What Risks Can a Commercial Package Policy Protect My Business From?

The exact risks that a specific commercial package policy will protect your business from are determined by that specific policy’s terms, conditions and exclusions (which is why you should read a policy’s documentation closely). Generally speaking, though, most commercial package policies offer one of four levels of protection. Each level brings a unique set of risk protections.

A Commercial Package Policy Will Protect My Business from What Risks?

Basic CPPs: Protecting Against Common Risks

First, basic commercial package policies tend to offer the most fundamental level of protection. These policies often cover damage caused by risks such as:

• Explosions, fire and smoke

• Windstorms, lightning and hail

• Rogue vehicles and aircraft

• Vandals

• Sinkholes and volcanoes

• Leaking fire sprinklers

While some of these risks may seem unlikely, especially in certain states or regions, other risks are fairly common. Additionally, they all could result in a potentially expensive claims. Therefore, many businesses can benefit from getting a basic commercial package policy at least.

Broad CPPs: Protecting Against More Risks

Second, broad commercial package policies normally expand on the foundation laid by basic policies. Most broad policies cover everything that basic policies do, along with the following other potential risks:

• Water damage

• Snow and ice damage

• Breaking glass

• Falling objects

The protections against water, snow and ice damage make broad CPPs attractive to many businesses. In states where winters are long and brutal, it’s often wise to carry coverage for damage caused by snow and/or ice buildup. In most states, flooding or other water issues can cause substantial damage that requires costly repairs.

Special CPPs: Protecting Against Unnamed Risks

Third, special commercial package policies generally deviate from the previous two groups in a major way. Whereas most basic and broad policies list the risks that they cover against, special policies tend to list the risks that they don’t cover against. Anything that’s not listed as an exclusion is usually covered.

By not limiting coverage to only the risks that are mentioned, most special CPPs significantly expand protection. The exact protections that these policies offer can still vary and there might be exceptions, but many special CPPs offer the broadest amount of protection available.

Earthquake CPP: Protecting Against Earthquakes and Tectonic Movement

Fourth, earthquake package policies are distinct from the three other groups of policies. Rather than offering coverage for a range of potential risks, earthquake policies primarily protect against earthquakes. Policies may include coverage for other ground movements, but they normally aren’t designed to insure against other risks.

Since earthquake CPPs normally cover a specific peril, they’re usually purchased in addition to one of the above three types of CPPs. Many businesses in earthquake-prone regions elect to add an earthquake CPP onto their list of insurance protections, and some businesses in areas where earthquakes are uncommon also decide to get this type of CPP. In many areas where earthquakes aren’t common, they still can hit and cause devastating damage.

Find the Right Commercial Package Policy for Your Business

For help finding the right commercial package policy for your business, contact the experienced and independent insurance agents at World Insurance Associates. Our team won’t just help you determine which category of CPP is right for your business, but they can also compare different policies within that category to make sure your business gets the best policy based on the business’ unique needs. Since our agents are independent, they can show you policy options from many different insurance companies in your state.