Running a business? Yeah, I been there—and let me tell ya, if you’re not thinking about your stuff, your space, your gear… you’re already behind. Buildings, laptops, chairs, even that neon “OPEN” sign? It all counts. You lose it, it costs you. That’s what commercial property insurance is really about. Learned that the hard way.

So anyway, here’s what I’ve picked up along the way—some tips, tricks, and maybe a few things folks don’t talk about much.

1. So, Like, Know What You’re Even Covered For

You’d think insurance is like a warm fuzzy blanket. It’s not always. Some stuff’s covered, some stuff’s like “nah bro.”

Things like buildings (if you own ’em), tools, desks, signs—those usually in. But floods? Earthquakes? Forget it. That stuff needs extra.

Always best to ask, not guess. Because you will get burned if you guess.

2. Inventory Ain’t Just for Retail

I remember when I thought, “Eh, I’ll remember what I have.” I didn’t.

You have to list everything. Computers, chairs, machinery, random office junk—it all adds up. Take photos too, seriously. Keep receipts in a Google Drive folder or Dropbox or somewhere not on your desktop called “Stuff.” (Guilty.)

3. Actual Cash Value? Nah, Give Me Replacement

Learned this one fast. Actual cash value? Sounds nice but it’s not. That’s just how much your junk’s worth now—not what it’ll cost to get a new one.

Like, say your printer was $600 new, now it’s worth $80. That’s all you’d get if it broke. So always go for replacement value, even if it’s a bit pricier.

Future you will be like, “Nice one, past me.”

4. The Building Matters, Even If It Ain’t Yours

I used to lease a spot that looked cool but was a total death trap inside.

Insurers notice stuff like old wiring, no sprinklers, or it being next to a fireworks shop (true story). And that’ll jack up your premiums.

If it’s your building? Maybe invest in making it safer. Cheaper in the long run.

5. Bundle That Ish

Bundling’s not just for phone plans. Get a Business Owner’s Policy—they call it a BOP, which is fun to say.

That usually includes property insurance, liability, maybe more. Saves money, cuts down on paperwork. Who doesn’t love less paperwork?

6. One Size Fits Exactly Nobody

My buddy owns a bakery. I run an IT biz. We both need insurance, but not the same type.

Baker’s worried about spoiled dough and ovens. I’m over here worried someone spills coffee on the server.

Point is—customize. Get what you need, not just what someone sold you.

7. Update. Seriously. Do It.

Every time something changed—new gear, bigger office, even a new coffee machine—I told myself I’d call the insurance guy. Spoiler: I didn’t.

Then when we had a minor fire (popcorn… don’t ask), we almost weren’t covered for half our stuff.

So yeah, go look at your policy once in a while. Update that thing.

8. Deductible Sounds Boring. It Ain’t.

Low premiums feel great… until you find out your deductible is more than your bank account. Been there.

Pick a number you can pay, not just what looks cheap on paper.

Limits, too—make sure the insurance will actually pay enough if something big goes down.

9. Business Interruption? Get That Too

Here’s the part nobody told me: If a fire happens, yeah, your stuff might be covered—but what about the cash you’re not making while your biz is down?

That’s what Business Interruption Insurance is for. Rent, payroll, even relocating for a bit. Total lifesaver.

Don’t skip it just to save a few bucks. Regret tastes awful.

10. Don’t Wing It. Get an Advisor

Look, I’m decent at figuring stuff out, but even I don’t pretend to speak insurance fluently.

Find someone who gets it. Someone who’ll explain it without all the jargon and sneaky fine print.

I found a lady who actually asked questions about my business before offering anything. That’s how you know it’s real.

Final-ish Thoughts

Property insurance ain’t sexy, but you’ll be glad you have it when the unexpected shows up with dirty boots and no warning.

It ain’t about fear. It’s about not letting one bad day end everything you built.

Look over what matters to you, figure out what you’d cry about losing—and insure that. Doesn’t need to be perfect. Just needs to be real.

If you’re unsure where to start, maybe go talk to someone who actually sells the stuff. But not the pushy kind. You want the honest, slightly nerdy ones—they’re the best.