Summer is a busy season for many small businesses—whether you're serving tourists, expanding your hours, or hosting special events. But with the opportunity comes risk. From storm damage to seasonal staffing issues, summertime can bring unexpected challenges that can disrupt your operations. As a small business owner myself, I understand how important it is to stay protected. That’s why I want to share some key risks to watch for—and how the right insurance can help you manage them.

1. Storms, Heat, and Property Damage

Summer storms can roll in fast, bringing wind, hail, and lightning. If your business owns property or equipment, it’s essential to have commercial property insurance that covers these kinds of events. Don’t assume your policy covers everything—flooding, for instance, typically requires a separate policy.

Pro tip: Review your policy limits and deductibles. It’s better to double-check now than to find out you're underinsured after a storm hits.

2. Equipment Overload

When the temperature rises, so does the strain on your HVAC systems, refrigerators, and other equipment. A breakdown can mean more than just inconvenience—it can mean lost revenue. Equipment breakdown coverage can help cover repairs and spoilage, and even compensate for income loss during downtime.

A local business I work with had its AC fail during a heatwave. Their insurance helped them bounce back without missing a beat. That’s the kind of protection you want in place before disaster strikes.

3. Customer Injuries and Liability Claims

Summer often means more foot traffic, especially for restaurants, boutiques, and service-based businesses. Increased visitors can lead to increased liability—think slips, trips, and falls.

That’s where general liability insurance steps in. It’s designed to protect your business from third-party injuries or property damage. It’s one of the most important coverages for any small business, especially during your busiest seasons.

4. Seasonal Hires and Interns

Many businesses bring on temporary help during the summer months. But every new employee adds a layer of risk. Workers’ compensation insurance is not only required in most states—it’s a smart way to protect both your team and your business.

And if you’re hiring quickly or working with less-experienced staff, employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) can help you stay covered against claims related to hiring or workplace conduct.

5. Cybersecurity During Vacation Gaps

With team members out on vacation and temporary staff filling in, it's easy to overlook cybersecurity. But summer is no time to let your guard down. Cyber liability insurance can help if your business experiences a data breach, phishing attack, or system failure.

Every business is different, and so are its risks. At Mark Reid Insurance, we work one-on-one with small business owners to craft coverage that truly fits—no cookie-cutter policies here. Let’s schedule a quick insurance review to make sure you’re covered this summer, so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.

Reach out anytime—I’m here to help, rain or shine.

Visit Mark and his team at 411 Hwy 76 in White House. Give him a call or visit his website.

(Cover Photo: Be Kind Beverage Co. Editor's Note: They serve the yummiest Italian sodas!)