Insurance for Your Texas Small Business: Where to Start
If you’re starting or growing a small business in Texas, the insurance question can feel overwhelming — a wall of acronyms and “do I need this?” Let’s make it simple. Here are the core policies most businesses build on, and how to think about each.
1. General liability — the foundation
General liability covers third-party claims: a customer injured on your premises, your work damaging someone’s property, or an advertising/reputation claim. Most clients, landlords, and contracts require it before you can even start — and we can issue certificates of insurance fast when a job demands proof.
2. A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) — bundle and save
For many small businesses, the smartest buy is a BOP, which bundles general liability with commercial property — your space, equipment, and inventory — at a lower combined cost than buying them separately. It often includes business income coverage to replace revenue if a covered loss shuts you down.
3. Workers’ comp — if you have employees
Workers’ compensation covers employee injuries and protects you legally. Texas is unusual in letting most employers opt out, but going without it (“non-subscribing”) exposes you to lawsuits, and many contracts require it. For most employers with payroll, it’s worth carrying.
4. Commercial auto — if you drive for work
Personal auto policies exclude business use. If you or your employees drive for the business, commercial auto covers the vehicles, drivers, and higher liability that business driving demands — for one work truck or a whole fleet.
5. A commercial umbrella — extra protection
A commercial umbrella adds liability limits on top of your other policies for a relatively small premium. Larger contracts and landlords increasingly require it.
Coverage built for your industry
The right mix depends on what you do. A contractor, a restaurant, an auto shop, and a consultant need very different programs — which is why we tailor coverage by industry, from garagekeepers to liquor liability to errors & omissions.
Start with a conversation
You don’t need to figure this out alone. Tell us what your business does and we’ll build the right program and shop it across carriers. Request a business quote or call 830-387-4032 — commercial insurance is our specialty.