The success of a business whether large or small, is largely dependent on hard work and ingenuity. No matter how industrious you are, one disaster can wipe out all your profits and even the business. There are several ways to protect your business equipment.

When buying equipment for a home business, buy the extra extended warranties. The longer the warranty, the more the cost, but it is worth it. One trip to the repair shop can exceed the cost of the extended warranty.

Most power problems can be eliminated with proper wiring and grounding. Avoiding circuit overloads can also reduce electrical problems. Circuit breakers are designed to protect against overloads and short circuits. It is probably a good idea to have a licensed electrician inspect all the wiring in the house before starting the business.

Properly installed electrical service meter surge protection devices used in the conjunction with individual SPDs offer a high level of protection for business equipment. Surge protectors protect equipment by reducing power strikes and surges. High quality surge suppressors offer reliable protection for years.

If you are running a business from your home, you may not have enough insurance to protect your business equipment. Most home owner policies only cover about $2500.00 for equipment. If that is what your policy states, you will definitely need more coverage. Simple endorsements to your existing home owner's policy can double your standard coverage.

An in-home business policy provides more comprehensive coverage for business equipment. Some of these policies will pay the income that you lose in the event your home is so badly damaged by a disaster, that it can't be used for a while. These policies are available from home owner's insurance companies and specialty insurers.

Business owner policies are created specifically for small-to-mid size businesses. This policy is an excellent solution if your home based business operates in more than one location. A business owner policy covers business equipment on a much larger scale.

Since man has no control over the weather it is important to secure your business equipment. Conduct a room by room walk through to determine what needs to be secured. Attach equipment and cabinets to walls and other stable equipment. Place heavy or breakable objects on low shelves. Move work stations away from large windows, if possible. Elevate equipment off the floor to avoid electrical hazards in the event of flooding.

Keep an up-to-date inventory of your business equipment. Also, remember to include leased equipment that is not insured by the rental company. When you buy equipment, record the serial numbers and store them in a safe place.

Two more tips that you might want to consider are installing a security system and extra security lighting. You should install a security alarm and visibly display the alarm companies shield. These extra security measures will help reduce your extra insurance premiums.

Tom McMullen
http://3602.leisureaudiosales.com/