Memphis, TN • Small business insurance
Business Insurance in Memphis, TN
Business insurance in Memphis covers logistics companies, healthcare providers, restaurants, contractors, and retailers in one of the country’s busiest distribution hubs. Tennessee requires workers’ compensation for most employers with five or more employees, and for construction businesses from the first employee.
Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency licensed in Tennessee. Tell us what your business does, and a licensed agent will compare business insurance options available to us, including general liability, business owner’s policies, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, and contractor coverage.
Request a Memphis business insurance quote
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Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent insurance agency. Licensed insurance producer NPN 16117464.
Prefer to quote online yourself?
Start a small business insurance quote for your Memphis business online with one of our partners, without waiting for a call back.
Get a quote from ERGO NEXT →General liability, workers’ compensation, business owner’s policies, professional liability, and commercial auto.
Get a quote from Coterie →Business owner’s policies and general liability.
Start an application with First Connect →Quotes from multiple insurance carriers through our First Connect portal.
Sponsored. Each link opens the partner’s website in a new tab, where its terms and privacy policy apply. Blake Insurance Group may be compensated if you buy.
Doing business in Memphis
Memphis is a national logistics center, home to FedEx’s global hub at Memphis International Airport, major rail lines, Mississippi River ports, and huge distribution centers. Healthcare, research, and manufacturing are major employers, and the city’s restaurant and music scene supports hospitality businesses.
Local risks Memphis businesses should plan for
Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and ice storms can damage property and cause long power outages. Memphis also sits near the New Madrid Seismic Zone, and earthquake damage is excluded from standard property policies. Logistics businesses face cargo, auto, and warehouse liability exposures.
Business insurance coverages to consider
| Coverage | What it does | Who usually needs it |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | Third-party injuries, property damage, and advertising injury | Almost every business, and most leases and contracts |
| Business owner’s policy | Bundles general liability with property and business income coverage | Small offices, shops, and restaurants |
| Workers’ compensation | Employee injuries and illnesses on the job | Businesses with employees, as required by state law |
| Commercial auto | Vehicles owned or used by the business | Contractors, delivery, and service businesses |
| Professional liability | Claims that your advice or services caused a financial loss | Consultants, designers, and professional services |
| Tools and equipment | Gear that moves between job sites | Contractors and trades |
| Cyber liability | Data breaches and cyberattacks | Businesses that store customer or payment data |
| Commercial umbrella | Extra liability limits above other policies | Businesses with large contracts or high exposure |
Coverage availability depends on the insurer, your industry, and underwriting.
Insurance for Memphis contractors
Tennessee requires a contractor license from the Board for Licensing Contractors for projects of $25,000 or more, and construction businesses need workers’ compensation from their first employee. Logistics and industrial clients often require higher limits.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors licenses contractors on projects of $25,000 or more, with separate rules for home improvement work in some counties. Contractors usually need general liability with completed operations coverage, workers’ compensation for crews, commercial auto for trucks, tools and equipment coverage, and sometimes a surety bond. Our Tennessee contractors insurance guide covers state requirements in more detail.
Tennessee rules that affect Memphis businesses
- Workers’ compensation. Required for most employers with five or more employees, and for construction businesses with one or more employees.
- Contractor licensing. The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors licenses contractors on projects of $25,000 or more, with separate rules for home improvement work in some counties.
- Commercial auto. Every business vehicle must meet Tennessee’s auto insurance minimums, and most contracts require much higher limits.
- Leases and contracts. Landlords, general contractors, and larger customers commonly require certificates of insurance and additional insured endorsements.
Requirements change. Confirm current rules with the state agency named and your local licensing office.
What affects business insurance costs in Memphis
Premiums depend on your industry, revenue, payroll, number of employees, location, claims history, and the limits and deductibles you choose. Trucking and warehouse operations pay more for auto and cargo coverage, while office-based businesses usually price lower.
- Industry and operations. A home-based consultant pays far less than a roofing contractor.
- Payroll and revenue. Workers’ compensation is rated on payroll by job classification, and general liability is often rated on revenue or payroll.
- Location and property. Building construction, fire protection, and local weather affect property premiums.
- Claims history. Insurers usually ask for three to five years of loss runs.
- Bundling. A business owner’s policy often costs less than buying liability and property separately.
What to have ready for a Memphis business insurance quote
- Business details. Legal name, address, years in business, and a description of what you do.
- Revenue and payroll. Current and projected figures, plus the number of employees by job type.
- Property. Building details if you own or lease space, plus the value of equipment and inventory.
- Vehicles. Any vehicles used for business and the people who drive them.
- Current coverage. Declarations pages, loss runs, and any contract insurance requirements.
Memphis business insurance FAQs
What business insurance do I need in Memphis?
Most Memphis businesses start with general liability, then add workers’ compensation once they have employees, commercial auto for business vehicles, and property coverage for equipment, inventory, or a building. Many combine liability and property in a business owner’s policy.
Should Memphis businesses consider earthquake coverage?
It is worth discussing. Memphis is near the New Madrid Seismic Zone, and standard commercial property policies exclude earthquake damage. Earthquake coverage can be added separately.
Is workers’ compensation required for my Memphis business?
Required for most employers with five or more employees, and for construction businesses with one or more employees.
Do contractors need special coverage?
Usually. Contractors typically need general liability with completed operations coverage, tools and equipment coverage, and often a license bond. The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors licenses contractors on projects of $25,000 or more, with separate rules for home improvement work in some counties.
How fast can I get a certificate of insurance?
Once a policy is bound, certificates can usually be issued the same day. Tell us who needs to be listed and whether they must be named as an additional insured.
Related guides
Important information
Compensation. Links in the partner quote box near the top of this page are sponsored, and Blake Insurance Group may be paid if you make a purchase. Sponsored placement does not affect the other information on this page.
Independent agency. Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent insurance agency. Licensed insurance producer NPN 16944666. Licensed states: AZ, AL, TX, CA, NY, OH, FL, NC, VA, GA, OK, NM, IA, KS, MI, NE, SC, SD, WV, IL, NJ, PA, TN, and WA. Blake Insurance Group is based in Tucson, Arizona, and serves Memphis businesses by phone and online. Which insurance companies we can quote depends on our current appointments, the product, and your state.
Legal requirements. Requirements summarized here are general information as of October 2026 and can change. This page is not legal advice; confirm current rules with the agency named or your attorney.
Availability. Coverage, prices, discounts, and eligibility vary by insurer and applicant and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls.
Your next step
Tell us about your Memphis business, and a licensed agent will compare coverage options available to us.