamin, or drug stores
• Liquor stores
• Pet or pet supply stores
• Restaurants, bars, or nightclubs
• Tobacco stores

Do you sell products under your own label?

• Yes
• No

Do you manufacture those products yourself?

• Yes
• No

Do you sell any of your products online?

• Yes
• No

What percentage of your revenue comes from online sales?Please select100%Between 75% to 99%Between 50% to 74%Between 25% to 49%less than 25%

You or your business are properly and currently licensed as per your state's applicable rules and statutes.

• Agree
• Disagree

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Please tell us about your previous coverage

• Yes i am currently covered
• No i am not covered

Do you currently have an insurance policy in effect for the coverage you have requested?

Have you, your business, or anyone to whom this insurance would apply had any claim made against them in the past 5 years, or earlier if still pending, or had any circumstances that may give rise to a claim whether insured or not?

• Yes
• No

How many claims has your business had in the last 5 years?Please select12345More than 5

During the past three (3) years, have any claims, administrative or regulatory proceedings, or criminal or civil charges, hearings, demands or lawsuits involving employment related matters been made against the applicant or any entity or person proposed for this insurance, whether or not insured?

• Yes
• No

Has an insurance carrier ever cancelled or declined to renew your business insurance policy?

• Yes
• No

Please select the reason for that cancellation or declination:Please selectPrior carrier retired from market or insolventPrior carrier no longer writing class of businessAgents no longer represents prior carrierNon-pay cancellation 1 occurance in last 3 yearsNon-pay cancellation 2 or more occurances in last 3 yearsLoss experianceOther

Next

Do any of your clients require a waiver of subrogation endorsement?

• Yes
• No

Customers typically include this coverage at their clients' request. With the waiver, your insurance company agrees to cover all damages in the event of a loss and no longer has the right to recover costs from your client's insurance.

Do you need to add your customers or people you do business with to your policy as 'additional insureds'?

• Yes
• No

We have added an additional insured endorsement to your quote!

Do you need to add your additional insureds as primary and noncontributory to your policy?

• Yes
• No

If your carrier has not included Terrorism Risk Insurance Act coverage as part of their standard policy, would you like to purchase this coverage as an add on?

• Yes
• No

I hereby decline to purchase terrorism coverage for certified acts of terrorism if this is not included as part of my standard policy. In this event, I understand that I have no coverage for losses resulting from certified acts of terrorism. *

• I confirm

When would you like your policy coverage to start?

Business name *

This is the name that will appear on your policy. If you are a sole proprietor and doing business under your own name, please enter your name below.

Find address *

Address Line 1

City

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingState

Website / URL

I agree to occasionally receive automated text messages from or on behalf of Simply Business to the phone number(s) provided in this form. Messages may include payment and policy renewal reminders and promotional content. I understand that I do not need to consent to make a purchase. *

• Yes, I agree

Submit

What Is Business Insurance?

Business insurance is an umbrella term for several distinct types of coverage that each protect against a different kind of risk — third-party claims, employee injury, property loss, professional negligence, and more. There’s no single “business insurance” policy you buy; instead, you choose the specific coverage types that match how your business actually operates.

Types of Business Insurance

• General Liability Insurance — protects against third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury claims. Most commonly bundled with property coverage in a Business Owner’s Policy.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance — covers medical costs and lost wages if an employee is injured on the job.  Required by New York State for nearly all employers.
• Professional Liability / Errors & Omissions — covers claims that your professional advice or service was negligent, incomplete, or caused a client financial loss.
• Commercial Auto Insurance — covers vehicle-related liability and property damage during business use, separate from a personal auto policy.
• Commercial Property Insurance — covers damage to or theft of property you own, lease, or store at a business location.
• Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) — bundles general liability and commercial property coverage together, typically at a lower combined cost than buying each separately.
• Cyber Liability Insurance — covers costs from a data breach or cyberattack, including notification costs, legal fees, and liability to affected customers.
• Employment Practices Liability (EPLI) — covers claims from employees alleging discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination.
• Directors and Officers Liability (D&O) — protects company leadership from personal liability tied to management decisions.
• Umbrella / Excess Liability Insurance — adds extra liability protection above the limits of your other policies once they’re exhausted.

Do You Need Business Insurance?

Some coverage is legally required; the rest depends on your specific risk exposure and what your contracts and leases demand:

• General liability — not required by New York law for most businesses, but almost universally required by leases, contracts, and job sites.
• Workers’ compensation — required by New York State if you have employees, with very few exceptions.
• Professional liability — not legally required, but essential if clients rely on your advice or expertise, since general liability won’t cover a negligence claim.
• Commercial auto — required by law if you use vehicles for business purposes; a personal auto policy typically excludes business use.
• Commercial property — not always legally required, but usually required by your landlord or lender if you lease space or finance equipment.
• Cyber liability — not legally required in most cases, but increasingly necessary for any business handling customer payment or personal data.

Business Insurance by Industry

Coverage needs vary significantly by industry. See our dedicated guides for the industries we work with most:

• • Restaurants
  • Architects
  • Engineers
  • Lawyers
  • IT Consulting
  • Janitor & Maid Services
  • Residential Real Estate Agents
  • Accountants & Bookkeepers
  • Draftsmen & Designers
  • Allied Health Care Providers
  • Dentists
  • Doctors & Medical Offices
  • Management Consultants
  • Marketing Consultants
  • Photographers & Videographers

Business Insurance by Region

We’re based in Jamaica, Queens, and serve businesses across the New York metro area. See coverage guides for your borough or region:

• New York Business Insurance (all regions)
• Queens
• Brooklyn
• Manhattan
• Bronx
• Staten Island
• Long Island
• Jamaica, Queens

How Much Business Insurance Do You Need?

Start with what’s actually required of you — state law for workers’ comp and commercial auto, and your lease or client contracts for general liability limits. From there, size any additional coverage against your real exposure: how much customer or public contact your business has, whether you provide professional advice, whether employees drive for work, and how much you’d need to cover out of pocket if a claim wasn’t insured.

What Does Business Insurance Cost?

Cost depends heavily on your industry, business size, payroll, and which coverages you’re combining. A single-employee consulting business carrying just general liability will pay far less than a restaurant carrying general liability, property, and workers’ comp together. Bundling coverage into a BOP is typically more cost-effective than buying each policy separately.

For a full breakdown of what drives general liability pricing specifically, see our General Liability Insurance Cost Guide.

How to Buy Business Insurance

1. Identify your risks. Map out how your business actually operates — do customers visit in person, do you give professional advice, do employees drive for work, do you store sensitive customer data? Each answer points to a different coverage need.
2. Confirm what’s legally or contractually required. Check New York State requirements, your lease, and any client contracts before choosing coverage — missing a required limit or endorsement can delay a lease signing or put you in breach of contract.
3. Choose your coverage types and limits. Match coverage to your actual risks, then size your limits against contract requirements and worst-case exposure.
4. Compare quotes across carriers. The lowest quote sometimes comes with lower sublimits or missing endorsements. A broker can compare real coverage details across multiple carriers rather than you shopping each insurer individually.
5. Bind coverage and get your documentation. Once you’ve chosen a policy, get your certificate of insurance in hand before any deadline tied to a lease signing or job start date.

Workers’ Compensation Guides

• What Is an Experience Modification Rate (E-Mod)?
• How to Reduce Your Workers’ Comp Premium
• E-Mod Audit Checklist
• Payroll Classification Audit Guide
• Return-to-Work Programs Explained
• Workers’ Comp Classification Codes in NYC

Liability & Coverage Guides

• General Liability vs. BOP: What’s the Difference?