Business insurance that works as hard as you do

Business insurance is designed to protect against many risks, but it won’t cover everything. Common exclusions include everyday wear and tear, intentional acts, and damage that happen gradually rather than suddenly. Certain risks, like floods or earthquakes, usually need to be purchased separately or added as an endorsement. It’s important to review your coverage with an advisor, so you understand where gaps may exist and how to fill them.

Yes. In many ways, small businesses are even more vulnerable to financial loss than larger companies. A single event, such as a fire, lawsuit, or cyber breach, can have a devastating impact. Business insurance helps protect against risks that could threaten your survival, from property damage to liability claims. Even if you work from home or have a very small operation, insurance ensures that one incident doesn’t put everything you’ve built at risk.

If something happens, document the loss with photos, videos, or written notes and contact your Westland Insurance advisor right away. We’ll walk you through the claims process, explain what documents you’ll need, and connect you with the insurer. An adjuster may be assigned to assess the loss and confirm what’s covered. Throughout the process, our role is to advocate on your behalf and make sure things move smoothly so you can focus on running your business.

The cost of business insurance depends on several factors, including your industry, the size and location of your business, the value of your property and equipment, and the amount of coverage you need. Insurers also look at your claims history, your safety practices, and any risk management measures you have in place, such as security systems or fire protection. Because every business is different, there’s no one-size-fits-all price. At Westland, we work with multiple insurers to compare options and find coverage that fits both your budget and your business needs.

Not all types of business insurance are legally required, but some coverages are mandatory. For example, commercial auto insurance is required if you use vehicles for your business. Workers’ compensation is also required in most provinces for businesses with employees. Other coverages, like general liability or professional liability, are often required by landlords, lenders, regulators, or clients before you can sign a lease or contract. Even if it’s not mandatory, many forms of business insurance are strongly recommended to protect your company from financial hardship.

In most cases, no. A standard home insurance policy offers very limited or no protection for business property or liability. Even if you’re running a small operation from your home, such as a consulting business or an online store, you’ll likely need a separate commercial policy. It’s also important to notify your home insurance provider, as operating a business from home is considered a material change in risk and could affect your coverage.

Most general business policies do not fully cover cyber risks. While some may include limited protection for electronic theft or fraud, a dedicated cyber policy is essential for full protection. Cyber coverage typically includes response to data breaches, ransomware attacks, phishing incidents, and liability for privacy violations. Westland’s cyber insurance is designed to safeguard against data breaches, ransomware, phishing, and privacy violations, and includes proactive features like vulnerability scanning, continuous monitoring, and real-time threat prevention to help stop attacks before they happen.