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Business Coverage
Commercial Insurance
From charter boat captains to HVAC crews, from vacation rental owners to nail salon operators — Dolphin writes commercial policies for the businesses that make this coast run.
FOUNDATION POLICIES
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Business Owners Policy (BOP)
Bundles property, general liability, and business interruption into one policy — the foundation for most small businesses.
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General Liability
Covers bodily injury and property damage claims from third parties — required by most commercial leases and client contracts.
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Commercial Auto
Personal auto policies don’t cover vehicles used for business. Commercial auto covers your fleet, work vans, and company trucks.
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Workers’ Compensation
Texas doesn’t mandate it for most employers, but your commercial clients often do. We help you stay competitive and compliant.
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Professional Liability (E&O)
Covers claims of negligence or mistakes in your professional services — critical for consultants, tradespeople, and service businesses.
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Commercial Umbrella
Extends your existing liability limits when a single claim exceeds your primary policy. Often required by larger contracts.
INDUSTRY COVERAGE
Click any category to see specific coverages and considerations for your type of business.
From beachfront motels in Port Aransas to event venues in Corpus Christi, hospitality businesses face unique liability and property risks. We cover your guests, your property, and your reputation.
COMMON COVERAGES
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South Texas Note
Most coastal Texas properties require windstorm coverage — we bundle TWIA with your commercial policy.
Standard homeowners insurance won’t cover you when paying guests are on the property. Dedicated short-term rental policies fill that gap for VRBO, Airbnb, and other platforms — with coverage that matches your rental calendar.
COMMON COVERAGES
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South Texas Note
Texas Gulf Coast rental properties are some of the highest-risk in the state — don’t rely on the platform’s coverage alone.
HVAC contractors work inside customers’ homes and businesses every day. One refrigerant leak, one electrical fault, one slip on a job site can become a six-figure claim. We build policies around your actual work.
COMMON COVERAGES
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South Texas Note
Texas does not require workers’ comp for most employers — but your commercial clients often will.
Chemical burns, allergic reactions, slip-and-fall incidents, and equipment failures are everyday risks in the beauty industry. Whether you own the salon or rent a chair, you need coverage that protects you and your clients.
COMMON COVERAGES
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South Texas Note
Chair renters are independent contractors — the salon owner’s policy does NOT cover you. Ask about booth renter coverage.
From Tex-Mex taquerias to Gulf Coast seafood shacks, restaurants carry significant liability. We cover your kitchen, your customers, your liquor service, and your staff — under one comprehensive policy.
COMMON COVERAGES
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South Texas Note
Food truck owners: your commercial auto policy does not cover the truck as a business premises. You need separate coverage.
South Texas sees heavy construction activity, especially after storm seasons. Contractors face property damage claims, on-site injuries, and completed-work disputes every year. We build policies that move with your projects.
COMMON COVERAGES
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South Texas Note
Many Texas municipalities require a certificate of insurance before issuing a building permit. We issue COIs same day.
Retail businesses carry inventory, host walk-in customers, and operate daily — all of which create ongoing liability and property exposure. A Business Owners Policy bundles the essentials at one affordable rate.
COMMON COVERAGES
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South Texas Note
Coastal retail shops should add windstorm and flood riders — a single hurricane can wipe out an entire season of inventory.
South Texas sits atop the Eagle Ford Shale and serves the Permian Basin corridor. Energy service companies face catastrophic liability exposure — blowouts, environmental contamination, equipment loss — that demands specialized coverage.
COMMON COVERAGES
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South Texas Note
Standard GL policies exclude energy operations. Energy-specific coverage is non-negotiable for oilfield contractors.
Customer vehicles in your care, combustible materials on the premises, and employees operating heavy equipment daily — auto repair is one of the most insurance-intensive small businesses in Texas.
COMMON COVERAGES
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South Texas Note
Garage keepers liability is separate from general liability — it specifically covers damage to customers’ vehicles while in your possession.
The Aransas Pass and Rockport area is home to one of Texas’s most active commercial fishing and charter industries. Marine operations carry unique coastal exposures that require specialized coverage from insurers who know the water.
COMMON COVERAGES
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South Texas Note
Jones Act coverage for crew members is legally required and very different from standard workers’ comp — don’t confuse the two.
Do I need workers’ compensation in Texas?
Texas is the only state where workers’ comp is not required by law for most private employers — but many clients and contracts require it. Subcontractors on state or federal projects often must carry it regardless.
What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A COI is a one-page document proving your coverage. Most commercial landlords, general contractors, and local municipalities require one before you can work. Dolphin issues COIs same business day.
What’s the difference between a BOP and a standalone GL policy?
A BOP bundles general liability, commercial property, and business interruption at a discounted combined rate. A standalone GL is liability-only. For most small businesses with a physical location, a BOP is the better value.
Can I cover multiple business locations on one policy?
Yes — multi-location endorsements are available for most commercial policies. All locations, same renewal date, one agent.
Do short-term rental properties need flood insurance?
Yes — and often more urgently than primary residences. Rental income stops the moment flooding makes the property uninhabitable. Lost rental income coverage paired with flood insurance protects both the asset and your revenue.
How quickly can I get a commercial policy?
Simple small business policies (BOP, standalone GL) can often be bound same day. Specialty risks like marine, energy, or large contractors typically require 2–5 business days for underwriting.
Our Aransas Pass team is available Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm.
After-hours emergency claims support is available 24/7.