Business Coverage You Should Have by Industry

Think your business is fully protected? You might want to double-check.

At Ellen Fenton & Company Insurance, we work with business owners throughout Ellicottville, Franklinville, and beyond — and we know that one-size-fits-all doesn’t cut it when it comes to coverage. According to a recent study by The Hartford, nearly 40% of small businesses are likely to experience a property or liability claim in the next decade. Still, many remain underinsured — or worse, uninsured — for the risks specific to their industry.

We're here to change that. With over 35 years of experience, our team believes in smart, proactive protection designed around your unique operation. Here's a breakdown of key coverages to consider, organized by industry:

Construction & Contracting

From general contractors to small crews, construction work comes with high exposure. Key coverages include:

  • General Liability Insurance – Protects against third-party injuries and property damage.

  • Workers’ Compensation – Required in most states, covers job-related employee injuries.

  • Commercial Auto Insurance – For transporting tools, materials, and team members.

  • Builder’s Risk Insurance – Covers materials and buildings under construction.

  • Equipment Coverage – Insures against theft, damage, or loss of valuable tools and heavy machinery.

Retail & E-Commerce

Whether you’re running a cozy boutique in downtown Ellicottville or an online store out of Franklinville, coverage matters.

  • Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) – A bundled option that includes both property and liability protection.

  • Product Liability Insurance – Protects you in case a product you sell causes injury or damage.

  • Cyber Liability Insurance – Critical for protecting customer data and online payments.

Professional Services

Accountants, consultants, and creative professionals often overlook how exposed they can be.

  • Professional Liability (E&O Insurance) – Defends against claims of mistakes, missed deadlines, or dissatisfied clients.

  • General Liability Insurance – Protects your physical office space from visitor claims.

  • Cyber Liability Insurance – For anyone handling sensitive client info or proprietary data.

Hospitality (Restaurants, Bars, Hotels)

High foot traffic and alcohol service make for a unique set of risks. We’ve helped protect some of the area’s most popular spots.

  • Liquor Liability Insurance – Required if you serve alcohol, protecting you from claims tied to intoxicated guests.

  • Commercial Property Insurance – Covers everything from your dining room to your walk-in freezer.

  • Food Contamination Insurance – Safeguards your income and reputation from spoilage or illness incidents.

  • Business Interruption Insurance – Helps cover income lost during unexpected closures.

Manufacturing

From small-scale makers to full operations, manufacturing comes with machinery and liability concerns.

  • Product Liability Insurance – Defends against customer claims over faulty or unsafe products.

  • Equipment Breakdown Insurance – Helps get you back in business if machines go down.

  • General Liability Insurance – Covers your day-to-day exposures.

  • Workers’ Compensation – Required protection for your workforce.

Healthcare & Wellness

Whether you're running a gym, spa, or private practice, protecting your team, your clients, and your reputation is essential.

  • Professional Liability (Malpractice Insurance) – Safeguards you against allegations of negligence.

  • General Liability Insurance – Covers slips, falls, and more.

  • Property Insurance – Protects your office furniture, medical equipment, or wellness tools.

Protect Your Business with Confidence

At Ellen Fenton & Company Insurance, our local roots and decades of experience mean you get more than just a policy — you get a trusted partner who understands your industry and your community. Whether you're pouring coffee, pouring concrete, or doing something entirely different, we’ll help you build the right coverage plan from the ground up.

Stop by our offices in Ellicottville or Franklinville, or contact us today for a personalized policy review. Because when you’re covered the right way, you can focus on what matters most — growing your business.

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