Commercial Insurance in St. Charles County
How business insurance fits together for small businesses in St. Charles, O'Fallon, Wentzville and St. Peters.
Opening soon · Not yet quoting or selling insuranceFor small businesses in St. Charles County
Firstway is a new independent insurance agency opening soon in Wentzville, and commercial insurance will be a core part of what we do. We aren't quoting or selling business insurance yet. This page lays out the main types of coverage, so you can see how the pieces fit before you talk to anyone.
It's written for owner-run businesses in St. Charles, O'Fallon, Wentzville and St. Peters: shops, offices, restaurants, contractors and service companies.
The main types of business coverage
Business owners policy (BOP)
Property and general liability packaged together for smaller businesses.
Read more →General liability
Injury or property damage claims made against the business by customers and other third parties.
Read more →Commercial auto
Vehicles owned by the business or driven for work.
Read more →Workers' compensation
Medical care and lost wages for employees hurt on the job.
Read more →Contractors insurance
Coverage built around the trades: liability, vehicles, tools and crews.
Read more →Commercial property
Buildings you own, plus equipment, inventory and furnishings.
A BOP or separate policies?
A business owners policy packages property and general liability into one policy, and often adds business income coverage, which helps replace income if a covered loss shuts the business down for a while. It's built for smaller, lower-risk businesses, and insurers decide which ones qualify.
Not every business fits a BOP. Some need coverages bought separately or assembled into a commercial package policy, particularly businesses with higher-risk work, larger property values, or specialized equipment.
Workers' compensation in Missouri
Missouri employers with five or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance. In the construction industry, the requirement starts at one employee. There are exemptions and special rules for some owners and industries.
Source: Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation. Confirm how the rules apply to your business with the Division.
Contractors and the trades
Firstway was created by contractors, so the trades are a group we know well. A contractor's insurance usually has more moving parts than an office's: general liability, workers' compensation, commercial auto for trucks and trailers, and coverage for tools and equipment that travel from job to job. Our contractors insurance page goes through each one.
What to have ready when we open
- What the business does, and how long it has been operating
- Each location, and whether you own or lease it
- Vehicles used for work, and who drives them
- Annual payroll and number of employees
- Your current policies and their renewal dates
Commercial insurance questions
What is the difference between a BOP and a commercial package policy?
A business owners policy, or BOP, is a pre-built bundle, usually property and general liability together, designed for smaller, lower-risk businesses. A commercial package policy is assembled coverage by coverage, which suits businesses that are larger or have less typical risks. Insurers decide which businesses are eligible for a BOP.
Do Missouri small businesses need general liability insurance?
Missouri has no blanket law requiring every small business to carry general liability. In practice it is often required anyway, by a landlord, a client contract, a lender, or a licensing or permit rule.
When is workers' compensation required in Missouri?
Missouri employers with five or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance. In the construction industry the requirement starts at one employee. There are exemptions and special rules for some owners and industries, so confirm your situation with the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation.
How is commercial auto different from personal auto?
Personal auto policies often exclude or limit business use. Commercial auto is written for vehicles owned by the business or used for work, such as hauling tools and materials, making deliveries, or being driven by employees.
Can a contractor get general liability, workers' comp and tools coverage together?
Often, yes. Contractors commonly carry general liability, workers' compensation and coverage for tools and equipment side by side, sometimes with one insurer and sometimes with several. What is available depends on the trade and the insurer.
Can Firstway quote my business yet?
No. Firstway isn't open, and we don't quote or sell insurance until we are licensed. Join the opening list on this page and we'll contact you when we open.
Run a business in St. Charles County?
Firstway isn't quoting or selling insurance yet. Leave your name and we'll reach out once, when we open in Wentzville.