Jul 20, 2010
The answer is, “yes!”
In ten years as an attorney, Gregory Boop of About.com Guide said he always advised his business clients to obtain insurance for the risks and potential risks facing their business. He addresses the most common myths that lead some business owners to choose not to
secure insurance.
• Myth #1: Nobody will sue me, my business does not make a lot of money, and you “can’t squeeze blood from a turnip.” My business is not collectible.
FALSE. Everybody and every business can be sued. Everybody and every business, once a money judgment is rendered against them, can have that judgment collected. Judgment liens do not “go away”. Judgment liens can be renewed. Wages can be garnished. Equipment can be seized and sold. Bank accounts and assets can be seized to pay the judgment. Everybody is collectible at the hands of a persistent attorney.
• Myth #2: My business is a corporation. The corporate format protects me from liability, so I don’t
need insurance.
FALSE. The corporate format does nothing but protect individual investors, owners, and officers from personal liability for the actions and debts of the corporation for corporate purposes. But, under the laws of all states, the “corporate veil” of protection can be removed – or, “pierced” – under some circumstances. When that occurs, the owner may be liable personally and must answer a judgment with personal assets: your house, your car or, maybe, your life savings. When this occurs varies by state. But, a simple rule of thumb is that the smaller you are the more likely this will be.
• Myth #3: If I die or become disabled, my family and my business partners are friends and they’ll just work it out.