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Your Commercial Insurance Guide for Southern California
Customized coverage for local businesses and entrepreneurs
2000+
30+
Years of experience
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📞 Call us at (562) 402 - 1737
📧 Email: info@pinoygeneralinsurance.com
📍 Visit our Cerritos office at 17304 Norwalk Blvd., Cerritos, CA 90703
Trusted by Cerritos families since 1993 | Independent agency with access to top-rated carriers
Why Southern California Businesses Need Proper Insurance
Your business faces risks every day—risks that could result in devastating financial loss without proper insurance protection.
Protect Against California's Liability Climate
California has one of the most plaintiff-friendly legal environments in the nation. Slip-and-fall lawsuits, employment disputes, professional liability claims, and property damage suits can threaten your business's financial stability. One lawsuit—even if you win—can cost tens of thousands in legal fees alone.
Proper business insurance protects your assets, pays for legal defense, and covers judgments or settlements up to your policy limits.
Comply with Legal and Contractual Requirements
Many types of business insurance aren't optional:
Workers' Compensation – Required by California law for most businesses with employees
Commercial Auto – Required for any vehicle titled to or regularly used by your business
Professional Liability – Often required by client contracts, especially for consultants and service providers
General Liability – Nearly always required by commercial lease agreements
Operating without required coverage can result in fines, penalties, lawsuits, and even criminal charges in some cases.
Ensure Business Continuity After Disasters
What would happen to your business if fire destroyed your building, a major storm caused flooding, or your computer systems were hacked? Could you survive weeks or months of lost revenue while rebuilding?
Business insurance helps ensure you can recover from disasters:
Property insurance pays to repair or replace damaged buildings, equipment, and inventory
Business interruption coverage replaces lost income during the recovery period
Cyber insurance covers data breach costs and lost revenue from system downtime
Protect Personal Assets
If you operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership, your personal assets are at risk if your business is sued. Even with an LLC or corporation, you could be personally liable in certain situations.
Business insurance provides a financial barrier between your business risks and your personal wealth, protecting your home, savings, and retirement accounts.
Build Trust with Clients and Partners
Having proper insurance coverage demonstrates professionalism and financial responsibility. Many clients won't work with uninsured businesses, and major contracts often require proof of insurance with specific coverage limits.
Insurance isn't just protection—it's a competitive advantage that helps you win business.
Comprehensive Commercial Insurance Solutions
Every business is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all insurance policy. We offer a full range of commercial insurance products to address the specific risks your Cerritos business faces.
General Liability Insurance
General liability (GL) insurance is the foundation of most business insurance programs. It protects against common risks every business faces:
Bodily Injury Coverage – If a customer, vendor, or other third party is injured on your business premises or as a result of your operations, GL insurance pays medical expenses, lost wages, and legal costs. Examples include slip-and-fall accidents, injuries during product delivery, or accidents at off-site job locations.
Property Damage Liability – If your business operations cause damage to someone else's property, GL insurance pays for repairs or replacement. This could include accidentally damaging a client's property while working, causing water damage in a leased building, or damage from your products.
Personal and Advertising Injury – Covers claims of libel, slander, copyright infringement, wrongful eviction, invasion of privacy, and malicious prosecution. In today's digital world where one social media misstep can lead to a lawsuit, this coverage is increasingly important.
Medical Payments – Pays medical expenses for minor injuries to third parties on your premises, regardless of fault. This coverage can resolve small incidents before they become major liability claims.
General liability insurance is essential for virtually every business, from retail shops to professional offices to contractors.
Commercial Property Insurance
Commercial property insurance protects the buildings, equipment, inventory, and supplies your business depends on. Coverage includes:
Building Coverage – If you own your commercial building, property insurance protects the structure itself against fire, wind, hail, vandalism, and other covered perils. Even if you lease your space, you may be responsible for certain improvements and should insure them.
Business Personal Property – Covers furniture, equipment, machinery, inventory, supplies, and fixtures. This includes computers, tools, point-of-sale systems, office furniture, and stock inventory.
Business Income Coverage – If a covered loss forces you to temporarily close, business income insurance replaces lost net income and helps pay continuing expenses like payroll, rent, and loan payments. This crucial coverage keeps your business financially stable during the recovery period.
Equipment Breakdown – Covers repair or replacement costs when machinery or equipment fails due to mechanical or electrical breakdown. This can include HVAC systems, kitchen equipment, manufacturing machinery, or computer servers.
Commercial property insurance can be customized with special coverages for outdoor property, signs, accounts receivable records, valuable papers, and more.
