Taos Business Insurance

There are over 1,800 businesses operating in Taos, New Mexico. Taos is a center for art and recreation, with three art museums and numerous venues for the performing arts. Galleries, historic artists’ homes, and several art festivals make Taos a popular tourist destination for artists and art lovers, as well. What’s more, hospitality, education, and construction firms play a major role in the city’s economy. If you’re a Taos business owner, you’ll want to protect your assets with a comprehensive business insurance plan. A local independent insurance agent can help you identify the unique risks your company faces and can recommend the commercial insurance products you need to cover them. 

Liability Insurance for Small Businesses in Taos, NM

Business liability insurance is one of the most important ways to protect your Taos business from the threat of lawsuits. Liability claims (claims that your business has caused physical or financial harm to a third party) are among the most expensive claims your business might encounter. Business liability insurance comes in many forms, from commercial general liability (CGL) insurance that offers broad coverage for a wide range of claims, to a variety of specialty policies that can be tailored to your risks. You must purchase the coverage that directly addresses the liability exposures that are inherent in your business. 

A CGL policy covers claims due to injuries, accidents, and negligence. It pays for medical expenses for the injured party as well as your legal costs and any settlements or judgments that you must pay. It also protects you from claims of libel or slander. You might also need several other types of liability insurance policies or endorsements to cover certain types of liability claims that are specifically excluded from general liability coverage. Your local independent insurance agent can help you decide if you need employment practices liability insurance, professional liability insurance, or any other type of supplementary liability coverage. 

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Cyber Liability Insurance for Taos Businesses

Cyber liability insurance is important for any business that uses electronic information. If you are sued because of a data breach or some other type of cybercrime, your business could be responsible for paying legal fees, court-ordered judgments or settlements, and any other court-mandated costs. Many of these may not be covered entirely or at all by your CGL policy.

• Number of identity theft complaints in New Mexico per year: 1,611
• Ranked 23rd highest for identity theft complaints in the US
• Only 22% of businesses have a cyber/data breach response plan

Cyber liability claims are also extremely costly in terms of fines, public relations costs, and other expenses you must pay on behalf of your affected customers and business partners. Cyber liability insurance helps businesses repair their reputations and brand damage in these situations by providing coverage for public relations costs and other related expenses. 

Property Insurance for Small Businesses in Taos, NM

Commercial property insurance protects you when your business property is damaged by someone else or by some type of unforeseen event. You need this coverage if you own your building or have any kind of tangible business assets. 

• Number of federally declared disasters in New Mexico since 1953: 86
• Most common reasons for declared disasters in New Mexico: Fires and Floods

Major disasters like wildfires, severe storms, or floods can cause extensive damage to your business property. A commercial property policy protects things like buildings, office equipment, computers, inventory, and tools from fire, vandalism, smoke, theft, and damage caused by severe weather. Be sure to talk to your insurance agent about whether you need flood insurance for your New Mexico business, too. Flood insurance is only available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), but your local independent agent can help you purchase the coverage you need for your unique circumstances.

Business Interruption Insurance for Taos Businesses

Heavy rains can cause major flooding, while wildfires can easily damage your building, your suppliers’ buildings, local utilities, and more, leaving you unable to operate for an extended period. Even a small fire can create widespread damage and force you to close in order to rebuild. If you couldn't afford ongoing expenses during the time you need to make repairs, would you be forced to close for good?

Business interruption insurance, or business income insurance, reimburses you for lost revenues when your business is unable to operate after a disaster. It pays for certain ongoing expenses and allows your company to stay afloat until you are able to reopen. A local independent insurance agent can help you assess your risks and help you get the business interruption coverage you need. 

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Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Taos, NM Businesses

If one of your employees is injured on the job, your company is responsible for covering the costs associated with their injuries and even providing lost income if they can’t return to work. Workers’ compensation insurance covers medical treatment, lost wages, and other miscellaneous expenses for injured employees. All New Mexico employers with three or more employees must purchase workers’ compensation insurance. This includes: 

• Charities 
• Nonprofits
• Religious organizations

Owners, family members, and part-time and seasonal workers must be included in the employee count. Partners and sole proprietors are excluded from coverage but can elect to include themselves. Corporate officers and LLC members are included in coverage but can exclude themselves if they own 10% or more of the company. Exempted officers must still be included in the employee count used to determine if coverage is required. Other exemptions from New Mexico workers’ compensation coverage include: 

• Real estate agents and domestic employees
• Independent contractors
• Agricultural workers

Construction employers with one or more employees must purchase New Mexico workers’ compensation insurance. You can purchase New Mexico workers’ compensation insurance from any private insurance carrier or agency that is licensed to sell it in the state. Businesses can also self-insure with approval from the New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Administration.

Employee Benefits for Small Businesses in Taos

While offering employee benefits is optional for small employers, the impact that they can have on a workforce is immense. Employee benefits like group health insurance and group life insurance serve a critical purpose for many employees. The positive impact of offering employee benefits tends to far outweigh the costs. Employee benefits, in general, are linked to a decrease in employee absenteeism and improved morale. What’s more, a good employee benefits plan that includes health insurance, life insurance, vacation and sick time, and more, helps companies attract and retain top employees. 

• Average amount spent per year on healthcare coverage by New Mexico businesses: $267,330
• Ranked 38th for highest medical insurance costs in the US
• Average annual cost of health care in New Mexico: $5,145/person or $15,207/family

There are many different health and life insurance policy types and options available for you to choose from. A local independent insurance agent can help you find suitable coverage at a competitive price. 

Why Work with an Independent Agent? 

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all business insurance policy. The wide variety of insurance products and options available to business owners allows you to cover your assets against the unique risks you face. Independent insurance agents can help you find the right policy for your needs and budget. Independent agents can work with multiple insurance companies, so you can compare competitive quotes and make an informed choice.  

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