Business Insurance
Most small business owners are underinsured in at least one area — and don't know it until a claim happens. Bradley reviews commercial policies across liability, property, workers' comp, and vehicles to find the gaps first.
The Gaps That Show Up Most Often in Small Business Policies
Home-based businesses are one of the most common sources of uncovered claims. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude business activity — equipment, client injuries, and business-related liability fall outside what personal coverage handles. Many business owners don't know the gap is there until a claim gets denied.
For businesses that have grown past their original insurance setup, the policy often hasn't kept up. A commercial property limit set years ago may undervalue current equipment. General liability coverage that predates a new service line may leave you exposed. These gaps tend to surface at the worst possible time.
For a full overview of the coverage lines we offer, visit our services page.
Commercial Coverage Options for Minnesota Businesses
From a sole proprietor to a growing team, Farmers-backed commercial coverage through Bradley Hansen Agency can be structured to fit your risk profile and industry.
General Liability
Covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and related legal costs — the foundation of any business policy.
Commercial Property
Protects your building, equipment, inventory, and business personal property from fire, theft, and covered weather events.
Business Owner's Policy (BOP)
Combines general liability and commercial property into a single, cost-effective package — a common fit for small and mid-size businesses.
Commercial Auto
Covers vehicles used for business purposes — from a single work truck to a small delivery fleet.
Workers' Compensation
Required by Minnesota law for most employers. Covers employees' medical costs and lost wages from work-related injuries.
Commercial Umbrella
Extra liability protection beyond your primary policy limits — a cost-effective way to increase coverage for higher-risk operations.
Business Income Insurance
Replaces lost revenue if your business must temporarily close after a covered property loss.
When did you last review whether your commercial coverage still fits your business?
What Minnesota Business Owners Tend to Overlook
Workers' compensation is required by Minnesota law as soon as you hire your first employee — including part-time workers. New employers frequently put it off or assume it's handled. It isn't optional, and the penalties for operating without it are significant.
Commercial auto is another frequent gap. If you use a personal vehicle for business purposes, a personal auto policy may not respond when an accident happens during business use. Commercial auto policies are designed for that use and carry higher liability limits appropriate for business exposure.
Seasonal businesses face a version of this too. General liability limits set for a slow period may be undersized during a busy season when foot traffic, employees, or operational risk increase. A policy review at the right time of year can catch that before it becomes a problem.
A Business Owner's Perspective on Business Insurance
As a small business owner himself, Bradley understands the balance between adequate protection and managing what you spend on premiums. As a Farmers PRIME-designated agent, he works with businesses at every stage — from a new solo operator to an established team — and approaches commercial coverage as a practical conversation, not a product pitch.
With 175+ five-star reviews from local clients, including business owners across the metro, the agency has a reputation for responsive service — including when a claim happens and you need answers quickly.
Business Insurance Questions from Minnesota Owners
Does my homeowners insurance cover my home-based business?
Standard homeowners policies typically exclude business activity — equipment used for work, client injuries at your home office, and business-related liability usually fall outside what personal coverage handles. Many business owners find this out when they file a claim. A separate business policy or endorsement closes that gap before it becomes a problem.
Is workers' compensation required in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota requires most employers to carry workers' comp as soon as they hire their first employee, including part-time workers. Sole proprietors and partners are generally exempt but can opt in. If you're adding staff to a growing business, it's one of the first things to put in place.
What is a Business Owner's Policy and do I need one?
A BOP bundles general liability and commercial property into a single policy, usually at a lower combined cost than buying each separately. It's a common fit for retail businesses, service providers, consultants, and contractors. Whether it's the right structure depends on your specific risk profile — Bradley can assess whether a BOP covers your exposure or whether standalone policies make more sense.
How does commercial auto differ from my personal auto policy?
If you use a vehicle primarily for business — deliveries, client visits, hauling equipment — a personal auto policy may not respond when an accident happens during business use. Commercial auto policies are built for that use and typically carry higher liability limits. If your work requires a vehicle, it's worth a conversation to confirm the coverage is actually there.
How do I know if my general liability limits are high enough?
It depends on what your business does, where, and who you interact with. A general contractor has different exposure than a consultant. A business with heavy customer foot traffic has different exposure than one that operates remotely. Bradley looks at what you do and makes a recommendation based on your actual risk, not a standard package.
Our business insurance services are available throughout Minnesota, including:
Get a Quote TodayReady to Review Your Business Coverage?
Talk to Bradley about what your business actually needs — from a new solo operation to a growing team with commercial vehicles and employees.
Southwest Metro · Minnesota · Farmers Insurance Agency