Business Owner's Policy (BOP)
A Business Owner's Policy bundles general liability and commercial property insurance into one convenient, cost-effective package designed for small to medium-sized businesses.
What's Included in a BOP:
General liability coverage
Commercial property coverage (building and/or business personal property)
Business income and extra expense coverage
Basic equipment breakdown coverage
Medical payments coverage
Advantages of a BOP:
Lower cost than buying coverages separately
Simplified coverage with fewer gaps
One policy, one renewal date
Easier to manage and understand
A BOP is ideal for retail stores, restaurants, office-based businesses, small manufacturers, and many service businesses. Not every business qualifies for a BOP, but if yours does, it's often the most economical way to get comprehensive protection.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
If you have employees in California, workers' compensation insurance is required by law—even if you have just one part-time employee.
What Workers' Comp Covers:
Medical expenses for work-related injuries or illnesses
Temporary or permanent disability benefits
Vocational rehabilitation costs
Death benefits for workers' families
Legal defense if an employee sues
Why It's Critical:
California law imposes severe penalties for operating without coverage, including fines up to $100,000 and even criminal prosecution
Without workers' comp, you're personally liable for all medical costs and lost wages if an employee is injured
Workers' comp protects you from most employee lawsuits related to workplace injuries
Shows employees you care about their safety and wellbeing
We help you obtain proper workers' compensation coverage at competitive rates, and we assist with classification codes to ensure accurate pricing.
Commercial Auto Insurance
If your business owns vehicles, or if employees use their personal vehicles for business purposes, you need commercial auto insurance.
When You Need Commercial Auto:
Vehicles titled in your business name
Vehicles used primarily for business purposes
Vehicles over a certain weight rating
Specialty vehicles (tow trucks, delivery vans, dump trucks)
Commercial Auto Coverage Includes:
Liability for bodily injury and property damage you cause to others
Collision coverage for damage to your vehicles
Comprehensive coverage for theft, vandalism, and other non-collision losses
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Medical payments coverage
Hired and non-owned auto liability (protects when employees use personal vehicles for business)
Commercial auto insurance provides higher liability limits than personal auto policies and covers business use that personal policies exclude.
Professional Liability Insurance (Errors & Omissions)
Professional liability insurance, also called Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, protects businesses that provide advice, expertise, or professional services.
Who Needs Professional Liability:
Consultants and advisors
Real estate agents and property managers
Accountants and bookkeepers
Insurance agents
IT professionals and software developers
Marketing and advertising agencies
Architects and engineers
Healthcare providers
Lawyers (separate malpractice coverage)
What It Covers:
Claims of negligence or mistakes in your professional services
Failure to deliver promised services
Errors in advice or recommendations
Breach of contract
Misrepresentation or misleading statements
Wrongful disciplinary action (for employment-related businesses)
Unlike general liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage, professional liability covers financial harm resulting from your professional services. If a client claims your advice or service caused them financial loss, professional liability insurance pays for your legal defense and any settlement or judgment.
Cyber Liability Insurance
Cybercrime is the fastest-growing threat to businesses of all sizes. If your business stores customer information, accepts credit cards, or depends on computer systems to operate, cyber liability insurance is essential.
What Cyber Insurance Covers:
Data breach response costs (notification, credit monitoring, legal fees)
Crisis management and public relations
Forensic investigation to determine breach cause
Regulatory fines and penalties
Lawsuits from affected customers
Business interruption from system downtime
Cyber extortion and ransomware payments
Costs to restore or recreate lost data
You don't need to be a technology company to need cyber insurance. Restaurants that accept credit cards, retail shops with customer databases, and professional offices with client files all face cyber risk.
Business Interruption Insurance
Included in most property and BOP policies, business interruption insurance (also called business income coverage) replaces lost income if a covered loss forces you to temporarily close.
What It Covers:
Lost net profit during the suspension period
Continuing expenses (rent, utilities, payroll, loan payments)
Extra expenses to minimize the loss (temporary location costs, expedited repairs)
Why It Matters: Most businesses don't have sufficient cash reserves to survive weeks or months of zero revenue. Business interruption insurance keeps your company financially viable during the recovery period after a major loss.
Some policies also offer civil authority coverage (if government orders closure) and extended business income (continues paying after you reopen if revenue remains depressed).
