In the last year or so I have added quite a lot of computer equipment to my business. I now have all my clients’ information, including their case histories and their accounts stored electronically. I also bought a printer, which I use constantly, and I’m thinking of getting a scanner. Is all this electronic stuff covered by my existing office equipment and furnishings insurance? I can not imagine what I would do if I lost all the critical data that is now on my system.  Read Column
 

I hope you can help me settle a debate I am having with a colleague. She has three kinds of business insurance with three different companies. She says she does this because “different problems require different solutions.” I say it serves my best interests to deal with a single insurance company that knows me and understands my business. Neither of us has ever had a serious claim.
Which of us do you think is taking the safest course?  Read Column
 

For quite a while, I have been working part-time as an independent operator for an electrologist who has a small, two-person operation. There’s never been any talk about accidents, and I have never brought up the subject of insurance. Am I going to regret this? I’ve been thinking about taking a job with a department store. Would they take better care of me with things like insurance? Read Column
 

I am confused by all the different insurance terms. My policy includes ‘Fire Legal Liability,’ and I would like to know if this protects my property. If not, what does it cover? I have also been reading about ‘Product Liability,’ but I am not sure I need this protection because I only use and sell one product. I have a ‘General/Premises Liability’ policy. Am I already protected for these things?  Read Column
 

I have been in practice for four and a half years. During that time I think I have been properly insured against any eventuality, but I often wonder what the proper procedure is when you have an accident that involves a client. Do I report it to my insurance agent right away, while the client is still here? What should I say to her? I guess I shouldn’t sympathize too much or accept any responsibility for the accident?  Read Column
 

It's insurance renewal time – but don’t send that check! Not until you review your coverage. In the hectic pace of commerce today, it is easy for the owner of a small business to forget that they must alert their insurance carrier to any alterations in their operation.  Read Column