Spring Business Growth: Make Sure Your Insurance Company Has You Covered

Ray Cogan

Make sure your insurance company is keeping pace with your growth.

Spring is here, and many business owners in Annapolis and Frederick feel a sense of renewal. Warmer weather, longer days, and a strong local economy make this an ideal time to grow your business. They may be launching a new product, hiring seasonal employees, expanding operations, or remodeling a storefront. But with every new opportunity comes a fresh set of risks.

That’s why it’s critical to make sure your insurance company is keeping pace with your growth. No business owner wants to discover a coverage gap after an incident has occurred. So, take a step back and ask: Is my business insurance still working as hard as I am?

In Annapolis and Frederick, MD, spring is an economic uptick. Tourists arrive, farmers’ markets reopen, outdoor events ramp up, and businesses of all types see increased foot traffic and revenue.

This growth brings risk factors that your current coverage may not address:

1. Hiring seasonal staff may increase your liability or workers’ compensation exposure.

2. Inventory expansion can raise property risk, especially if it's not accounted for in your policy.

3. More customer traffic means greater potential for accidents or property damage.

4. Pop-up events or off-site operations can fall outside your standard business policy.

Partnering with a reliable insurance company ensures you’re not just protected from your current risks, but also from the ones that come with new ventures.

When you experience business growth, your insurance policy needs to grow with you. Here are key areas where your insurance company should be proactively advising and protecting your business:

1. Flexible Coverage Options. A quality insurance company will offer scalable policies that adjust as your business grows. *** Whether you’re a boutique shop in downtown Frederick expanding into online sales or a marine repair business in Annapolis gearing up for boating season, your coverage should evolve with your operations.

Look for customizable coverage options such as:

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) updates
Equipment breakdown insurance
Commercial auto coverage for delivery services or mobile units
Cyber liability insurance for new e-commerce ventures

2. Clear Communication and Local Knowledge. Local expertise makes a big difference. Your insurance company should understand the specific risks and opportunities of doing business in Annapolis and Frederick. From flood risks on the Chesapeake Bay to seasonal event liability during Frederick’s festival season, your insurance provider should be familiar with what’s unique to your location. At Lindquist Insurance, we live and work in Maryland. We know how to tailor policies that fit your zip code and your industry.

3. Responsive Claims and Support. Business growth is fast-paced. When something goes wrong such as a slip-and-fall incident or storm damage to your storefront, you need an insurance company that responds quickly and efficiently.

Your provider should offer:

24/7 claims support
A dedicated local agent
Fast turnaround times for claims processing
Clear guidance on documentation and steps

4. Risk Assessment and Prevention Guidance. As you grow, your agent should conduct periodic risk assessments and recommend proactive steps, like fire safety upgrades, cybersecurity improvements, or liability signage, to keep your risks low and your premiums in check.

Consider a few real-life examples that apply directly to businesses in our area:

A restaurant in Annapolis adds outdoor seating for the spring rush. Are you covered for outdoor liability and seasonal workers?
A retail shop in Frederick participates in First Saturday events, selling goods off-premises. Does your policy extend to off-site sales?
A landscaping company in Anne Arundel County hires additional trucks and drivers. Is your commercial auto policy up to date?

As a small business owner, you wear many hats. But, you shouldn’t have to be an insurance expert either. Work with a local insurance company that works with you to protect your business during the busy season.

At Lindquist Insurance, we offer personal, proactive service that keeps you focused on growth, not guesswork. Whether you're expanding, hiring, or just refreshing for the season, we’re here to ensure your business is covered from every angle. Call us today at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com to schedule your Spring Business Insurance Checkup.

We serve the Annapolis and Frederick, MD area.

*** For more information about Maryland Business Insurance, visit the Business Express Government of Maryland website.

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Preparing for Spring Storms: How Business Insurance Can Shield You From Seasonal Risks