Industries We Serve
Our experience spans dozens of industries. Here are some of the Southern California business sectors we commonly insure:
Retail and Restaurants
Retail stores and shops
Restaurants and cafes
Food trucks and catering
Specialty food stores
Clothing and accessory boutiques
Auto parts and repair shops
Professional Services
Accountants and CPAs
Real estate agents and brokers
Property management companies
Insurance agencies
Legal support services
Marketing and advertising agencies
IT consultants and MSPs
Contractors and Construction
General contractors
Specialty trade contractors
Plumbers, electricians, HVAC
Painters and drywall contractors
Landscaping and tree service
Handyman services
Medical and Dental
Medical offices and clinics
Dental practices
Chiropractic offices
Physical therapy clinics
Medical equipment suppliers
Home healthcare agencies
Wholesalers and Distributors
Product distribution
Import/export businesses
Warehouse operations
Logistics companies
Technology and Startups
Software companies
App developers
Tech consultants
Co-working spaces
E-commerce businesses
Don't see your industry? We work with businesses of all types. Contact us to discuss your specific insurance needs—we'll find the right coverage solution.
How Much Commercial Insurance Do You Need?
Determining appropriate coverage limits requires evaluating your specific risk exposures. Here's what to consider:
Risk Assessment Basics
Start by identifying your business's unique risks:
What could cause the most financial damage to your company?
What are you legally or contractually required to carry?
What assets need protection (building, equipment, inventory, data)?
How much revenue would you lose during a business interruption?
What's your liability exposure based on your operations?
California Minimum Requirements
Workers' Compensation – No minimum requirement, but coverage must be sufficient to cover all potential claims. Most carriers determine limits based on your payroll.
Commercial Auto Liability – California requires minimum liability limits of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage. However, these minimums are woefully inadequate. We recommend at least $1 million combined single limit.
Professional Liability – No legal minimum, but client contracts often require $1-2 million per occurrence.
Lease and Contract Requirements
Review your commercial lease and major contracts carefully. They often mandate specific coverage types and minimum limits:
Commercial general liability: commonly $1 million per occurrence, $2 million aggregate
Requirements to name landlord or client as additional insured
Waiver of subrogation clauses
Proof of insurance certificates
Failing to maintain required coverage can void your lease or contracts.
Revenue and Asset Protection
Property Coverage – Should equal the full replacement cost of your building (if you own it) and all business personal property. Don't base limits on depreciated value or original cost—reconstruction and replacement at today's prices is what matters.
Business Interruption – Should cover at least 12 months of net income plus continuing expenses. If your business has seasonal variations, coverage should reflect your highest revenue period.
Liability Limits
While state minimums and contract requirements set a floor, your optimal liability limits depend on:
Size of your business and revenue
Assets you need to protect
Nature of your operations and injury potential
Venue you operate in (California has high jury awards)
Peace of mind and sleep-at-night factor
Many businesses carry $1 million general liability per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. Higher-risk operations or businesses with significant assets may carry $2-5 million in liability coverage, often structured with a commercial umbrella policy.
Free Business Insurance Audit
Unsure what coverage you need or if your current insurance is adequate? We offer complimentary business insurance audits for Cerritos businesses.
We'll review:
Your current coverage and identify gaps
Contractual insurance requirements
Asset values and revenue exposure
Industry-specific risks
Opportunities to save money through better coverage structure
Contact us today to schedule your free audit.
What Affects Business Insurance Costs in Cerritos and Southern California?
Understanding the factors that influence your premium helps you make informed decisions and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Industry and Risk Classification
Insurance carriers assign every business to a classification code based on your operations. Higher-risk classifications result in higher premiums:
Restaurants pay more than retail stores due to higher injury and fire risk
Contractors pay more than consultants due to on-site hazards
Businesses with expensive inventory pay more for property coverage
Accurate classification is critical. If you're misclassified, you could pay too much—or face coverage denials if you're under-classified and have a claim.
Revenue and Payroll
Many commercial policies use your revenue or payroll as the rating basis:
General liability premium often depends on annual sales
Workers' compensation premium is calculated per $100 of payroll
Professional liability may be based on revenue or number of professionals
Accurate estimates save money. Overestimating payroll or revenue means paying too much premium upfront. Underestimating can result in large audit bills at policy expiration.
Claims History
Your loss history significantly impacts your premium:
Multiple claims in recent years lead to higher rates or coverage restrictions
Serious claims (major property damage, large liability settlements) have lasting impact
Some claims affect rates for five to seven years
A clean claims history for several years can qualify you for preferred pricing
Consider whether small claims are worth filing. Sometimes paying minor losses out-of-pocket preserves your claims-free discount and avoids future rate increases.
