Being self-employed or managing a home-based business requires courage, organization, and versatility. However, this professional freedom also comes with significant responsibilities. A single incident can jeopardize your assets, your work, or even your reputation. That’s why it’s essential to have protection suited to your reality.
Contrary to what many believe, it’s not always necessary to take out a full commercial insurance policy. Sometimes, simply adding an endorsement to your existing home insurance policy, whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or co-owner, is sufficient. This option can cover your business assets, activities, and provide protection in case of lawsuits.
The experts at J. Gérard Fortin & Associés can guide you toward a simple, effective, and affordable solution that aligns with both the size of your business and your professional objectives. Don’t let a lapse in coverage jeopardize what you build daily.
Every self-employed individual has a unique situation. That’s why it’s important to take the time to assess the protections truly necessary to ensure the security of your micro-enterprise. In collaboration with an expert from J. Gérard Fortin & Associés, you can determine which additions to your home insurance are recommended based on the nature of your activities.
The endorsement to your home policy allows coverage of assets related to your work, whether it’s computer equipment, specialized tools, or stored goods. It can also provide financial protection in case of theft, fire, or another disaster.
An additional liability coverage is often suggested, as it protects you if someone suffers damage related to your professional activities, even if it occurs outside your home.
In many cases, professional liability insurance can be essential, especially if you provide advice, manage client files, or offer specialized services. This coverage protects you against the financial consequences of an error, omission, or client dissatisfaction.
Regardless of whether you hold a homeowner, tenant, or co-owner policy, it’s possible to enhance your coverage with additional protections that are both affordable and often essential. The experts at J. Gérard Fortin & Associés can guide you toward the endorsements that best suit your personal situation.
Among the most frequently recommended protections are:
Specifically designated valuables: To protect your cameras, video cameras, computers, jewelry, artwork, and other valuable items.
Fire following an earthquake endorsement: Covers damages caused by a fire resulting from an earthquake.
Water damage endorsement: Particularly in cases of sewer backup or infiltration.
Pool and spa endorsement: To cover outdoor installations often excluded from basic protections.
Legal expense endorsement: Useful in case of a dispute requiring specialized legal services.
Identity theft endorsement: Provides support if your identity is stolen.
These coverages allow you to tailor your insurance policy to your reality while providing you with greater peace of mind.
Sometimes, your insurer may refuse to renew your home insurance policy or limit certain coverages due to your history or specific circumstances. If you find yourself in this situation, know that you are not alone.
At J. Gérard Fortin & Associates, we understand the challenges this represents and are here to support you. Thanks to our partnerships with specialized insurers, we do everything possible to offer you tailored solutions. Whether it’s improving your insurance profile or adjusting your coverage based on risk level, we will work with you to find a viable and fair path to better protection.
A home insurance policy is not just about financial protection. It also provides access to practical services that can make all the difference in everyday life.
Most of our partner insurers offer included assistance services, often at no extra cost. Depending on your contract, you could benefit from a health advice phone line, legal assistance, or support for home needs such as urgent repairs or home care.
Concrete benefits designed to make your life easier.
In the event of a claim covered by your insurance policy, your home-based business may face interruptions in operations. With the right endorsements, it’s possible to protect your income by covering financial losses related to the temporary relocation of your activities as well as the restoration of your premises. This protection provides peace of mind, as long as the incident is covered under your contract.
If the situation requires, first contact emergency services (firefighters, police, etc.) to ensure safety. Then quickly contact your insurer via the 24/7 emergency line. They will open your claim file and ask you questions about the event. Be sure to answer thoroughly.
If necessary, first contact emergency services (firefighters, police, etc.) to ensure the safety of the premises. Then promptly contact your insurer via the 24/7 emergency line. They will open your claim file and ask you questions about the event. Be sure to provide complete answers.
Call 911 immediately to request police assistance. An officer will come to the scene to document the facts and prepare an incident report. Filing a complaint with the authorities is mandatory for any insurance claim. This report will serve as essential evidence in processing your file.
Make sure the premises are safe before taking action. Turn off the electricity and, if necessary, the water supply. Act quickly to limit damage by authorizing emergency work such as pumping or drying. Do not clean without professional advice to preserve the evidence needed for the assessment.
Ensure the premises are safe before intervening. Turn off the electricity to avoid any risk. Act quickly by authorizing emergency work such as tarping the roof or boarding up broken windows. Do not clean without professional advice to preserve the evidence needed for the assessment.
Once you have the police report, promptly contact your insurer via the 24/7 emergency line. The insurer will open a claim file and ask questions about the circumstances of the theft. Provide as detailed and complete information as possible to facilitate the evaluation of your claim.
Take detailed photos and videos of the damage, both inside and outside, including flooded areas, leaks, and mold. Keep all invoices for emergency expenses: pumping, drying, repairs, cleaning, temporary accommodation, and replacement of goods. These documents will help facilitate your claim.
Take detailed photos and videos of burns, soot, charred areas, and damage caused by smoke or firefighting water. Keep all invoices related to emergency expenses: accommodation, essential clothing, specialized cleaning, urgent repairs, and infrastructure work. These documents will help facilitate your claim.
List the stolen items with as much detail as possible: descriptions, estimated values, proof of purchase, or photos if available. This step will help the insurer assess the losses. An adjuster may also request additional documents or visit the site to inspect the damages. These documents will help facilitate your claim.
Generally, your standard home insurance does not cover equipment used for professional purposes. It is therefore essential to add an endorsement to properly protect your business-related belongings.
Yes, this is an important step. Informing your insurer allows your policy to be adjusted and helps avoid any claim issues in case of a loss. It also ensures the validity of your coverage.
Yes, it is possible to insure different activities, but each case must be evaluated individually. The nature of services offered, the frequency of client visits, and the assets used all influence the protections to be put in place.