Next Insurance — 2025

Small Business INsurance 101:

By Monica Vanover on March 28, 2025

When Jake launched his contracting company after finishing his apprenticeship, he focused solely on securing clients and delivering exceptional work. Six months later, a client sued over property damages at a site where Jake worked,—a common industry risk he hadn't protected against. Even though the client was in error and Jake wasn’t responsible, the legal costs alone threatened to erase his growing business before it had gotten off the ground. Small businesses like Jake’s are especially vulnerable to insurance and compliance issues. Partnering with NEXT Insurance, a company that is 100% dedicated to small business, can make all the difference. NEXT provides hassle-free, affordable policies tailored to your specific profession. From instant quotes to 24/7 access to certificates of insurance and claim filing, NEXT is insurance for the entrepreneur looking to get ahead. When you’re considering starting a business in one of the over 1,300 professions NEXT serves, choosing the right type of insurance for your needs is key. Here’s everything you should know about insurance and compliance to launch your business.

One of the greatest challenges to small businesses is understanding your compliance obligations to state and federal law. Insurance requirements vary significantly by state, with variation in:

Navigating the Legal Landscape: Essential Compliance Knowledge

Compliance isn't just about avoiding penalties—it's about positioning your business for success in an increasingly regulated marketplace.

Small Businesses Need Specialized Coverage

Get an instant quote to see how NEXT can help you.

Sponsored by NEXT Insurance

Back to Hub

A Guide to Success and Security

Get Started

Get Instant Quote

Different sectors face unique risks requiring specialized coverage. The insurance experts at NEXT offer tailored insurance solutions that are industry specific. Whether you’re opening a café, starting a contracting company, teaching yoga, or launching your Amazon store, NEXT has coverage designed to protect your exact business.

Contractors

From tool theft to legal fees & defense costs on the job site, there’s a myriad of liability scenarios contractors face. Design errors and mistakes by subcontractors are often still a general contractor’s responsibility. Getting the right coverage means protection against all possible mishaps. NEXT Insurance is a one-stop shop for contractor business insurance. Whether you need to quickly lock down a certificate of liability insurance for your next project or get coverage for a new employee, NEXT can help you get insurance online at an affordable price so you can get back to work. General Liability, Tools & Equipment, and Commercial Property policies are all a must for a successful contractor. Get an instant quote tailored to your contracting business.

A customer slips on the way to your bathroom. A sous chef cuts her finger. Your delivery driver backs into the building you’re leasing. The HVAC system malfunctions and your kitchen fills with smoke. So much can happen that can cause loss of time and loss of business. NEXT protects your kitchen, customers, and employees through a comprehensive suite of insurance policies, including Business Owner’s Policy, General Liability, Commercial Property, and Workers’ Compensation. Get an instant quote tailored to your spot.

Food & Beverage Service

Are you opening your shop? Or selling online? Either way, NEXT can help. Landlords will require proof of insurance for a commercial lease. Digital selling platforms like Amazon require sellers to have their own insurance. Some policies to consider are Business Owner’s Policy, General Liability, Commercial Property, and Workers’ Compensation. Get an instant quote tailored to your brick-and-mortar or online shop.

Retail

The artistic life requires dedication. Whether you are an Actor, DJ, Crafter, Photographer, or Event Planner, protecting your business from possible lawsuits while performing and traveling can help you stay focused on what matters. NEXT is a one-stop shop for entertainment and event business insurance with policies like Business Owner’s Policy, General Liability, and Commercial Auto tailored to entertainers. Get an instant quote as unique as you.

Entertainment

Do you have a cleaning company? Are you a personal trainer? Do you offer professional services like architectural design? Some services providers need specialized policies like Errors & Omissions Insurance, Professional Liability, and Tools & Equipment to ensure you’re covered in the event of a mishap on the job. See how NEXT can serve you with an instant quote.

Professional Services

Beyond the Safety Net: How Insurance Drives Business Growth

Your insurance serves both as a safety net and a growth catalyst, unlocking opportunity in ways you may have yet to consider:

Access to premium clients: Many larger clients and government contracts require specific insurance types and coverage limits before you can bid on projects. Property and location options: Commercial landlords typically require proof of insurance (often called a Certificate of Insurance or COI) before approving leases. With traditional insurance companies, obtaining COI can take multiple days to obtain. NEXT Insurance makes it easy. NEXT gives you unlimited self-service access to custom COIs in minutes online or with the app.

When properly insured, business owners can direct their energy toward growth initiatives rather than worrying about potential disasters. Insurance policies do more than protect against catastrophic events—they provide financial predictability that allows for better business planning and resource allocation. Peace of mind creates space for the innovation and calculated risk-taking that drives business expansion. Foundational security and predictability are crucial for small businesses. NEXT ensures this peace of mind through unmatched customer support and quick and easy claim filing.

From Startup to Success: Your Protected Path Forward

The entrepreneurial journey is filled with both challenges and opportunities. The right insurance partner doesn't just protect what you've built—it enables where you're going. Whether you're launching your first business venture or expanding an established operation, understanding your protection needs represents a crucial competitive advantage in today's business landscape. With NEXT, you gain both comprehensive coverage and the freedom to focus on what matters most: growing your business.

With coverage options designed specifically for the way you work, a digital-first experience where you can obtain unlimited certificates of insurance, access policy documents and file claims 24/7, and a Small Business Blog with invaluable articles on salient topics like amazing tax write-offs for 1099 workers, the fastest growing fields for small businesses, and how-to explainers for professionals like you to best succeed.

Professional Liability requirements: Also called Errors & Omissions Insurance. Certain professions face mandatory coverage requirements that differ by location or type of trade. Workers' Compensation thresholds: Some states require coverage for owners. Others require it as soon as the first employee is hired. Adding Workers’ Compensation insurance to your policy protects you and those who work for you. Commercial property insurance: Businesses operating out of a physical location will need Commercial Property coverage. Most property managers will require proof of insurance to sign a lease.