Coverage Limits and Deductibles
Higher Limits = Higher Premium – Doubling your liability limit doesn't double your premium, but it does increase cost. However, the incremental cost of higher limits is usually modest compared to the added protection.
Higher Deductibles = Lower Premium – Choosing a higher deductible (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in) reduces your premium. If you have strong cash reserves, a higher deductible can make sense.
Balance premium savings against your ability to cover the deductible if a loss occurs.
Safety Programs and Risk Management
Carriers reward businesses that actively manage risk:
Formal safety training programs
Written safety manuals and procedures
Regular equipment maintenance
Security systems and fire protection
Driver safety programs for commercial auto
Return-to-work programs for workers' comp
Demonstrating you take loss prevention seriously can qualify you for discounts and preferred carrier programs.
How Independent Agents Save You Money
Perhaps the biggest factor in what you pay is which insurance company you choose. Rates for the same business can vary dramatically between carriers.
As an independent agency, we shop your coverage with multiple commercial insurers. We know which carriers offer competitive rates for your specific industry and risk profile. One application, multiple quotes, best price.
We also structure your coverage intelligently—sometimes bundling saves money, other times placing coverages with different specialty carriers yields the best overall value. We do the analysis so you don't have to.
Proudly Supporting Local Businesses Throughout Southern California
Pinoy General Insurance Services is committed to helping Cerritos businesses and entrepreneurs succeed. We provide business insurance solutions to companies throughout:
Los Angeles County - Including, but not limited to the cities of Cerritos, Norwalk, Artesia, La Mirada, Bellflower, Lakewood, Hawaiian Gardens, Long Beach, and Downey
Orange County - Including, but not limited to the cities of Buena Park, La Palma, Fullerton, Cypress, Anaheim, Orange, Irvine, Tustin, and Mission Viejo
Riverside County - Including, but not limited to the cities of Corona, Norco, Riverside, Jurupa Valley, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Temecula, and Lake Elsinore
San Bernardino County - Including, but not limited to the cities of Chino Hills, Claremont, Upland, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Rialto, Redlands, San Bernardino, Colton, and Victorville
San Diego County - Including, but not limited to the cities of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, Vista, Escondido, San Marcos, Poway, El Cajon, Chula Vista, Ocean Beach, and San Diego
Ventura County - Including, but not limited to the cities of Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Ojai, Simi Valley, Santa Paula, and Port Hueneme
Local Expertise Matters – We understand the business environment in our area, from commercial real estate costs to local regulations to the competitive landscape. This knowledge helps us recommend the right coverage at the right price for your Cerritos-area business.
Why Choose Pinoy General Insurance Services for Your Business
Independent Agency = More Options
We represent multiple commercial insurance carriers, not just one. This means:
Broader market access – We can place coverage with carriers specializing in your industry
Competitive pricing – Multiple quotes ensure you get the best value
Unbiased recommendations – We work for you, not an insurance company
Flexibility – If a carrier raises rates or changes terms, we can move your coverage
Experience with California Regulations
California has some of the most complex business insurance regulations in the nation. We stay current on:
Workers' compensation law changes
California Insurance Code requirements
OSHA regulations and their insurance implications
California-specific policy forms and endorsements
State and local licensing and insurance requirements
Our expertise ensures your coverage complies with all applicable regulations.
Claims Advocacy You Can Count On
When you have a claim, we're on your side:
Immediate Support – Contact us as soon as a loss occurs for guidance
Claims Filing – We help you properly document and file the claim
Carrier Communication – We liaison with adjusters and claims handlers
Settlement Negotiation – We advocate for fair and prompt claim resolution
Follow-Through – We stay involved until your claim is fully resolved
You're not just a policy number to us—you're a valued client and member of our business community.
Comprehensive Risk Management
Insurance is important, but preventing losses is even better. We provide:
Risk assessments and recommendations
Safety program resources
Certificate of insurance service for contracts
Policy review and coverage updates
Industry-specific risk management guidance
We're invested in your long-term success, not just selling policies.
Annual Policy Reviews
Your business evolves, and your insurance should keep pace:
New equipment or locations
Revenue growth or new product lines
Hiring additional employees
Changes in operations or contracts
New risk exposures
We proactively review your coverage annually and whenever your business changes significantly. We'll reach out to you—you don't have to remember to call us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About Commercial Insurance
How much does commercial insurance cost in Cerritos/ Southern California?
Business insurance costs vary widely based on your industry, revenue, number of employees, and coverage needs.
