Businesses need insurance, there's no question about it, and that's where property insurance brokers and agents by metro area step in. To ensure that you're covered in the event that any of your business' property gets damaged or stolen, get some quotes from a few property insurance agents in your area and sign yourself up for the right amount of coverage.

You'll need to work with local property insurance agents to find the right policy for your specific situation: Your needs will vary depending on if you work from home or from a separate office, and also if you rent versus if you own your property. Consider the following:

1. Get quotes from property insurance agents by metro area if you work from your home. You may have to amend your regular homeowners insurance policy if you have customers coming to your home for business.

2. Obtain rental insurance quotes from local property insurance agents. If you work at home but you're renting your house or apartment, you'll need coverage for your belongings.

3. Consider buying a business owner's policy if you operate your business from an office building. Local property insurance agents can tailor the policy to your needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get homeowners insurance quotes from local property insurance agents

If you carry a mortgage loan, you are required by law to have homeowners insurance. Besides that, if you run a business out of your home, you have additional contents that could be damaged or stolen if something were to happen to your property. Protect yourself with the right homeowners insurance policy.

I recommend: Find an agent representing The Hartford who serves your area. If you're located in the St. Louis area, get a quote from the Farmers Insurance agent nearest you.

Obtain renters insurance from local property insurance agents

If you rent, you can still protect your belongings against damage or theft. This type of property insurance is very inexpensive and is a must for anyone who rents. If you do business out of your home, it's imperative that you protect yourself against natural disasters as well as burglars. If something were to happen, you don't want to lose valuable time and money. A renters policy quickly reimburses you for your losses.

I recommend: Visit a Miami State Farm office to enroll in a renters insurance policy. Check out your insurance options from Allstate Insurance, then find an agent serving your area.

Buy a business owner's policy from local property insurance agents

A business owner's policy is sort of an umbrella insurance policy. It protects not only against liability but also against damage to your property. This is sort of like a renters or homeowners insurance policy for those working out of separate office buildings (as opposed to working from home).

I recommend: Obtain small business insurance from Liberty Mutual Insurance through one of its eight regional vendors. Find a Nationwide agent in your area, or, if you already know the name of an agent you want to visit, enter his name to find his contact information.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider using property insurance brokers by metro area to buy other policies. If you need auto insurance, life insurance or even health insurance, in many cases, your broker or agent can set you up with these policies also. You may even get a multi-policy discount.