Small business risk management and loss prevention services

With the day-to-day demands of running a small business, having your own risk management plan can make all the difference. State Farm® is here to connect you with a range of resources that help you identify and manage common risks that may impact your business.

Supported by State Farm internal research capabilities and a network of external resources, our team of experienced risk advisors is here to understand your unique business needs and provide you with tailored resources and practical tactics you can implement.

Why does my business need a loss prevention plan?

State Farm can help you protect your business from the variety of hazards you face.

Learn more about how State Farm can help you to create and implement a loss prevention plan

Reduce common risks in your business

Your business is exposed to many hazards that can cause disruptions.

Learn more about ways to reduce your chances of loss from some of the most common risks in your industry

Business interruption and emergency planning

Prepare your business today to help survive a natural disaster, severe weather, or catastrophic loss.

Learn more about disaster preparedness and business continuity

Can't find what you need?

If you are interested in learning more about these free resources, or would like to request free loss prevention services for your State Farm insured business, please contact your State Farm agent.

Business auto & fleet risk management Workers' compensation risk management Property & casualty risk management Artisan & service contractor’s risk management Farm ranch risk management Business resources

Risk management types and information

Business auto & fleet risk management

Whether your business has an entire fleet of vehicles or you have employees who occasionally use their own cars for work, management of this aspect of your business can cut down on losses and keep your employees safer. This guide can help you develop a loss prevention program specifically for your autos.

Download the Reducing Losses for Your Business Vehicles & Fleet Guide

Find sample resource documents you can use to develop your auto loss prevention program:

Auto Loss Control Policy Statements

Drivers Rules Agreement

Post-Incident Drivers Coaching Modules

Vehicle Incident Investigation Report

Accident Report Guide* (*Guide also available in Spanish by email request.)

Network of Employers for Traffic Safety logo

State Farm is a board member of the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS®). This employer-led organization is dedicated to improving road safety for employees, their families, and members of the communities where they live and work.

NETS offers free road safety resources on their website, including:

For more information about NETS, including benefits, check out the NETS website. If you’re insured with State Farm and want to become a member, use referral discount code SF100 for your NETS small business membership.

Workers' compensation risk management

Help your business create an effective employee safety and loss prevention program. Also, help your business detect and correct conditions that may cause employee injury.

Download the How to Reduce Business Loss and Protect Your Employees Guide

Recognize and control the most common causes of damage in today’s business world.

Download the Protecting Your Business Guide

Sample resources to help you develop your company loss prevention program:

Sample Property Hazards Checklist

Sample Incident Investigation Report

Property & casualty risk management

Learn how to protect your business from common loss causes like workplace injuries, water, fire, crime, disaster and more.

Download the Protecting Your Business Guide

Learn how to help prevent losses for apartments, condominiums, cooperatives, homeowner associations and other multi-family housing situations.

Download the How to Protect Your Residential Property Guide

Develop a risk management and safety program for your business.

Download the How to Reduce Business Loss and Protect Your Employees Guide

Sample resources to help you develop and maintain your company loss prevention program:

Sample Property Hazards Checklist

Sample Incident Investigation Report

Miscellaneous Information Form

Artisan & service contractor’s risk management

Develop a risk management action plan to lessen the possibility of unforeseen damages to your customer’s property and losses to your business property.

Download the Artisan & Service Contractor’s Guide to Risk management

Sample resources you can use in your loss prevention activities:

Sample Contractor Loss Control Program Outline

Sample Job Completion Checklist

Sample Incident Investigation Report

Farm ranch risk management

Learn how to protect your farm or ranch from common losses such as injuries, water, fire, crime, disaster and more.

Download the How to Protect Your Farm and Ranch Guide

Sample resources you can use in your loss prevention activities:

Sample Farm Ranch Hazards Checklist

Sample Farm Ranch Incident Investigation Report

Farm and Ranch Miscellaneous Information Form

More resources to help with common farm safety topics:

Tractor and Machinery Safety

ATV Safety

Grain Bin Safety

Youth Safety

Farm & Ranch Wildfire Guidance

Agricultural Equipment

Business and employee safety resources

How do workplaces prevent accidents and maintain a healthy environment? While many strategies contribute to overall safety, implementing key practices can be crucial to helping reduce risks and protecting your workforce. By following essential guidelines, your business may create a safer, more secure environment that supports employee well-being and operational continuity.

How to prevent slip and fall accidents on your property Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

State Farm also works with BLR® to support your efforts in improving workplace safety. BLR's Training & Compliance website contains hundreds of customizable and downloadable resources and tools to help business owners with safety training and compliance. If you are interested in learning more, please email our Small Business Risk Management team.

