Business Income Coverage: An Extra Layer of Protection for Your Business

The complete shutdown that so many businesses experienced during the first several months of 2020 raised more questions than ever on what exactly a commercial insurance policy covers when a business is suddenly unable to operate, and its income is affected.

In the interest of continuing to educate our fellow business owners on what the capabilities of their insurance coverage is, we’re pleased to discuss the subject of Business Income coverage in our blog this week.


What Does a Commercial Property Policy Cover?

A Commercial property insurance policy covers physical property damage to a business’s equipment and merchandise that results from a catastrophic event like a fire, theft, lightning strike, or smoke damage.


What it might not cover, however, is the loss of income the business incurs during the time that it is being repaired and brought back to a pre-loss state. This is where Business Income coverage (also known as Business Interruption coverage) comes in to play.


How Does Business Income Coverage Work?

Depending on the extent of the damage, it may take time for the business to get back up-and-running as usual. During the period in which the business is brought back to its pre-loss state, income can decline or cease altogether, creating financial hardship for the business.


Business Income coverage provides insurance for the loss of business income due to damage to physical property. This means that during the business’s restoration period, the Business Income coverage will be responsible for replacing profits you would have made or provide funds to operate in a temporary location for the time being.


What Does Business Income Coverage Address?

Business Income coverage WILL address the following:


  • Mortgage and rent payments
  • Employee wages and payroll
  • Loss of net income or profit for the period of restoration
  • Loan payments
  • Tax payments


Business Income coverage WILL NOT address the following:


  • Epidemics, diseases, and viruses.
  • Acts of Government (war, mandated shutdowns, etc.)
  • Extreme weather events, such as earthquakes, flood, and mudslides. These events typically require their own separate policies.
  • Certain operating expenses, such as marketing, insurance, and funds allocated for research and development.


Is Business Income Coverage Right for You?

Our commercial insurance firm will help you determine if business income coverage is ideal for you and build a policy that best suit your needs. We serve Goshen, Middletown, and Warwick, NY

December 19, 2025
Running a successful business requires more than strong sales and day-to-day operations. It takes thoughtful planning, risk awareness, and financial discipline. Two of the most important professional relationships a business owner can have are with their insurance advisor and their Certified Public Accountant (CPA). When these two roles work together, the result is stronger protection, smarter financial decisions, and long-term stability. Here are five key ways business insurance and working with a CPA are closely connected—and why aligning the two matters. 1. Risk Management and Financial Planning Business insurance is designed to protect your company from unexpected risks such as lawsuits, property damage, accidents, or liability claims. A CPA, on the other hand, helps you plan financially for both known and unknown risks. Together, they form the foundation of a strong risk management strategy. Insurance transfers risk, while a CPA helps you understand how those risks impact your balance sheet, cash reserves, and overall financial health. When both are aligned, your business is better positioned to withstand disruptions and recover quickly when the unexpected happens. 2. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements Many businesses operate in industries that require specific types of insurance coverage, such as workers’ compensation, professional liability, or commercial auto insurance. Failing to carry the proper coverage can lead to fines, penalties, or even business shutdowns. At the same time, CPAs help ensure compliance with tax laws, payroll regulations, and financial reporting requirements. Insurance and accounting compliance often overlap—especially when it comes to payroll, employee classifications, and industry regulations. Working with both professionals ensures your business remains compliant on all fronts. 3. Tax Deductibility of Insurance Premiums One often overlooked benefit of business insurance is that many premiums may be tax-deductible. Policies such as general liability, professional liability, property insurance, and workers’ compensation are commonly considered legitimate business expenses. A CPA plays a critical role in making sure these premiums are properly categorized and documented, helping maximize allowable deductions while staying within IRS guidelines. When your CPA understands your insurance program, you’re more likely to capture every tax advantage available to your business. 4. Cash Flow and Budgeting Insurance premiums are a recurring expense and can have a meaningful impact on cash flow, especially for growing businesses. A CPA helps forecast expenses, plan for renewals, and ensure insurance costs fit within your broader financial strategy. By coordinating insurance coverage with budgeting and financial projections, businesses can strike the right balance between adequate protection and affordability. This collaboration helps avoid being underinsured—or overspending on coverage that doesn’t align with actual risk exposure. 5. Business Continuity and Succession Planning No business owner likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but planning for them is essential. Insurance products such as business interruption coverage, key person insurance, and buy-sell funding play a major role in keeping a business running during a crisis. CPAs incorporate these protections into long-term financial planning and succession strategies. Whether it’s preparing for the loss of a key employee, an extended shutdown, or an ownership transition, insurance and accounting together help ensure the business can survive and thrive beyond any single event. Bringing It All Together Business insurance and CPA services are not separate silos—they are complementary tools that work best when aligned. Insurance protects what you’ve built, while a CPA helps you grow and sustain it financially. When these professionals collaborate, business owners gain clearer insight, stronger protection, and greater confidence in the future. If you want your business to be resilient, compliant, and financially sound, make sure your insurance strategy and your CPA are working together—not independently. For a review of your business’ insurance coverage, contact Vicki Hoffman, J. Hoffman Insurance, at 845-239-4787 or vicki@jhoffmaninsurance.com . Want to learn more about how working with a CPA can benefit your business? Contact John Pacos, CPA at 845-694-5703 or john@jpacoscpa.com .
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