Popular Questions About Michigan Business Insurance

Last year small businesses in Michigan made $252,969,305. Accidents happen. And without insurance, business claims have to be paid out of your pocket, meaning they have to be paid out of your business’s revenue. 

It's important to be properly insured so you can stay financially stable and keep revenues growing if something unexpected occurs.

40% of small businesses are likely to experience a property or general liability claim in the next 10 years. Here are some things these companies have been using their insurance on:

  • Theft Or Burglary: Average Cost Per Claim - $8,000
  • Water Damage & Freezing Pipes: Average Cost Per Claim - $17,000
  • Wind & Hail Damage: Average Cost Per Claim - $26,000
  • Fire Damage: Average Cost Per Claim - $35,000
  • Customer Slip & Fall: Average Cost Per Claim - $20,000

Michigan business insurance will pay for covered claims so your business doesn’t have to. It gives you peace of mind knowing your bottom line is safe and that you don't have to pay for medical bills or legal costs out of pocket.

Here’s what a standard business insurance policy should do:

Pay For Damage To Your Building

  • Example: A tree falls on your office building.

Pay For Damage To Your Business Property

  • Example: A fire destroys all your computers.

Pay For Damage To Someone Else’s Property

  • Example: A contractor does a poor job of installing a cabinet, resulting in its falling and breaking homeowner's kitchenware.

Pay For Someone Else’s Medical Bills

  • Example: A customer slips and falls on your recently mopped floor and breaks an arm.

Pay For Accidents in Company Vehicles

  • Example: Your salesperson rear-ends someone while driving to an appointment.

Pay For Employee Injuries & Compensation

  • Example: An employee falls off a ladder at work and can’t work for two weeks.

While a commercial insurance policy is not required of business owners, certain aspects of it may be. For example, in this state, businesses must carry workers' compensation insurance, and there are no exemptions. 

To learn more about coverage that you may be required to carry, you can talk with a local independent insurance agent. They'll find you something customized and ideal for your business situation.

It primarily depends on how risky your business is. The riskier your business is, the higher your insurance will be. Here are two examples.

  •  A sole proprietor who owns a garment hemming business: $260 per year
  •  A commercial landscaper with five employees who operate heavy machinery: $22,700 per year

Business insurance rates are calculated using a number of factors such as the risks to your business property, your liability coverage needs and the amount and types of coverage you want. 

Policies can vary significantly by business industry, so it is best to talk with an experienced insurance agent when building a suitable and comprehensive policy for your business.

It’s usually wise to work with an independent agent in Michigan since they have access to multiple insurance companies. Sometimes its difficult to find an insurance company who will cover your business.

  • There are 883 independent agents in Michigan who are ready to help.
  • Last year our agents helped 5,362 people.

An independent insurance agent compares policies from multiple companies to find the best coverage for your needs.

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How does business insurance work?

Find the Best Business Insurance in Your City

National Business Insurance Stats

Number of businesses in the US: 27,626,360

Burglary rate per 1,000 residents in the US: 3.76

Auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles in the US: 2.29
CityNo. businessesBurglaries / 1,000 peopleAuto thefts / 1,000 cars
Adrian1,2707.960.95
Ann Arbor11,9822.220.99
Battle Creek3,49511.11.65
Bay City2,6449.41.31
Big Rapids8092.30.67
Birmingham4,4930.950.43
Bloomfield Hills<10020.25
Brighton1,2823.992.03
Charlotte6872.981.21
Clarkston<1001.980.4
Clinton Township9,1663.992.03
Dearborn10,5193.163.65
Detroit61,86813.0613.31
DeWitt1,5780.850.64
East Lansing2,5423.952.76
Farmington Hills10,7281.840.91
Fenton1,2862.520.52
Flint8,71212.722.62
Flushing6212.230.37
Grand Rapids16,1534.292.37
Grosse Pointe8241.540.77
Hillsdale7082.570.73
Holt9812.841.02
Howell1,1322.520.21
Jackson2,7949.141.88
Kalamazoo6,594103.13
Lansing9,4347.823.28
Livonia9,4803.141.66
Marquette1,8031.850.34
Mount Clemens1,6466.646.41
Mount Pleasant1,8201.580.46
Muskegon2,4367.82.43
New Baltimore7650.890.49
Novi6,21710.35
Okemos<1002.131.08
Ortonville<1000.880.18
Petoskey1,1561.911.04
Plymouth1,7291.321.32
Port Huron2,6806.941.3
Portage4,1103.110.47
Rogers City<1001.860.73
Saginaw4,1917.661.16
Southfield10,7204.884.02
St. Clair Shores5,1312.361.07
St. Joseph1,1161.810.6
Sterling Heights11,0071.360.88
Traverse3,6642.821.18
Troy11,9731.170.74
Waterford6,6802.240.71
Westland5,8033.682.04
  1. Grosse Pointe, MI
  2. Business Insurance Common Coverage Options
  3. Property: The property crime rate in Grosse Pointe is higher than the national average, which means your commercial property insurance may be more expensive. But when you know what risks you're up against and protect yourself against them, you'll give yourself peace of mind.
  4. Commercial Auto: If your business owns a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles, you will need commercial auto insurance. The auto theft rates in the area may not be of big concern, but things can happen unexpectedly. Get a comprehensive and customized plan just in case.
  5. Workers’ Compensation
  6. Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Michigan employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why worker’s compensation rates vary so significantly depending on your industry.
  7. Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here is what the two leading industries in Grosse Pointe, MI workers comp cost looks like.
  8. Retail Trade Industry, $1310/year 
  9. Professional, Scientific and Technical Services Industry, $85/year
  10. Each of these businesses has its own risks when it comes to what kind of injuries their employees can encounter. Keep this in mind when shopping for commercial insurance.


