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Which insurance policies are recommended for San Jose businesses?
San Jose houses many of the biggest names in tech—and a host of startups. Protect your small business with these common insurance products.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy pays for legal costs from customer accidents, along with defamation and copyright infringement claims. Commercial leases in San Jose often require this coverage.
BEST FOR
- Customer accidents at your business
- Damage to a customer's property
- Slander and other advertising injuries
Professional liability insurance
A professional liability policy covers legal costs related to claims of negligence, such as advice that caused a client to lose money. It's sometimes called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
BEST FOR
- Mistakes that cause financial loss
- Accusations of professional negligence
- Missed deadlines
Cyber liability insurance
Cyber insurance helps small businesses in San Jose recover after a data breach or a cyberattack. Every business that handles customer information should have this coverage.
BEST FOR
- Data breach notification costs
- Fraud monitoring services
- PR campaigns after a breach
Business owner’s policy
A business owner's policy, or BOP, is an affordable way to buy general liability and commercial property insurance together. It's recommended for all small, low-risk businesses in San Jose.
BEST FOR
- Customer slip-and-fall injuries
- Damaged business property
- Theft and vandalism
Workers’ compensation insurance
Workers' comp is required for all California businesses that have employees. It also covers work-related injuries for sole proprietors, which health insurance may deny.
BEST FOR
- Medical bills from job-related injuries
- Disability benefits
- Lawsuits from injured workers
Commercial auto insurance
All vehicles owned by San Jose businesses must be covered by commercial auto insurance. This policy primarily covers injuries and property damage caused by your vehicle.
BEST FOR
- Injuries from an auto accident
- Damage caused by your vehicle
- Lawsuits from an auto accident
Errors and omissions insurance
E&O insurance protects consultants and professional services against legal defense costs from dissatisfied clients. It's also called professional liability insurance.
BEST FOR
- Errors and oversights
- Breach of contract
- Professional negligence
Commercial property insurance
This policy covers physical damage to a San Jose business's building and its contents, including any computers and equipment. You can bundle it with general liability in a BOP.
BEST FOR
- Fires
- Burst pipes
- Storm damage
Commercial umbrella insurance
An umbrella policy provides coverage once the limit is reached on your underlying general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, or employer's liability insurance.
BEST FOR
- Customer lawsuits
- Auto accident lawsuits
- Employee injury lawsuits
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.
How to get insurance for your San Jose business
View video transcript.
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Are you ready to get insurance coverage for your San Jose business? Complete Insureon's easy online application to get free quotes from top-rated providers.
Which business insurance policies are required in San Jose, CA?
State laws often determine the type of coverage you need. These policies help you comply with San Jose's business insurance requirements.
Workers' compensation insurance
California's workers' compensation law requires this type of insurance for all businesses that have employees, whether they work full time or part time.
Some contractors are required by law to carry workers' comp, even if they don’t have employees. That includes roofers, tree service technicians, and HVAC contractors.
Workers' comp pays for medical expenses when one of your employees is injured on the job or develops an occupational illness. It also provides disability benefits for injured San Jose workers.
Commercial auto insurance
California state law requires commercial auto insurance for all vehicles used solely for work purposes. This insurance policy covers medical payments, legal costs, and property damage from accidents involving your commercial vehicle.
San Jose businesses must meet the state's requirements for auto liability coverage, which are:
- $15,000 in bodily injury liability or death liability per person
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability or death liability to more than one person
- $5,000 in property damage per accident
This amount of car insurance is the least you need. It's worth considering higher limits, given the potential cost of a lawsuit. Trucking companies also may need more coverage to comply with regulations.
If you drive a personal, rented, or leased vehicle for business purposes, you may want to consider hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) instead.
How much does business insurance cost in San Jose?
Small businesses in San Jose don't have to pay a lot for commercial insurance. Here are a few average costs for California businesses:
General liability: $42 per month
Workers' comp: $62 per month
Professional liability/E&O: $82 per month
The cost of business insurance depends on factors such as:
- Type of business
- Business operations
- Number of employees
- Policy limits and deductibles
- Claims history
FAQs about San Jose business insurance
Review answers to common questions about San Jose business insurance.
How do I get a certificate of insurance for my business?
Sometimes you need to get insured quickly to sign a contract, lease, or other agreement. With Insureon, you can get same-day insurance in three easy steps:
- Fill out our easy online application to get quotes from top-rated insurance companies.
- Choose a policy and pay for it online.
- Download a certificate of insurance by logging into your account.
Our licensed agents will help you find the right insurance solutions for your small business. Most San Jose businesses can get their certificate of insurance within a few hours of applying for quotes.
Can my business be held liable for a data security breach?
Your business could be held responsible for a data breach, which is why cyber insurance is so important. Small businesses are a common target of cyberattacks, since they often have fewer security measures in place.
California's data breach laws require San Jose businesses to notify any residents whose personal information is exposed in a data breach. Your business could also end up paying for a data breach investigation, a PR campaign, and other costs related to a breach or cyberattack.
Cyber insurance covers these costs and provides resources so you can get back to business fast.
Does my industry affect San Jose insurance requirements?
Yes, the city of San Jose may require you to buy certain types of business insurance or bonds, depending on your profession. You may also need a business license or permit to operate in the city or do certain types of work.
Here are a few examples of local business requirements:
- All businesses in San Jose must register for a Business Tax Certificate.
- General contractors need to carry general liability insurance and a $25,000 surety bond or cash deposit to get a California license.
- Insurance agents and brokers must get a California license to work legally.
- Landscapers need to comply with the San Jose Municipal Code, which includes strict standards for water conservation.
When running a business in San Jose, from a cleaning company to a cannabis dispensary, you need to be aware of laws and regulations for California, Santa Clara County, and the city of San Jose.
How can I get help starting a small business in San Jose?
Home to 60,000 small businesses, San Jose remains a top place to do business despite high costs and a permitting process that can be slow at times. Fortunately, there's ample support for startups and small businesses looking to get a foothold in the capital of Silicon Valley:
- The Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers free advice from experienced entrepreneurs and business development workshops on a broad range of topics.
- The San Jose Chamber of Commerce hosts networking events, referral networks, and workshops for local small business owners.
- SCORE Silicon Valley holds free workshops and webinars, and will match you with a San Jose business mentor.
- SJPL Works offers business development resources, classes, and collaborative workspaces operating out of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library.
- The Prosperity Lab provides the underserved in Santa Clara County with specialized training and individual assistance with the goal of reducing socioeconomic disparities.
- The Latino Business Foundation of Silicon Valley supplies resources and support for very small businesses in the Latino community.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is a trusted source for small business loans with competitive rates and fees.
For more small business resources, including information on loans and business grants, visit the City of San Jose's Business Resources page.
How can I save money on San Jose business insurance?
Small business owners can save money on insurance costs by comparing quotes from different providers. With Insureon, you can get free quotes from top-rated carriers by filling out one easy application.
There are a few other ways to save, such as:
- Bundle policies for a discount. The most popular option is a business owner's policy.
- Choose less expensive coverage options, such as lower limits or a higher deductible.
- Focus on workplace safety. Fewer accidents means fewer claims, which helps keep your premium low.
Learn more about how to find cheap business insurance.
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