Top Business Insurance Questions People Ask biBerk

July 12, 2024 | Insurance 101

This article was originally published April 10, 2024

If you’ve just started your first business and want to make sure your company is protected financially from liability and losses, you probably have business insurance questions. Well, biBerk has answers!

You can find them on our FAQ page. We’ve also included the top business insurance FAQs we receive in this article for convenience. 

You’ll also be happy to know that, in addition to answering frequently asked questions, teaching customers (and potential customers) about the ins and outs of business insurance is a top priority at biBerk! You can learn from the articles in our extensive library of business topics anytime or get support during business hours from one of our licensed insurance experts at 1-844-472-0967.

We’re proud to say that the way biBerk serves as a trusted partner and advisor to our customers is reflected in a prestigious Torch Award for Ethics win from the Better Business Bureau, which the organization describes as going to “businesses that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to integrity and ethical practices.” 

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Business Insurance FAQs

Your business is unique, so your questions and concerns about business insurance surely are, too. Still, many owners and decision-makers ask about similar things. Below are some of the questions we get most frequently. 

If you have any that aren’t in this list, don’t hesitate to contact us. (How to do that is the first question/answer below!) 

General questions

  • How do I contact biBerk?
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    You can get fast support online. You can also call 1-844-472-0967. 

  • What is business insurance?
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    In a nutshell, business insurance is coverage that protects your company from unexpected losses and expenses that can result from things like lawsuits, accidents, and property damage. 

  • What does business insurance cover?
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    At biBerk, we offer different policies for different risks. For example, a commercial auto insurance policy provides protection from liability from using company-owned or leased vehicles. It can also cover the cost of damage to your vehicles. General liability insurance is another type of policy most small businesses need. It covers many risks, including things like lawsuits over non-employee slip-and-fall injuries and accidental damage to customer property. A professional liability policy can protect your company if a client says you made mistakes in your professional advice or services that caused them financial harm and they sue. These are just a couple of examples. biBerk offers coverage for every common business risk.

  • What business insurance do I need?
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    Your business insurance requirements are based on things like the type of work you do, legal mandates in your area, and other factors. Our licensed insurance professionals are experts at helping companies understand their insurance needs, and they’re happy to answer questions or offer recommendations. It’s also a good idea to reach out to government agencies in your area to learn about mandatory coverages. 

  • How much is business insurance?
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    Multiple factors affect the cost of business insurance, including the type of policy, your company’s industry, size, claims history, and others. You can find out what you’ll pay for a particular type of coverage by getting an instant, self-service, online quote whenever it’s convenient for you.

Audit questions

  • What is a policy audit and who needs to complete one?
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    An audit is a review of your business operations that determines if you paid the correct amount for your policy coverage. It may be required for the completed coverage period and to maintain your policy. The law requires an audit of workers’ compensation policies when the coverage period ends. An audit may be required to renew professional liability (errors & omissions) insurance, general liability insurance, or a business owners policy (BOP).

  • When does an audit occur?
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    Audits happen after your workers' comp, professional liability, general liability, or business owners policy coverage period. We’ll email you when your coverage period has ended with information on the audit process, including the documents needed and steps to take. We do all we can to make the audit process understandable, quick, and efficient.

  • How will an audit affect my workers’ comp premium?
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    When your original policy was written, the calculated premium (the amount you were charged) was based on estimated payroll, exposures, revenue, and employee classifications that need to be verified after your coverage has expired (or upon cancellation). Your participation in a premium audit may be required by state law. The process is a way to review your records and operations to determine the actual risk exposure and make any necessary adjustments to the premium charged.

    For example, let’s say you own a small coffee shop and are nearing the end of your workers’ compensation coverage period. When you started your policy, you estimated you would have $150,000 in payroll for the year. The premium you paid for the year was based on that figure. It turned out to be a slow year, and you only paid $120,000 over the policy period. We will actually cut you a check because you overpaid for your workers’ compensation insurance. If, on the other hand, you had a higher payroll than expected, you could be required to pay the difference between your estimated and actual insurance premium.

  • How will I be notified of an audit?
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    If your policy requires an audit, we will mail and/or email you after your coverage period has ended with information on the audit process, including the documents needed and steps to take.

  • What’s required for a workers’ comp audit?
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    We’ll need you to complete our online audit form or the paper form mailed to you when each policy period ends. Then, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

    • Payroll records over your policy period
    • Tax/reconciliation documents if you had employees:
      • Federal Quarterly Tax Returns (IRS Form 941)
    • Tax/reconciliation documents If you did not have employees:
      • Profit & Loss Report or General Ledger over the policy period
    • If you made payments to subcontractors/independent contractors (non-employee labor):
      • Transaction report over the policy period showing payments to each subcontractor/independent contractor
      • All 1099 NECs (Non-Employee Compensation) issued in most recent calendar year
      • If the subcontractors/independent contractors had their own workers’ compensation insurance, their Certificates of Insurance (COI)

    If you don’t submit these documents by the requested date, your premium may increase.