  1. DeWitt, MI
  2. Business Insurance Common Coverage Options
  3. Property: Property crimes like theft and arson can lead to large business losses if you do not have the right insurance. You may have a very low probability of encountering a property-related crime in DeWitt, but it's still important to have the proper coverage.
  4. Commercial Auto: Your commercial auto insurance rates will be based on a number of unique factors. If your company uses or owns vehicles, make sure you're adhering to requirements and have comprehensive protection for your cars and drivers alike while on the road and in the event of a theft or criminal act.
  5. Workers’ Compensation
  6. Every business insurance policy comes standard with workers’ compensation insurance. If the workers’ compensation cost for your business is higher than average, this could add to your overall business insurance cost.
  7. Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here is what the two leading industries in DeWitt, MI workers comp cost looks like.
  8. Public Administration Industry, $130/year 
  9. Professional, Scientific and Technical Services Industry, $85/year
  10. Each industry and business is different. Employees in each industry may encounter various risks, and your business needs to know what to protect against.


  1. Charlotte, MI
  2. Business Insurance Common Coverage Options
  3. Property: The crime rate in Charlotte can affect how much you pay for commercial property insurance. It's important to consider that, in addition to severe weather events, property crimes like theft and arson can lead to large business losses if you do not have the right insurance.
  4. Commercial Auto: Does your business own a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles? If so, you will need commercial auto insurance. But your rates will be based on a number of factors including the number and types of vehicles you are covering and the risk of collisions and of vehicular theft in your city.
  5. Workers’ Compensation
  6. Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Michigan employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why worker’s compensation rates vary so significantly depending on your industry.
  7. Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here is what the two leading industries in Charlotte, MI workers comp cost looks like.
  8. Manufacturing Industry, $3,450/year
  9. Retail Trade Industry, $1310/year
  10. It's fairly obvious that an employee at a manufacturing facility has a greater risk of experiencing an injury than an employee at a clothing store. That's why the numbers above vary so greatly. Each business — and industry — has its own unique risks, so you need workers' comp coverage that protects against them, specifically.


  1. Clarkston, MI
  2. Business Insurance Common Coverage Options
  3. Property: Severe weather events can arise and damage property without warning. But property crimes like theft and arson can also lead to large business losses if you do not have the right insurance. The crime rate in the area can affect your coverage rates, so it's important to pay attention to the biggest threats you face so you're prepared.
  4. Commercial Auto: Accidents and break-ins happen. It's not fun to think about, but if your business owns a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles, you should look at commercial auto insurance seriously. Remember that you rate will depend on a number of unique factors.
  5. Workers’ Compensation
  6. Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Michigan employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why worker’s compensation rates vary so significantly depending on your industry.
  7. Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here is what the two leading industries in Clarkston, MI workers comp cost looks like.
  8. Manufacturing Industry, $3,450/year 
  9. Educational Services Industry, $270/year
  10. Both of these industries, and all industries as a matter of fact, have their own risks to consider when it comes to their employees. If you're curious to know what your business should focus on and look at when it comes to workers' comp coverage, talk to a local independent insurance agent.


  1. Fenton, MI
  2. Business Insurance Common Coverage Options
  3. Property: Unfortunately, businesses in Fenton are more likely to experience property damage than other businesses around the state. Property crimes like theft and arson can happen without warning and can lead to large business losses if you do not have the right insurance. Talk to an independent insurance agent to learn more and to get properly insured.
  4. Commercial Auto: Your company's commercial auto insurance rate will be based on a number of factors such as the number and types of vehicles you are covering, the risk of collisions while on the road and the average rate of vehicular theft in your city. Ensure you're protected against them all if something goes wrong.
  5. Workers’ Compensation
  6. Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Michigan employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why worker’s compensation rates vary so significantly depending on your industry.
  7. Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here is what the two leading industries in Fenton, MI workers comp cost looks like.
  8. Manufacturing Industry, $3,450/year 
  9. Professional, Scientific and Technical Services Industry, $85/year
  10. Although these are the main players, each industry has its own risks to keep in mind when looking at insurance — especially when it comes to workers' compensation coverage.