What are the two types of risk management in insurance?

The two main types of risk management in insurance are prevention and mitigation. Together, they help insurers and businesses reduce risks, control costs, and improve safety. They differ in the following ways:

Prevention (Pre-loss)

This focuses on preventing losses before they happen. It includes activities like risk assessments, safety training, regular inspections, maintenance, and implementing safety policies to reduce hazards and avoid accidents.

Mitigation (Post-loss)

This involves managing and minimizing the impact after a loss occurs. It includes investigating claims, analyzing causes, implementing corrective actions, and improving processes to prevent similar future losses.

What are common risk management measures?

Businesses can take numerous practical actions to help reduce risks and prevent losses. Some key examples include:

Property risk management

Focuses on protecting buildings, equipment, and physical assets. This may include inspections, maintenance, emergency preparedness, security, hazard communication and property insurance.

Commercial auto risk management

Addresses vehicles used for business purposes. This may include driver training, vehicle maintenance, safety policies, incident review and commercial auto insurance.

Workplace safety

Addresses employee injuries or illnesses related to work. This may include employee training, PPE, ergonomics, injury investigation, safety policies and workers’ compensation insurance.

Frequently asked questions about small business

Insurance companies calculate premiums based on the risk profile of a business — basically, how likely it is that the insurer will have to pay out a claim. Effective risk management can help lower these risks, which can directly reduce your insurance costs. This can be key to managing your business expenses smartly. By reducing risk, improving safety, and ensuring compliance, loss control lowers the chances and costs of claims, which helps bring down your insurance premiums. It can be a win-win for your wallet, your team, and your business future.

This answer was drafted with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence.

Insurance risk management helps businesses save money by reducing accidents and insurance claims, which lowers insurance premiums and repair costs. It can help make workplaces safer through proactive safety measures, protecting employees and boosting morale. By preventing disruptions, risk management supports continuous operations and steady revenue. It also helps ensure businesses stay compliant with regulations, avoiding fines and building trust.

This answer was drafted with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence.

Here are the typical types of hazards addressed by a risk management plan and ways to help prevent or mitigate them:

1 . Physical hazards

Risks associated with customer and business personnel:

  • Slips, trips, and falls: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways. Clean spills promptly, use anti-slip mats, and keep walkways clear.
  • Machinery and equipment: Unguarded moving parts, faulty tools. Install guards, perform regular maintenance, and train employees on proper use.
  • Fire hazards: Blocked exits, overloaded electrical outlets, flammable materials improperly stored. Maintain fire extinguishers, clear exits, and avoid overloading circuits.
  • Ergonomic issues: Poor workstation setup leading to repetitive strain injuries. Provide adjustable workstations and encourage proper posture and breaks.

2 . Commercial auto/driving hazards

Risks associated with operating vehicles for business purposes:

  • Distracted driving, speeding and driver fatigue: Maintain a drivers rules agreement and host regular safety meetings that establish expectations for safe driving behavior.
  • Inexperienced or unqualified drivers: Consider a driver qualification program to place emphasis on selecting the best available drivers, including driver training and periodic motor vehicle report reviews to ensure drivers continue to meet company expectations.
  • Improper vehicle maintenance: Establish a vehicle maintenance program, including regular vehicle inspections, to ensure vehicles operate safely.

3 . Safety and security hazards

Risks related to workplace safety protocols and security breaches:

  • Inadequate emergency exits or evacuation plans. Develop clear emergency plans and conduct drills.
  • Lack of security measures (e.g., surveillance, access control). Install security systems and control building access.
  • Violence or harassment in the workplace. Promote a respectful workplace culture.

4 . Operational hazards

Hazards arising from business processes or workflow inefficiencies:

  • Inadequate training or supervision. Train employees thoroughly and supervise tasks.
  • Poorly maintained equipment or machinery. Regularly inspect and maintain equipment.
  • Unsafe work procedures or shortcuts. Enforce safe work procedures and discourage shortcuts.

This answer was drafted with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence.

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Products and services offered are offered by BLR. State Farm does not warrant the merchantability, fitness, or quality of the products and services offered by BLR.

The information provided herein was obtained through various sources. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under any policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.

State Farm (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates) is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third-party sites hyperlinked from this page. State Farm has no discretion to alter, update, or control the content on the hyperlinked, third-party site. Access to third-party sites is at the user's own risk, is being provided for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any of the products which may be referenced on such third-party sites.

NETS and the NETS logo are registered trademarks of Nets Corporation.

All claims investigations are based on the individual facts of loss, and coverage decisions are based on the specific terms and conditions of the policy.