By Ray Cogan • May 12, 2025

Spring brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and unpredictable weather for businesses in Annapolis and Frederick, Maryland. Storms in the Mid-Atlantic can bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, and strong winds, often leading to costly damages for business owners. That’s why now is the perfect time to evaluate your business insurance coverage and ensure you’re protected against the unique seasonal risks spring brings. *** Why Spring Storms Matter to Maryland Business Owners Maryland's spring weather is known for its volatility. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and localized flooding can affect both coastal towns like Annapolis and inland areas like Frederick. In 2022 alone, several businesses in Frederick County experienced power outages and property damage due to intense spring storms. Similarly, businesses near the Chesapeake Bay face storm surges and flash flooding, especially during early-season weather systems. For local businesses—from boutique shops in downtown Annapolis to industrial warehouses near Frederick’s tech corridor—spring weather disruptions can mean more than just cleanup. They can lead to business interruptions, loss of inventory, and expensive repairs. How Business Insurance Can Help Business insurance is a critical safeguard that provides financial protection when natural disasters strike. But not all policies are created equal. Understanding the specific coverages that protect against spring-related risks can make a big difference when it matters most. Here are the top types of business insurance you should review this season: 1. Commercial Property Insurance. This is the foundation of most business insurance policies. It covers your physical assets, such as your building, equipment, and inventory, if they’re damaged by covered perils like wind, hail, or lightning. If a windstorm damages the roof of your downtown Annapolis storefront or flooding ruins inventory stored in your Frederick warehouse, commercial property insurance helps cover repair and replacement costs. Be sure to check if your policy includes flood protection. You may need to purchase separate flood insurance, especially in flood-prone areas near the Chesapeake Bay. 2. Business Interruption Insurance. Also known as business income insurance, this coverage kicks in if your operations are forced to shut down due to storm-related damage. It covers lost income, payroll, rent, and other operating expenses during the downtime. Imagine a storm causes structural damage to your Frederick café, requiring you to close for two weeks. Business interruption insurance can help you stay afloat financially until you reopen. 3. Equipment Breakdown Insurance. Spring storms can lead to power surges and electrical issues, which can damage your essential equipment, like refrigerators, HVAC systems, or point-of-sale terminals. Equipment breakdown insurance helps cover the cost of repair or replacement, so your operations don't have to close temporarily. This is crucial for restaurants, retail shops, and healthcare facilities in Annapolis and Frederick that rely on specialized machinery. 4. Commercial Auto Insurance. If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, transportation, or service calls. Make sure your commercial auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage. This protects your vehicles from non-collision-related damages, including those caused by hail, fallen trees, or flooding. Local fleets operating between Annapolis and Frederick are especially vulnerable during spring travel, when roads may be slick or obstructed. 5. General Liability Insurance. Spring storms sometimes lead to unexpected hazards, like a slippery floor or fallen debris outside your storefront, that can cause injury to customers or passersby. General liability insurance covers medical costs, legal fees, and settlements if someone gets hurt on your property. This type of coverage is essential for public-facing businesses, such as those located along the bustling streets of Annapolis or in Frederick’s historic downtown district. Take These Steps Now to Stay Protected Review Your Policy with a Local Agent. Insurance needs vary depending on location, business type, and risk exposure. A local agent, like the experienced team at Lindquist Insurance, can assess your current coverage and suggest any needed updates tailored to the Annapolis and Frederick regions. 1. Document and Protect Your Assets. Take an inventory of your equipment, supplies, and property. Back up digital records and store documents off-site or in the cloud. This speeds up claims processing in the event of a loss. 2. Create a Spring Storm Preparedness Plan. Include emergency contact lists, backup power sources, evacuation procedures, and a communication plan for employees and customers. 3. Schedule an Annual Insurance Checkup. Use the changing season as a reminder to reassess your business insurance needs. Your business evolves—and so should your protection. At Lindquist Insurance , we’re proud to serve the business communities of Annapolis and Frederick, MD. Our goal is to help you weather any storm with confidence, knowing you’re covered where it counts. Whether you run a waterfront shop in Annapolis or a growing service business in Frederick, our team is ready to help you find the right business insurance solutions for the spring season and beyond. Contact our business insurance specialists today for a free business insurance review or call us at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com. *** For more information on Maryland weather, visit the Weather US website .

How to Switch Car Insurance with Help from an Insurance Agent

By Ray Cogan • April 28, 2025

At Lindquist Insurance, we’re here to help you with your car insurance now and in the future. If you're thinking about switching your car insurance and live in Frederick, Annapolis, or Washington, DC, now is the perfect time to reach out. At Lindquist Insurance, our friendly local agents make the process simple, fast, and tailored to you. We’ll compare top providers, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way. Call Lindquist Insurance today at (301) 694-3008 or visit www.lindquisinsurance.com to request a free, no-obligation quote. We serve the Frederick, MD, Annapolis, MD, and Washington, D.C. areas.