  1. Flushing, MI
  2. Business Insurance Common Coverage Options
  3. Property: If your storefront experienced a break-in, how would your insurance respond? Property crimes like theft and arson can lead to large business losses if you do not have the right insurance. And since the crime rate in Flushing can affect your coverage rates, it might be more expensive than you think.
  4. Commercial Auto: Do you need commercial auto insurance? You do if your business owns or uses vehicles. Take note that your rates will be based on a number of factors, which means you'll receive something customized and unique to you.
  5. Workers’ Compensation
  6. Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Michigan employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why worker’s compensation rates vary so significantly depending on your industry.
  7. Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here is what the two leading industries in Flushing, MI workers comp cost looks like.
  8. Manufacturing Industry, $3,450/year
  9. Retail Trade Industry, $1310/year
  10. No matter what industry you're in, workers' compensation coverage will vary from one business to the other. You have unique risks, and you should remember that employees in the manufacturing world will experience more threats than those in retail. Our agents will know exactly how to tackle your insurance needs.


  1. Holt, MI
  2. Business Insurance Common Coverage Options
  3. Property: A number of events can damage your business's physical property, but crimes like theft and arson can lead to huge business losses if you do not have the right insurance. To ensure you're completely protected against the risks in Holt, visit your local independent agent to learn about your insurance options.
  4. Commercial Auto: If you need commercial auto insurance, your monthly rate will be based on a number of factors, including the number of cars you have, your cars' makes and models and the average amount of vehicular theft in your area. It can get overwhelming but not when you talk to a local independent insurance agent.
  5. Workers’ Compensation
  6. Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Michigan employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why worker’s compensation rates vary so significantly depending on your industry.
  7. Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here is what the two leading industries in Holt, MI workers comp cost looks like.
  8. Manufacturing Industry, $3,450/year
  9. Public Administration Industry, $130/year 
  10. Other businesses in the area have just as much employee-related risk and need just as much workers' compensation coverage. It varies from industry to industry and business to business, so ensure you're completely covered by talking to a local independent agent about how to protect yourself from an unexpected employee injury.


  1. Mt. Pleasant, MI
  2. Business Insurance Common Coverage Options
  3. Property: Crime rates in this area aren't too outrageous in Mt. Pleasant, but burglaries can happen when you least expect it. If a property crime like a theft or arson happens, don't pay for damage and repairs out of pocket. Get properly insured and protect your business's physical property.
  4. Commercial Auto: If your business owns a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles, you will need commercial auto insurance. Your rates will be based on a number of factors, including the number and types of vehicles you are covering and the risk of collisions and of vehicular theft in your city.
  5. Workers’ Compensation
  6. Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Michigan employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why worker’s compensation rates vary so significantly depending on your industry.
  7. Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here is what the two leading industries in Mount Pleasant, MI workers comp cost looks like.
  8. Educational Services Industry, $270/year
  9. Accommodation and Food Services Industry, $1690/year
  10. These business industries, as well as others like entertainment, manufacturing and health care — have their own risks. Employees need safeguarding and so does your business if one of your employees suffers a work-related injury or illness. Workers' compensation can keep you protected if something like that happens.


  1. Ortonville, MI
  2. Business Insurance Common Coverage Options
  3. Property: Property crimes like theft and arson can lead to large business losses. That's why you need the right commercial insurance policy to protect you against these risks. Just because the crime rate in Ortonville is low doesn't mean you don't need the proper coverage, so talk to a local independent insurance agent today.
  4. Commercial Auto: The risk of vehicular theft isn't bad in this area, but if your company owns a vehicle or two, you will need commercial auto insurance. Your rates will be based on a number of factors, including the number and types of vehicles you are covering, so keep in mind that your rate will vary from business to business and carrier to carrier.
  5. Workers’ Compensation
  6. Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Michigan employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why worker’s compensation rates vary so significantly depending on your industry.
  7. Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here is what the two leading industries in Ortonville, MI workers comp cost looks like.
  8. Manufacturing Industry, $3,450/year
  9. Retail Trade Industry, $1310/year
  10. The risks that an employee has in a factory are much different from the risks an employee has in the retail trade industry. Workers' comp takes these differences into consideration — and so will an independent insurance agent when you look at insurance options.


  1. Rogers City, MI 
  2. Business Insurance Common Coverage Options
  3. Property: In addition to severe weather events, property crimes like theft and arson can lead to large business losses if you do not have the right insurance. That's why you need to talk to an independent agent to keep things under control and to have a financial backup plan in place if something unexpected happens.
  4. Commercial Auto: It's rare to encounter a vehicle-related theft or burglary in Rogers City. But these things can happen when you least expect it. So, if your business owns a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles, keep this in mind. When you look at commercial auto insurance options, your rates will be based on a number of unique factors. That way, you'll receive customized coverage at a price you can afford.
  5. Workers’ Compensation
  6. Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. It is required for most Michigan employers. Every workplace has unique risks and hazards for its workers, which is why worker’s compensation rates vary so significantly depending on your industry.
  7. Based on a $100,000 annual payroll, here is what the two leading industries in Rogers City, MI workers comp cost looks like.
  8. Accommodation and Food Services Industry, $1690/year
  9. Manufacturing Industry, $3,450/year
  10. There are a number of factors to take into account when you consider your workers' compensation coverage. Each industry and each business is unique, with their employees facing various risks. If an employee is injured while on the job or suffers from an illness due to work, you need to have financial protection for medical bills and any legal costs.