Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
PPOs are comparable to indemnity plans, although they require subscribers to choose their health-care providers and health-care facilities from a preferred-provider list. Because the preferred providers have agreed to the plan's requirements, including discounted fees, subscribers have a financial incentive to stay within the network.

Flood
Coverage for damage caused by floods is not included in ordinary homeowners and commercial policies, but must be added as an endorsement. Flood insurance, which also covers damage caused by mudslides, is available through a program run by the Federal Insurance Administration; contact your agent or call (800) 427-4661 for more information.

Employment practices
This kind of coverage will help defend against employment-related claims such as sexual harassment, age discrimination, or wrongful termination. Some policies offer legal assistance; others may pay both legal costs and damages.

Deregulation
Under Washington state law known as “use-and-file,” commercial property/casualty contracts negotiated between insurers and businesses may go into effect immediately. The policy itself can be filed for state review later.

Indemnity
Indemnity plans are also referred to as “fee-for-service.” Unlike managed-care plans, indemnity plans allow absolute freedom in selecting physicians or medical facilities and permit self-referral to a specialist.

Automobile
If you own and operate commercial vehicles, you should make sure that your fleet is appropriately insured. If business use of a vehicle is minimal and limited to your personal vehicle, the necessary coverage can probably be included in your personal policy. Best bet: Check with your agent to be sure.

Basic Hospital
Basic-hospital plans cover only in-hospital (inpatient) care, not other services. This benefit also may be limited to an approved or network facility. Hospitalization in a different facility may qualify for less coverage or none at all.

Business interruption
If you're unable to run your business due to a covered peril (fire, storm damage, vandalism and so on), business interruption insurance will replace lost income, pay ongoing expenses and pay costs involved in getting you set up in a temporary facility.

Long-Term Disability (LTD)
Long-term-disability plans provide income for an individual who cannot work because of an illness, disease, or non-occupational injury. Most plans require that the individual be a full-time employee for at least one year before the disability coverage applies.

Weather
The impact of weather on businesses is more complex than you might think. Weather obviously affects outdoor operations that depend on fair weather — for example, events like fairs, festivals, concerts, sporting events or filming.