Why I Don’t Skip Commercial Insurance—And You Shouldn’t Either

Alright, let’s start with a little confession: when I first started my business, I didn’t think I needed commercial insurance. It was one of those things I just didn’t give much thought to—after all, I was small, I was just getting my feet wet, and who really expects a disaster when you’re just starting out, right? Boy, was I wrong.

I run a small design studio, a dream I’ve had for years. When the doors opened, I was excited but also a bit too wrapped up in the thrill of making my mark. I was focused on the creative side—projects, clients, deadlines—and figured I could manage the rest, like insurance, later. I just knew I needed some basic coverage for my office space and equipment. So, I did what any new business owner would do: I checked the boxes and bought a standard policy. It seemed like a formality. Something everyone does. But let me tell you, that basic policy was the one thing that would later save my business.

Fast forward to a few months later. One morning, I came into the office, and there it was: a burst pipe. But not just any burst pipe. This one had flooded my office overnight, ruining my carpets, my furniture, and worse—my equipment. You can imagine the panic. My computer, the one that held all my client work and designs? Completely fried. My printer, my desk, even some of the furniture—damaged beyond repair. It was chaos.

The panic quickly shifted to a realization: Thank goodness for my insurance. My basic commercial policy covered the flood damage to my office and the ruined equipment. The repairs to the office were handled, and I got my work computer replaced in no time. Without the insurance, I’d have had to dip into my savings, and honestly, that could’ve meant bankruptcy. I wouldn’t have been able to afford the repairs and replacements without it. That flood could’ve been the end of my business, but with the right coverage, it wasn’t even close.

But, while I was incredibly lucky to have insurance at all, that experience taught me something else: I needed more than just the bare minimum. After all, disasters like these are rare, but other risks exist. So, when my business started to grow and my team expanded, I knew it was time to rethink my insurance plan. This time, I turned to Callahan & Hooey Insurance. I didn’t want to be caught off guard again, and I knew they specialized in helping small businesses navigate the complexities of commercial insurance.

Their team wasn’t just a bunch of people selling policies—they were business-savvy professionals who got what I was going through. They walked me through options that would give my business real protection. It wasn’t about upselling me; it was about making sure I had the right coverage for the next chapter of my growth. I added new coverage to protect against business interruptions, liability from mistakes, and even cyber threats, because let’s face it—no one’s too small to be hacked these days. Callahan & Hooey were hands-on, and I really felt like I had a partner in them, not just an insurance provider.

Not even a year later, I faced another challenge. This time, it wasn’t a burst pipe but a client dispute. It sounds like something out of a bad movie, but here we were—an unhappy client who threatened to sue for breach of contract over a design that didn’t meet their expectations. The amount of stress I felt in those few weeks was indescribable. The potential legal costs were terrifying. But once again, my insurance coverage from Callahan & Hooey came to the rescue. With the professional liability coverage in place, I was protected. The legal fees were covered, and I didn’t have to drain my business’ bank account just to fight a lawsuit. Instead, I could focus on finding a resolution and continuing with my work.

What I learned through all this is simple: commercial insurance isn’t just a luxury for big businesses—it’s a necessity for small businesses. The peace of mind it brings is worth far more than the cost of the policy. It’s the kind of thing you only realize when something unexpected happens, and you’re able to move forward because you planned ahead.

If I had one piece of advice for anyone starting out in business, it would be this: don’t skimp on insurance. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of starting your business, but protecting it should always be part of the plan. And don’t just settle for a basic policy. Look into the specific risks your business faces and get coverage that fits. Commercial insurance is not just about protecting your stuff; it’s about ensuring that you can continue doing what you do best, even when life throws you a curveball.

I’m incredibly grateful to Callahan & Hooey Insurance for their knowledge and guidance. They’ve been there every step of the way, making sure my coverage evolves as my business grows. I can’t tell you how much that peace of mind is worth. As for me, I’ll never underestimate the power of commercial insurance again. It’s one of the smartest decisions I’ve made for my business—and the one decision I don’t regret for a second.