​ As January winds down, many small business owners are shifting from goal-setting to execution—putting
growth plans into motion and making sure what they’ve worked so hard to build is properly protected.
 
While sales targets and marketing plans usually get the     spotlight, commercial insurance often stays in the
  background—until something goes wrong.

The reality is that new years bring new risks. Even small changes in your business can create gaps in coverage if your insurance hasn’t kept up. The good news?
A few intentional check-ins can go a long way toward keeping your business protected, compliant, and confident.

Below are five practical commercial insurance resolutions for 2026, written with small and growing
businesses in mind. These aren’t complicated or time-consuming—they’re realistic steps you can take to
reduce surprises and protect your bottom line.

Resolution #1: Review Your Coverage—Because Your Business Isn’t Standing Still

Many small business owners renew their insurance year after year without taking a close look at the details.
That’s understandable—you’re busy running your business. But policies that worked in the past may no
longer reflect today’s operations.

Example: A local contractor buys new tools and a trailer to keep up with demand. If those items aren’t
added to the policy, a theft or fire could leave them paying out of pocket.
Changes that often require updates include: - New or upgraded equipment - Increased revenue - Additional
employees - New services or products - Moving or adding locations

2026 goal: Schedule a simple annual insurance review. Even a 20–30 minute conversation can uncover gaps
and ensure your coverage matches the business you’re running now—not the one you started years ago.

Resolution #2: Adjust Coverage as Your Business Grows (or Shifts)

Growth is a good problem to have—but it can quietly increase your risk. Hiring employees, taking on larger
jobs, or expanding into new areas often impacts multiple policies, including general liability, workers’
compensation, and commercial auto insurance.

Example: A cleaning company adds two employees and lands a larger commercial contract. Payroll
increases, job sites change, and expectations are higher. If workers’ comp or liability limits aren’t updated,
coverage may fall short.

On the other hand, scaling back or changing how you operate can also affect coverage. You don’t want to
pay for protection you no longer need—or worse, invalidate coverage by not reporting changes.
​
2026 goal: Commit to updating your insurance whenever there’s a meaningful change. This keeps coverage
accurate and prevents unpleasant surprises during a claim.

Resolution #3: Strengthen Risk Management—It’s Not Just for Big Companies

Risk management might sound like something only large corporations worry about, but it’s especially
important for small businesses. One claim can have a much bigger impact when resources are limited.
The good news? Risk management doesn’t have to be complicated.

Example: A small landscaping company introduces weekly safety check-ins and basic equipment
inspections. Fewer injuries mean fewer claims, less downtime, and more stable insurance costs.
Simple risk management steps include: - Basic safety training - Clear job procedures - Regular equipment
maintenance - Documenting incidents and near-misses

2026 goal: Pick one or two manageable safety improvements to focus on this year. Preventing even one
claim can save thousands of dollars.

Resolution #4: Re-Evaluate Deductibles, Limits, and Coverage Options

As your business grows, your financial comfort level may change. The deductibles and limits you chose early
on might not make sense anymore.

Example: A small retail shop increases sales year over year but keeps the same liability limits from opening
day. One slip-and-fall claim could exceed those limits quickly.
2026 is a good time to ask: - Are my liability limits high enough for my revenue? - Would a higher deductible
lower my premium without too much risk? - Do I need umbrella insurance for extra protection? - Should I
consider cyber liability insurance?
Cyber incidents don’t just happen to large companies. Small businesses are often targeted because
protections are limited.

2026 goal: Make sure your coverage reflects both your risks and your ability to absorb a loss.

Resolution #5: Treat Your Insurance Agent as a Partner, Not a Vendor

For small business owners, having a trusted insurance advisor can make a real difference. Commercial
insurance isn’t just about buying a policy—it’s about having someone who understands your business and
can help you plan ahead.

Example: A business owner checks in with their agent before signing a new contract. A quick review helps
them avoid an uncovered exposure that could have been costly.

A strong insurance relationship means: - Clear explanations without jargon - Proactive advice as your
business changes - Help navigating claims if something goes wrong

2026 goal: Stay connected. A quick check-in can prevent big problems down the road.

