5 Insurance Mistakes Small Business Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
As the owner of ALFA Insurance – Doug Blevins Agency & Associates, I've seen countless small business owners in Monroe and Walton County make costly insurance mistakes that could have been easily avoided. With over 25 years of combined experience serving our local community, our team has helped hundreds of businesses protect what matters most to them.
Here are the five most common insurance mistakes we see – and how you can avoid them.
1. Assuming General Liability Covers Everything
The Mistake: Many Monroe business owners think general liability insurance is a catch-all policy that covers every possible business risk.
The Reality: General liability only covers third-party injuries and property damage. It won't protect you from employee injuries, cyber attacks, or professional errors.
Our Solution: At Doug Blevins Agency & Associates, we conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify all potential exposures your Monroe business faces. We then create a customized insurance portfolio that fills every gap.
2. Underestimating Property Values
The Mistake: Business owners often insure their property based on what they paid for it years ago, not its current replacement cost.
The Reality: With inflation and rising construction costs, your $200,000 building from 2015 might cost $350,000 to rebuild today.
Our White Glove Approach: We regularly review and update your property values to ensure you're never caught short. Our team visits your Monroe location annually to assess any changes or improvements.
3. Forgetting About Business Interruption
The Mistake: Focusing only on property damage while ignoring the income you'll lose during repairs.
The Reality: A fire might cause $50,000 in property damage, but losing three months of revenue could cost you $150,000 or more.
Why This Matters in Monroe: Local businesses depend on consistent cash flow. We help Monroe entrepreneurs calculate their true business interruption needs based on their specific revenue patterns and seasonal fluctuations.
4. Mixing Personal and Business Coverage
The Mistake: Using personal auto insurance for business deliveries or assuming your homeowner's policy covers your home-based business.
The Reality: Personal policies typically exclude business activities, leaving you completely unprotected.
Our Community Commitment: We've helped dozens of Monroe small business owners properly separate their personal and business insurance needs. This protects both your family assets and your business investment.
5. Choosing Price Over Protection
The Mistake: Shopping for the cheapest premium without understanding what you're actually buying.
The Reality: The lowest price often means the highest deductibles, lowest limits, and most exclusions.
The Doug Blevins Agency Difference: We don't just sell policies – we build relationships. Our team takes time to explain every aspect of your coverage in plain English, ensuring you understand exactly what you're paying for and what protection you're receiving.
Why Monroe Businesses Choose ALFA Insurance – Doug Blevins Agency & Associates
Our commitment to Monroe's business community goes beyond insurance. We're your neighbors, actively involved in local organizations and committed to helping our community thrive. When you work with us, you get:
- Transparent Communication: No insurance jargon or hidden policy changes
- Personal Relationships: Handwritten cards and multiple annual check-ins
- Local Expertise: Deep understanding of Monroe's unique business landscape
- Proven Results: Recognized as ALFA's Top Agency Producer for five consecutive years (2020-2024)
Take Action Today
Don't let these common mistakes put your Monroe business at risk. Contact ALFA Insurance – Doug Blevins Agency & Associates today for a complimentary business insurance review.
Call us at (770) 599-5145 or email dblevins2@alfains.com to schedule your consultation. You can also visit us at 7700 Hampton Place, Loganville, GA 30052, or learn more at www.dougblevinsagency.com/monroe
Protecting Monroe's businesses is more than our job – it's our passion.









