Category: Insurance

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Insurance Small Business General

What Is Personal and Advertising Injury and Why It Matters for Your Business 

Generic advertisements showing the importance of Personal and Advertising Injury coverage.

Personal and advertising injury 1 is part of general liability insurance that protects your business from claims related to what you say, write, publish, or share. This coverage applies to communication and content risks such as: 

• Libel 
• Slander 
• Defamation 
• Copyright infringement 
• Invasion of privacy 
• Using someone’s likeness without permission 

This coverage helps pay for legal defense and settlements if someone claims your business harmed their reputation or misused their creative work.  Many small businesses face these risks every day through websites, social media, marketing materials, and client communication. 

What “Personal and Advertising Injury” Actually Means 

Personal and advertising injury coverage protects your business from communication and content-related risks that come from promoting your services, sharing work, or interacting with the public. It applies to non-physical claims tied to your marketing materials, online presence, and public messaging. 

This coverage can help if someone claims your business: 

• Harmed their reputation 
• Violated their privacy 
• Used their creative work without permission 
• Misused their image or likeness 

When these claims arise, personal and advertising injury coverage helps pay for legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments. 

Common Examples That Catch Business Owners by Surprise 

Many small businesses do not realize how easy it is to trigger a personal or advertising injury claim. These claims often result from everyday marketing or online activity. 

Here are some common examples: 

• Responding to a customer review in a way that is considered defamatory 
• Using unlicensed images, videos, music, or fonts in marketing materials2 
• Comparing your product or service to a competitor in a way that implies dishonesty or low quality 
• Featuring customers, staff, or models in photos or videos without proper permission 
• Reposting or resharing content that appears public but is still protected by copyright 

These situations can affect any business, especially in a digital world where content spreads instantly. 

How It Fits into General Liability Insurance 

Personal and advertising injury protection is included in most general liability insurance policies. It works alongside other core protections such as: 

• Third-party bodily injury 
• Third-party property damage 
• Legal defense costs 

While general liability insurance covers physical accidents, personal and advertising injury focuses on communication-based risks. If someone claims your business damaged their reputation or infringed on their intellectual property, this coverage helps with legal defense and potential financial losses. This protection has become especially important as more business activity moves online. 

Why Freelancers, Creatives, and Microbusinesses Should Care 

If you are a service-based entrepreneur, you depend heavily on your brand, your content, and your online presence. That makes you more likely to face claims related to personal and advertising injury. 

Professionals at higher risk include: 

• Freelance marketers and designers posting creative work 
• Photographers and videographers sharing images or project samples 
• Copywriters, consultants, and coaches publishing articles or testimonials 
• Beauty and wellness professionals posting before and after photos 
• Tradespeople and home-service providers posting project photos 
• Online retailers and creators promoting products 
• Any business with a website, social media presence, or advertising materials 

Even when you are careful, mistakes can happen. As more business activity moves online, these risks continue to grow. 

How Gild Insurance Agency Supports Independent Professionals 

Independent professionals deserve insurance that protects their work, their creativity, and their reputation. At Gild Insurance Agency, we connect you with coverage options designed specifically for small businesses and creative service providers. 

With Gild Insurance Agency, you can: 

• Get general liability insurance that includes personal and advertising injury protection
• Explore additional coverages such as professional liability, cyber insurance, and workers compensation insurance 
• Access trusted insurance partners who understand independent workers
• Receive support when questions or claims arise with our claims concierge service 

Gild Insurance Agency makes it simple to get the right coverage so you can focus on your best work without worrying about legal or reputation-related risks. Schedule a call or get a quote online today. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is personal and advertising injury coverage? This type of coverage protects your business from claims related to things you say, write, publish, or share. It includes risks such as libel, slander, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy. 

Is personal and advertising injury part of general liability insurance? Yes. It is included in most general liability insurance policies as a standard protection for communication-based risks. 