Keep 2026 on Track—Confident, Covered, and Prepared

Running a small business comes with enough challenges—insurance surprises shouldn’t be one of them. By
making these five resolutions, you’re taking practical steps to protect your employees, your customers, and
your livelihood.

You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Start with a conversation, a review, or a small improvement.
Those actions add up.

New year, new risks—but also new opportunities to protect what matters most. Let 2026 be the year
your insurance works as hard as you do.

•                    
•                     LOCAL AGENT


•                     ONLINE AGENT


•                     CALL CENTER

                     

As you dive into those home improvement projects, here's a heads-up: making sure your contractor is properly insured isn't just a precaution—it's crucial for your peace of mind and financial security.
In today's world, scams and unexpected mishaps can happen when you least expect them. Ensuring your contractor has the right insurance coverage protects you from potential headaches down the road.

Top 3 Reasons to Verify Your Contractor's Insurance
1.  Financial Security: Imagine if something goes wrong during the project—like property damage or injuries. Contractor insurance covers these situations, so you're not left footing the bill.
2. Legal Protection: Meeting insurance requirements ensures you're compliant with local laws and protects you from potential legal issues.
3.   Risk Management: By verifying insurance upfront, you reduce the risk of project delays or disputes over liabilities.

How to Verify Your Contractor’s Insurance

• Ask for Proof: Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) detailing coverage types and policy limits.
• Double-Check: Contact the insurance provider directly to confirm the policy's validity and coverage details  We have had several that have contacted us to verify and they were fraudulent. 
• Local Resources: Use local databases or resources to cross-check the contractor's insurance information.

Benefits of Hiring Insured Contractors

• Peace of Mind: Knowing your contractor is insured means you're covered if the unexpected happens.
• Trust and Reliability: Insured contractors demonstrate professionalism and commitment to safety standards.
• Avoid Financial Risks: Don't risk paying out-of-pocket for damages or accidents that occur during the project.

Prioritizing verification of contractor insurance is crucial for protecting both your home and your finances. Taking proactive steps to confirm their coverage helps mitigate risks and fosters a secure project environment. Ensure your investments are safeguarded and maintain peace of mind throughout your home improvement journey by verifying that your contractor is adequately insured.

For expert guidance on managing home projects and navigating insurance considerations, stay connected with us at Shaw Insurance.  We're dedicated to helping you make informed decisions and safeguard what matters most.

It's more than a handshake. We can help protect you and your assets. 

Protecting Your Investment: Why Boat Insurance is Essential for Texas Lake Lovers

Picture this: it’s a sunny weekend, and you’re ready to take your boat out on Grapevine Lake. You’ve packed the cooler, gathered your friends and family, and everyone’s excited for a day on the water. But before you set sail a thought crosses your mind of something you meant to do last week—get boat insurance. 

Why Do You Need Boat Insurance?
Just like your car or home, your boat is a significant investment that deserves protection. Boat insurance helps cover a variety of situations:

1. Physical Damage: This covers repairs or replacement if your boat is damaged in an accident or due to a natural disaster. Texas weather can be unpredictable, and it’s important to be prepared for anything from hailstorms to hurricanes.
2. Liability Coverage: This protects you if you’re responsible for injuries or property damage to others while operating your boat. Imagine accidentally colliding with another boat or causing damage to a dock—liability coverage ensures you’re not left footing the bill alone.
3. Medical Payments: Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers if someone gets hurt on your boat. Accidents can happen, and this coverage ensures you’re not facing hefty medical bills on your own.
4. Uninsured/Underinsured Boaters: If you’re in an accident with someone who doesn’t have enough insurance, this coverage helps pay for the damages. Unfortunately, not everyone on the water is as prepared as you might be, so it’s crucial to have this safety net.

Specific Coverage Options
According to a detailed FAQ from Travelers, there are several key coverage options you should consider:

• Agreed Value vs. Actual Cash Value: Agreed value policies pay for the cost of replacing your boat based on its value at the time the policy was written, whereas actual cash value policies factor in depreciation.
• Personal Effects: Covers items like fishing gear, electronics, and personal belongings that might be on your boat. Considering how much equipment we bring along for a day on the lake, this can be a lifesaver.
• Towing and Assistance: My favorite feature offers help if your boat breaks down on the water, which can be a crucial service when you’re out on the remote parts of Texas lakes and even has an app to locate you!

