In many ways, shopping for business insurance is similar to making other important purchases, such as buying a car. You’ll want to compare prices, features and quality. At the same time, evaluating your business risks, determining your insurance needs and weighing options can be a complex process. Follow the steps below for the best results.

Depending on the nature and size of your business, evaluating and purchasing insurance coverage can be a daunting task. It may make sense to work with an insurance professional—a broker or agent—who can help you review your insurance options and customize coverage to fit your business.

But how do you find the right insurance professional for your needs? Here are some tips for starting your search.

Terrorism insurance is offered separately or as a special addition—called an “endorsement” or “rider”—to your standard commercial property insurance policy. A standard business policy alone will not cover losses caused by terrorism.

Though rare in many areas of the country, earthquakes can be highly destructive. Commercial property insurance covers some natural events, such as wind damage, but you must purchase separate coverage if you want protection against earthquakes. This Q&A  will help you weigh your risks and determine if you need this type of coverage. In addition, ask your insurance professional if your business should consider adding earthquake insurance.

Natural disasters can be devastating to businesses. While damage caused by some types of natural events—such as lightning or wind—will usually be covered by commercial property insurance, you need a special policy if you want protection from flood damage. This Q&A will help you understand this type of coverage and determine whether your business needs it.

In today’s global marketplace, more and more businesses rely on overseas suppliers. If your company’s operations depend on the timely delivery of raw materials, parts or finished products from distant locations, then your business could be hurt when these goods are delayed or fail to arrive altogether. Furthermore, a significant downturn in supply often results in increased costs for acquisition of the materials needed to continue operating. It can also result in partial or complete shutdown of facilities lacking the resources to operate.

For small businesses without specialized risks, a Business Owners Policy—or BOP—may offer the basic property and liability coverage that you need. But if your company is growing in size and complexity—or you face specialized risks due to the nature of your business—you may want to consider purchasing a Commercial Package Policy, or CPP for short.

Whether you’re running a part-time, seasonal or full-time business from your home, you’ll want to carefully consider your risks and insurance needs. Starting a business—even at home—can be a challenging venture, and having the right insurance can provide a financial safety net and peace of mind.

It may sound like a dance craze from the 1950s, but a BOP—a Business Owners Policy—can protect your small business against today’s most common risks. Fire, burglary, liability and business interruption losses are all covered under a BOP.

Since a BOP is prepackaged, there is only one policy to review and it can be more cost effective than purchasing separate policies. Additional coverage can be added in the form of endorsements or riders.

Railroads are becoming an important method of shipping oil long distances, and a recent series of accidents has drawn attention to rail liability insurance issues.

Until the recent shale oil boom, virtually all oil was shipped from production to refinery via pipeline. But shale oil—particularly in North Dakota’s Bakken Shale region—lacks enough pipeline to handle all the oil produced.