What are common examples of personal and advertising injury claims? Common examples include using copyrighted content without permission, posting or responding to reviews in a way that is considered defamatory, improperly using someone’s likeness, or making comparisons that harm a competitor’s reputation. 

Do freelancers and microbusinesses need this coverage? Yes. If you post content, share work online, or promote your business publicly, you are exposed to personal and advertising injury risks. Freelancers, creatives, and service-based businesses are especially vulnerable. 

Does general liability insurance cover online content? In many cases, yes. Personal and advertising injury coverage applies to both online and offline communication. It can help protect your business from claims tied to websites, social media posts, ads, videos, or published content. 

How much does personal and advertising injury coverage cost? It is typically included in the cost of general liability insurance. Pricing depends on your industry, business size, location, and the type of work you do. 

  1. https://www.iii.org/article/commercial-general-liability-insurance  ↩︎
  2. https://publiclawlibrary.org/largest-ever-jury-verdict-in-copyright-infringement-case-shakes-pacifica/  ↩︎

Categories
Insurance Small Business General Workers' Compensation

What Is a Ghost Policy and When Does It Make Sense for Your Business? 

A translucent man standing in front of a policy to represent a ghost policy

A ghost policy is a workers compensation insurance policy for businesses with no employees, where the owner chooses to exclude themselves from coverage. The policy still provides a Certificate of Insurance, or COI, which many job sites and contracts require. It does not provide medical or wage benefits if the owner is injured. Ghost policies are not available everywhere. Some states allow them for owner-only businesses, while others restrict or prohibit them. Eligibility often depends on your business structure and state law. 

If you run a one-person operation, you may see ghost policies marketed as a simple, low-cost option. To understand whether they make sense for your situation, it helps to look at how these policies work and where they are allowed. 

What a Ghost Policy Is and How It Works 

A ghost policy is a limited workers compensation policy created for businesses with no employees. Its purpose is mainly to provide documentation, such as a COI, rather than actual injury coverage. In many states, only sole proprietors or business partners are allowed to legally exclude themselves from workers compensation benefits. 

State rules vary widely. Some states permit ghost policies under certain conditions, including: 

• Alabama 
• Florida 
• Georgia 
• Illinois 
• North Carolina1 
• South Carolina 
• Virginia 
• Washington 
• West Virginia 

Other states do not allow ghost policies at all, including: 

• California2 
• Colorado 

Because these rules differ from state to state, and eligibility often depends on how your business is structured, whether you can purchase a ghost policy depends on both your location and your type of business. 

Here is the simple version: 

• You exclude yourself from workers compensation benefits 
• The insurer still issues a COI for compliance 
• You meet contract or state requirements 
• You have no coverage for medical bills or lost wages 
• Anyone you bring on, even temporarily, is not covered 

It looks like traditional coverage on paper, but when something goes wrong, there is no real protection behind it. 

Who Typically Uses a Ghost Policy and Why 

You will most often see ghost policies used by: 

• Independent contractors and tradespeople 
• Sole proprietors with no employees 
• Subcontractors who need a COI to work under a general contractor 

For these business owners, a ghost policy is a fast, low-cost way to meet paperwork requirements when they truly work alone and take on lower risk jobs. 

The Benefits and the Limitations 

Ghost policies have some advantages, but the limitations are important. 

Benefits: 
• Lower cost than a standard workers compensation policy 
• Fast way to obtain a COI for jobs or licensing 
• Simple application and approval process 

Limitations: 
• No coverage for your own injuries 
• No coverage for anyone you hire, even for one day 
• Possible out-of-pocket medical bills if an accident happens 
• Some states restrict or prohibit ghost policies 
• Many LLCs and corporations do not qualify because owners cannot exclude themselves 

A ghost policy can satisfy a requirement, but it does not protect you financially. 

When a Ghost Policy Is Not Enough 

A ghost policy only works when you truly operate alone. It is not enough if: 

• You hire help, subcontract work, or bring on day labor 
• You work in higher risk environments such as construction 
• A general contractor requires proof of full workers compensation insurance 
• Your state requires actual owner coverage based on your business structure 

Even having a family member help briefly can change your liability. It is very easy to outgrow a ghost policy without realizing it. 

