Workers' compensation
Most employers are required by law to provide workers' compensation insurance through a state system operated by the Department of Labor & Industries. Worker comp pays an employee's medical expenses and provides some income replacement when a worker is injured on the job.

Weather
The impact of weather on businesses is more complex than you might think. Weather obviously affects outdoor operations that depend on fair weather — for example, events like fairs, festivals, concerts, sporting events or filming.

Flood
Coverage for damage caused by floods is not included in ordinary homeowners and commercial policies, but must be added as an endorsement. Flood insurance, which also covers damage caused by mudslides, is available through a program run by the Federal Insurance Administration; contact your agent or call (800) 427-4661 for more information.

COBRA Benefits
COBRA stands for “Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985,” which requires companies with 20 or more employees to offer separating employees the option to continue their group health-care coverage at their own expense.

Earthquake coverage
Quake coverage is available as additional coverage to standard commercial property and casualty policies. Earthquake coverage is available throughout Washington state, although it is relatively expensive for masonry structures and business operations with high-risk inventory or equipment.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
PPOs are comparable to indemnity plans, although they require subscribers to choose their health-care providers and health-care facilities from a preferred-provider list. Because the preferred providers have agreed to the plan's requirements, including discounted fees, subscribers have a financial incentive to stay within the network.

Business interruption
If you're unable to run your business due to a covered peril (fire, storm damage, vandalism and so on), business interruption insurance will replace lost income, pay ongoing expenses and pay costs involved in getting you set up in a temporary facility.

Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)
EPOs allow subscribers to visit any physician within the contracted network without prior approval or referrals. Services received outside the network may not be covered.

Automobile
If you own and operate commercial vehicles, you should make sure that your fleet is appropriately insured. If business use of a vehicle is minimal and limited to your personal vehicle, the necessary coverage can probably be included in your personal policy. Best bet: Check with your agent to be sure.

Professional liability
Often called “malpractice insurance” or “errors and omissions coverage,” these policies protect professionals such as accountants, lawyers, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, insurance brokers and agents, and consultants, for negligence that injures their clients.