Local Expertise Matters
Living in the Hurst and Grapevine area, we’re fortunate to have so many beautiful lakes nearby. But with great boating comes great responsibility. Different lakes have different risks—whether it's the busy waters of Grapevine Lake or the calmer but debris-prone waters of Lake Worth. At Shaw Insurance Agency, we understand these local nuances and can help tailor your policy to fit your specific needs.
Get Covered Today
Don’t let an unexpected mishap ruin your fun on the water. Get in touch with us at Shaw Insurance Agency for a personalized boat insurance quote. We’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of boat insurance, so you can enjoy your time on the lake worry-free. Drop by our office, give us a call, or visit our website to get started.
Stay safe and happy boating, Texas!

Susan Shaw
Your trusted local insurance expert
Give us a call 817-479-7601

​If you're a renter, you may not think that renters insurance is important. After all, it's your landlord's job to pay for damages to the property, right? Yes and no. While landlords do typically have insurance policies in place on their properties, these policies might not cover all of your personal belongings or provide enough coverage to help you rebuild if something happens. Furthermore, even if your landlord had an insurance policy that covered everything they needed it would still be up to them whether or not they would make good on those obligations—and who wants to rely on someone else's goodwill? Renters insurance is one area where doing what seems like extra work today will pay off down the road when things go wrong tomorrow."

You can't control what other people do.....
That’s why renters insurance is so important.  If you don't have renters insurance, and someone breaks into your apartment and steals all of your things, it's not like they're going to pay for the cost of replacing them. You are responsible for that cost if something happens to your belongings while they're in your home—and it's probably more than you realize.
Renters insurance covers a number of typical situations that could happen at any time: if there's a fire or flood in your apartment or believe it or not, a truck runs through your rented home. It also covers theft from within certain limits specified by each policy holder’s policy contract, which helps protect against loss due to theft or vandalism resulting from an accident in the home such as fire sprinklers bursting overhead during construction work being done above floor level in an apartment.

What happens if you had renters insurance when you were robbed?
You’d be able to replace the items that were stolen, and you could also get reimbursed for any money you lost while away. If there was damage to your home or property, including vandalism and water damage, then renters insurance could cover these costs as well. You may think this is something that only happens in the movies but it can happen to anyone!

What happens if the apartment building catches fire?
It’s important to point out that renters insurance only covers your belongings, not the building itself. That means if someone lights a candle on the porch and starts a fire, or if a tree falls through the roof during a storm, you will be covered for lost or damaged property. However, if your apartment building catches fire and all of its contents are destroyed along with it—well then you might have some trouble recouping those costs.
If things go really south and your landlord doesn't have adequate coverage to replace everything that was destroyed in the blaze (or he's bankrupt), then hopefully he'll pay for your temporary accommodations until new housing can be found for everyone affected by the fire—but again: this isn't guaranteed. If something like this happens without proper protection from renters insurance in place beforehand, then there's no real way to know whether or not you'll ever get paid back at all!

Renters Insurance is a smart financial decision that can protect you and your personal belongings.
Renters insurance is a smart financial decision that can protect you and your personal belongings. The cost of having to replace your belongings can be staggering, sometimes more than the amount of money you will spend on renters insurance each year. Why take that risk? Renters Insurance is inexpensive and provides coverage for your possessions, including:

• Your personal property against losses due to fire, smoke or water damage
• Losses from theft
• Losses from vandalism or malicious mischief

Renters Insurance also comes with other benefits such as liability protection from injuries or property damage caused by guests who visit your home when they are not invited (or invited but do not live there). Most policies also include additional living expenses coverage in case you need temporary housing while repairs are being made after a disaster such as a flood or tornado knocks out power at home.
​
What is the next step?
The bottom line is that you never know when something bad might happen, so it’s always better to be prepared and protected in case something happens to your home or apartment building. If you want more information about how renters insurance works or if you would like some help finding an affordable policy for your apartment building, please give our office a call or reach out via e-mail and we are happy to have a conversation to see how we can make sure you are protected!