You should contact your insurance agent before starting a business in your home to determine if your homeowner policy will cover the business. However, most homeowner policies have an exclusionary clause stating that the policy does not cover a home-based business. So, if someone got hurt while visiting your business, you would probably be personally liable for any expenses. Your insurance agent will likely want to write a separate policy or "rider" to cover the business. Personal contents can continue to be covered by your homeowner policy. This would be especially true for a bed and breakfast; this type of operation would typically be covered by a commercial business policy, while the owners’ personal contents would be insured under their homeowner policy. For further information about insuring your business, see the fact sheet How to Insure Your Business.
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FAQ #37271
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I operate a small business out of my home. Will my homeowner insurance cover me if a customer gets hurt?
Last Updated: August 15, 2009
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