A small office-based consulting business might pay $500-1,500 annually for a basic BOP, while a restaurant or contractor could pay $3,000-10,000 or more for comprehensive coverage including workers' comp and commercial auto.
The best way to know what you'll pay is to get a customized quote based on your specific business. We provide detailed quotes showing exactly what coverage you're getting for the price.
What's the difference between general liability and professional liability?
General liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage caused by your business operations—like a customer slipping in your store or accidentally damaging client property during a job.
Professional liability (E&O) insurance covers financial harm resulting from your professional advice or services—like a client claiming your consulting recommendation cost them money or a real estate agent facing a lawsuit over a transaction.
Service-based businesses often need both types of coverage.
Do I need workers' compensation if I'm a sole proprietor?
Sole proprietors without employees are generally not required to carry workers' comp in California, though you may voluntarily purchase coverage for yourself.
However, if you hire even one employee—including part-time or seasonal workers—workers' compensation becomes mandatory.
Additionally, if you work as a contractor on certain job sites, general contractors may require proof of workers' comp even if you're a sole proprietor.
We can explain your specific obligations and options.
Can I bundle multiple business coverages to save money?
Absolutely.
Bundling general liability and commercial property into a Business Owner's Policy typically costs 15-30% less than buying them separately.
Adding commercial auto to your package can generate additional multi-policy discounts.
However, some specialized coverages like cyber liability or professional liability may need to be placed with specialty carriers.
We analyze all options to find you the best overall value, whether that's bundling everything with one carrier or strategically placing coverages with different insurers.
What does a Business Owner's Policy (BOP) include?
A BOP bundles general liability insurance, commercial property insurance, and business income coverage into one package policy.
Most BOPs also include equipment breakdown coverage and may offer crime coverage and other endorsements.
BOPs are designed for small to medium-sized businesses and typically cost less than buying coverages separately.
They're ideal for retail stores, restaurants, offices, and many service businesses.
Not every business qualifies for a BOP—we'll evaluate whether it's the right solution for your business.
How do I reduce my business insurance costs?
Strategies to lower premiums include:
choosing higher deductibles (if you have strong cash reserves)
implementing safety and loss prevention programs
bundling multiple coverages or policies
improving your claims history by avoiding small claims
ensuring accurate business classification
shopping with multiple carriers (which we do for you)
installing security systems and fire protection
conducting annual policy reviews to eliminate unnecessary coverages.
We identify all available discounts and optimization strategies for your specific business.
What happens if an employee gets hurt on the job?
If you have workers' compensation insurance (required for most California employers), the workers' comp carrier pays the employee's medical expenses, temporary disability benefits if they can't work, and permanent disability benefits if applicable.
Workers' comp operates on a no-fault basis—the employee receives benefits regardless of who caused the injury.
In exchange, the employee generally cannot sue you for the injury (with limited exceptions).
Without workers' comp, you're personally liable for all costs AND the injured employee can sue you—a potentially devastating financial situation.
Do I need cyber insurance even though I'm not a tech company?
Yes—any business that stores customer information, accepts credit cards, maintains email lists, or depends on computer systems should seriously consider cyber insurance.
Cyber threats affect businesses of all types and sizes.
A restaurant with customer credit card data, a retail shop with an online store, or a professional office with client files all face cyber risk.
Data breaches must be reported to affected individuals, often at significant cost.
Cyber insurance pays for breach notification, credit monitoring, legal fees, regulatory fines, and business interruption from system downtime.
It's one of the fastest-growing insurance products because the risk is real and growing.
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📞 Call us today: (562) 402 - 1737
📧 Email: info@pinoygeneralinsurance.com
📍 Visit our office: 17304 Norwalk Blvd., Cerritos, CA
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Quick response guaranteed:
We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours, and same-day quotes are often available.
What to Expect When You Get a Quote:
Business Consultation – We'll discuss your operations, assets, risks, and coverage needs
Multiple Quotes – We'll shop your coverage with specialized commercial carriers
Coverage Comparison – We'll present options clearly showing what's covered and at what cost
Customized Recommendations – We'll recommend the optimal coverage structure for your business
Easy Implementation – Once you decide, we handle all paperwork and get you covered quickly
Pinoy General Insurance Services is an independent auto insurance agency serving Cerritos, Norwalk, and surrounding Orange County communities. We provide personalized home, auto, and business insurance solutions with access to multiple top-rated carriers. Our commitment is simple: excellent service, comprehensive coverage, and competitive rates for every client we serve.
Protect your business today. Contact us for your free quote and risk assessment.
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