Insurance for Small Business Owners in Rhode Island

Do You Need Small Business Insurance in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island is the smallest US state, but its local communities give their small businesses big support! With 59% of the state covered in forest and 21 famous lighthouses, people are drawn to this coastal state with its rich history. Some of the small business industries important to Rhode Island include technical services, construction, real estate, healthcare, retail trade, and transportation and warehousing.

  • There are over 106,400 small businesses in Rhode Island
  • 98.9% of businesses in Rhode Island are considered small businesses
  • Small businesses employ over 230,700 people in Rhode Island 

Visitors and locals alike agree that WaterFire is magical. Hasbro famously loves the state. Block Island is a beautiful escape. Rhode Island is a treasure, and so are the small businesses working to grow the economy. Small business owners need to be aware that Rhode Island may require particular insurance related to specific professions—and some insurance coverages are required for all businesses. Find out more below!

Required Business Insurance Coverage in Rhode Island

Rhode Island requires the following insurance coverage for small businesses:
  1. Commercial Auto Insurance.

    Rhode Island requires small businesses to obtain commercial auto insurance for business-owned vehicles. Rhode Island’s minimum liability requirements include $25,000 in bodily injury per person, $50,000 in bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability. The penalty for driving without auto insurance in Rhode Island is between $100 and $500 for the first instance.

  2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance.

    Small businesses in Rhode Island employing one or more people must obtain workers’ compensation coverage, regardless of whether they are full- or part-time. Some exemptions to the workers’ comp law include certain domestic and agriculture, real estate, sole proprietors, partners, and independent contractors. Penalties, including fines and imprisonment, may be imposed if you fail to obtain workers’ comp in Rhode Island.

Recommended Business Insurance Coverage in Rhode Island

The following insurance coverage is recommended for Rhode Island small businesses:
  1. Small Business Owner’s Insurance.

    For convenience and savings, you can bundle property damage insurance and general liability into one comprehensive Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) for your Rhode Island small business. This policy typically covers losses and damages related to customers’ medical expenses for onsite third-party accidents like a slip and fall and business property and advertising damage claims.

  2. General Liability Insurance.

    If your Rhode Island small business does not need a BOP’s property coverage, a general liability insurance (GL) policy can be obtained as a separate policy. If your business leases a space, the property contract likely requires General Liability Insurance. GL helps ease the financial burden of customer injury and typically covers third-party property damage risks like fire, libel and slander lawsuits, and other risks. 

  3. Professional Liability Insurance.

    If your Rhode Island small business work includes providing expertise like financial advice, architecture, design, and technical services, then errors and omissions (E&O) Professional Liability insurance is recommended. E&O covers most work mistakes and errors, missed deadlines, incomplete work, and negligence lawsuits.

  4. Cyber Liability Insurance.

    Cybercrime is an ongoing threat to Rhode Island small businesses. Cyber Liability coverage is recommended for most small businesses in Rhode Island to help manage the fallout from a cyberattack like a data breach, including help paying for customer notification and fraud monitoring costs and associated legal fees. Cyber insurance helps businesses recover from ransomware and other common cyberattacks. 

Our Small Business Insurance Company Is Here to Help

B2Z understands that insurance can be confusing, so we set out to make it understandable and easy to purchase.
  1. Q
    Does B2Z offer small business coverage in Rhode Island?
    A

    Yes. We currently offer the following types of insurance policies to small business owners in Rhode Island:

  2. Q
    How do I get a quote for my small business insurance in Rhode Island?
    A

    It’s simple! Click on the Get Your Quote button and answer a few questions.