  • If I cancel my workers' compensation policy, do I still need to submit information for an audit?
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    Yes, policy audits are required in any situation where workers' compensation coverage has begun—even if coverage ends prematurely for any reason.

  • What happens if I don't complete the premium audit requirements?
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    If you don’t participate in the required audit, we have no choice but to estimate your payrolls. That will result in a substantial increase of 100% or more of your original premium. We’re also required to report to your state agency that you didn’t comply with the audit process.

  • How long does an audit take?
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    The time it takes us to complete an audit depends on the nature of your business and coverage. You can streamline the process by having your documents prepared before the end of your policy period.

Policy Premium questions

  • What is an insurance coverage premium?
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    A premium in insurance is the amount you pay on a regular basis, either monthly or yearly, to maintain coverage for your business. It’s important to pay your premium (manually by making a payment or by signing up for Autopay so that you always have coverage.

  • How is an insurance premium determined?
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    Generally speaking, your premium is based on the size of your company, your industry, claims history, and other factors. For a worker’s comp policy, your premium depends on your rate and class code, which categorizes job risks. The class code sets the rate for every $100 of your payroll, multiplied by your premium basis. A year-end audit (typically required by law) ensures accuracy. Other factors that can influence your premium are state surcharges, a minimum premium, and your claims history.



    We estimate your premium based on current payroll, but adjustments may be necessary at year-end due to business changes. These include hiring, termination, overtime, raises, and job function changes. If you overpay, you get a refund. If you didn’t pay enough, we bill you for the difference.

  • How do I make a payment?
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    To make an online payment, log into our payments page using your policy number and associated phone number. It’s quick and easy!

  • Why did my premium change?
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    Changes to your coverage (adding or removing a vehicle or driver to your commercial auto policy, for example) can affect your policy premium. Whenever your policy is changed, you’ll receive an email notification.

  • How will updates to my policy affect my premium?
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    Updates to your policy may affect your premium. We'll provide information about changes to your coverage and premium after the review period.

  • Where can I view my premium and due date?
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    To review your premium and due date, log into our payments page.

  • Will reporting a claim affect my premium?
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    It may impact your premium since all insurers consider claims history when setting new and renewal premiums. 

Policy Renewal questions

  • How do I renew my biBerk policy?
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    Renewing a policy is easy—just make a payment during the new policy period. If you're signed up for Autopay, policy renewal happens automatically. Please note: You may be required to pay outstanding fees to renew.

  • Will my premium change when my policy renews?
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    It can. Changes to premiums may be necessary because:

    • Your business operations change. If you modify the products or services you offer or your business grows, your premiums may change.
    • Your policy or claims history changes. If you file claims or modify your coverage in some way, your premium may change. 
    • The business environment changes. Conditions like inflation and others can make premium changes necessary for the continuation of adequate coverage.
  • How will updates to my policy affect my premium?
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    Updates like mid-term policy changes may affect your premium. We'll provide details when you request a policy change. 

  • Is an audit required for my policy renewal with biBerk?
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    That depends on the type of insurance. For example, audits are often mandatory for workers' compensation, professional liability, general liability, and business owners policies. Audits aren't a requirement unique to biBerk. In fact, they're required by law for specific policies, regardless of the insurer.

  • Will I be charged installment fees?
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    Manual payments are subject to installment fees. To avoid installment fees and missed payments, we recommend enrolling in Autopay. Autopay saves you time and money and ensures you have continued coverage through automatic renewals upon successful payment. It’s easy to set up and use this feature.

  • Will my policy automatically renew?
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    If you're enrolled in Autopay, your policy will automatically renew at the end of your coverage period when we receive your payment. Visit the Autopay login page to enroll in Autopay or update your automatic payment method.



    If you're not enrolled in Autopay and your policy is eligible for renewal, you'll receive a billing notice 30, 60, or 90 days in advance of the new policy’s effective date. You have to make the required down payment in advance of the renewal policy’s effective date.

Fast Answers to Your Business Insurance Questions

Insurance is essential for small businesses like yours. The business insurance FAQs in this article answer questions about how biBerk protects your business financially from costs associated with liability, property damage, and other losses. If you have additional questions, check out our online support resources or reach out for help from one of our licensed insurance experts at 1-844-472-0967. 

You can also get policy quotes whenever it’s convenient.

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