Do you have a talent or a passion that you’ve turned into a small business you operate out of your home? Or perhaps you run a small business on the side selling something like kitchen containers or clothing. Maybe you are considering starting one because you’ve always wanted to be your own boss, to earn extra money or accommodate a changing lifestyle.

As with running any business, even a small home-based one, there are a number of items to think about: financing, banking, products and inventory, marketing and of course, insurance. You will want both property and liability to protect yourself. The trend to small home-based businesses seems to be rising, so we thought we’d give some insight into our insurance product just for that.

At South Easthope Mutual, examples of what we typically consider a small home-based business include:

• Cake decorator
• Direct sales such as: cookware, kitchen utensils and containers, clothing, jewellery, bags
• Music teacher
• Jewellery maker
• Hair stylist (if no malpractice requested)
• Bookkeeper
• Gift basket arranger
• Florist (home-based)
• Scrapbooking
• Craft creation or card making
• Seamstress

If what you do is not on the list, it doesn’t mean we don’t insure it. Just ask!

To qualify for South Easthope Mutual’s small home-based business, you will need to have your home insurance policy with us.

Our packages include coverage for contents (including office equipment and product inventory), loss of income (business interruption), crime and commercial general liability to name a few. These provide the protection you need for your business.

With direct sales and other occupations such as card making or craft creation, much of your business may be done through parties or home visits and at shows, as well as fairs or exhibits. We recognize this, and your coverage allows for up to 50 home visits and 12 tradeshows/exhibits per year.

If this coverage is something you need or think you need, contact a South Easthope Mutual agent or broker online or at 1-800-263-9987. They will be more than happy to answer any questions and determine if your small home-based business would qualify for a home-based package or another commercial package we offer. We look forward to hearing from you.

For a quick view of the coverages available with our Small Home-Based Business insurance package, see the infographic below: