Insure against the disasters that can end you

The gap that sinks businesses after a disaster is almost always the coverage they thought they had but didn't. Standard property insurance often doesn't cover floods, and many owners have no business-interruption coverage — the one that pays your bills while you're closed. A quick, honest review with your agent now is the difference between a setback and a shutdown.

Do this

1. Confirm what your property policy actually covers — and, just as important, what it excludes.
2. Get flood insurance separately if you're at any risk — standard policies almost never cover flood (it's usually via the NFIP).
3. Add business-interruption coverage — it replaces lost income and covers bills while you're closed for a covered event.
4. Review coverage yearly and after you grow; under-insuring your building, inventory, or equipment is a common, costly mistake.

The coverage owners wish they'd had

After a disaster, the killer is the gap you didn't know you had:

PROPERTY Building, inventory, equipment — check the LIMITS and the exclusions, not just that you "have insurance." FLOOD Almost never included in standard policies. Bought separately, usually through the NFIP (floodsmart.gov). ~1 inch of water can cause tens of thousands in damage. BUSINESS Replaces lost income + covers ongoing bills (rent, INTERRUPTION payroll) while you're closed for a covered event. The one owners most often lack — and most need. OTHER Wind/hurricane (may have a separate deductible), earthquake, cyber — match to your real risks.

Sit down with an independent agent once a year. Ask point-blank: "If [the disaster my area gets] hit tomorrow, what would NOT be covered?"