Personal insurance policies do not cover a home-based business. While a typical homeowner’sinsurance policy protects up to $2,500 worth of damages on the premises, it does not include liability insurance, which is critical for a business.  According to the AXA, only 3% of home-based business owners have general liability insurance, which covers the business in case anyone falls or gets injured on or around the premises. Furthermore, they found that 66% ofhome-business owners use their cars for business purposes but do not have business auto insurance. In both cases, the owner technically is operating illegally.

Endorsements: You may be able to get an endorsement on your existing homeowner’s policy depending on your type of business. This extension of coverage means having higher limits that cover certain perils. In addition, an endorsement enables you to double your policy to include business equipment.  

Homesite provides a list of specific endorsements.

Business property insurance: This type of insurance protects against loss or damages done to property used to operate the business, such as fax machines and copiers. About.com details the types of business property insurance available.

In-home business policy: As the number of home-based businesses has grown, the insurance industry developed protection to extend beyond business property. If your business is shut down because of damages to the home, this policy covers lost income and payroll expenses for up to a year.

Ehow helps you determine if an in-home business policy is right for you.

As your home-based business grows, you may need coverage that your business insurance policies do not cover, such as life insurance and workers’ compensation.  Additionally, if you are looking to improve your home office area, Entrepreneur and Freshome can help. Or, if you interested in advertising for your home-based business, visit Shopin Boston.

Vargas & Vargas Insurance is here to help you meet your business insurance needs.  For more information, call 877-550-0025 and speak with one of their dedicated agents today.

Identify yourtriggers. The Mayo Clinic citesthat stress in small doses actually can energize and motivate you to deal with workplace challenges. However, it is important to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of excessive stress. One way to do this is to keep a stress diary. Note various situations and your reactions and evaluate the issues at the end of each week. Doing so will help you get a better idea of what causes your stress and determine solutions to cope with it.

Mind Tools provides you with a stress diary template.

Prioritize tasks. Often, we underestimate how long things will take and over-commit to taking on too much in one day. To help curtail stress, write down everything you absolutely must get done that day, and make a step-by-step plan for larger projects. By focusing on one manageable task at a time, you’ll feel better about your workload and your ability to accomplish it.

Chandoo.org details how to make a custom To-Do liston Excel.

Think positive. Sometimes, job stress can escalate simply due to our mindset. Making a conscious effort to turn self-defeating, negative thoughts and habits around can greatly improve your motivation, work ethic and mood. Author Kendra Cherry describes how to becomea positive thinker.

Take care of yourself. The better you feel, the more resilient you are to handling stress at work. Simple routines such as regular exercise, getting sufficient sleep and maintaininga healthy diet can go a long way in maintaining your physical and emotional health, making the workday easier to face.

Vargas & Vargas Insurance cares about keeping you safe, healthy and happy in 2013. Call 877-550-0025 to speak with one of our friendly agents about how we can get you the right insurance coverage you deserve and start the year off right.