Better Alternatives to Consider 

If a ghost policy does not match your situation, here are stronger choices: 

Workers Compensation Insurance: Provides medical care and wage replacement for workplace injuries. Required in many states as soon as you hire anyone or bring on regular help. 

General Liability Insurance: Covers third party injuries and property damage. Often required on job sites and by general contractors. 

Business Owners Policy: Combines general liability, commercial property coverage, and business interruption insurance in one plan. 

These options offer real protection and can grow with your business. 

Is a Ghost Policy Right for You? How Gild Can Help 

A ghost policy can work for a true one-person operation, but it is rarely a long-term solution. It also depends on where you live, how your business is set up, and whether you plan to grow or hire help. 

Gild Insurance Agency can help you understand whether a ghost policy fits your situation or if another type of coverage will protect your time, income, and peace of mind. You can schedule a call with a Gild Agent or get a personalized quote online. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a ghost policy?

A ghost policy is a workers compensation policy where the owner excludes themselves, which produces a COI but offers no injury coverage. 

Can I hire someone if I have a ghost policy? 

No. Hiring even one person for any period of time creates liability and leaves you uncovered. 

Do all states allow ghost policies? 

No. Some states limit or prohibit them, and eligibility often depends on your business structure. 

Does a ghost policy include general liability insurance? 

No. It covers only the workers compensation COI requirement. It does not include liability protection. 

Who qualifies for a ghost policy? 

Usually sole proprietors or partners with no employees. Many LLCs and corporations do not qualify based on state rules. 

  1. https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/business-insurance/workers-compensation  ↩︎
  2. https://www.dir.ca.gov/DWC/FactSheets/Employer_FactSheet.pdf  ↩︎
Categories
Insurance Small Business General Tariffs

Warning: Coffee Prices Going Up! Tariffs on Coffee & Chocolate Are Squeezing Margins 

Coffee shop employee pouring coffee

Small business owners, brace for a jolt!  Coffee prices are going up as new U.S. tariffs spike coffee, chocolate, and cocoa costs starting August 1, 2025. Cafes, bakeries, and chocolatiers, your budgets are about to take a hit. 

At Gild, we’re tracking this margin-crusher. Supply shortages already inflate ingredient costs, and these tariffs will squeeze your margins tighter. Importing beans or cocoa? Act now. Recalculate costs and warn your customers. Stay sharp and keep your biz brewing! 

So, What’s the Deal—Are Tariffs to Blame for Coffee Prices Going Up?

Yes! In April 2025, the first round of tariffs hiked prices. Now, the U.S. is slapping a 50 percent tariff on Brazil, which currently supplies about one-third of all American coffee. Imports from Vietnam and Indonesia? They’re looking at 20 percent and 19 percent tariffs, respectively. Most other countries? A 10 percent base rate.  

These hikes land in a market already wrestling with chaotic pricing, and at Gild, we’re seeing just how much it’s squeezing small business owners. Since 2022, coffee prices have surged more than 70 percent.  

Why? Think climate chaos and tangled supply chains. Droughts, frost, and fires in top-producing regions like Brazil, plus supply disruptions in Vietnam, have significantly shrunk the bean supply.  

And the bad news doesn’t end with your morning cappuccino. Chocolate is a sweet disaster. A 10% base tariff on chocolate imports, plus 20% for EU chocolate, 31% on Swiss chocolate, and 10% on raw cocoa from Ivory Coast doesn’t deliver the cocoa glow-up small business owners are hoping for. 

Why Are Chocolate Prices Going Up?  

Cocoa prices have absolutely exploded, quadrupling from $2,500 to almost $10,000 per metric ton. Droughts, devastating crop disease, and regional instability, especially in West Africa where most of the world’s cocoa comes from, continue to shrink global supply.  

If you’ve wondered why your bean and bar costs feel out of control, now you know. Global scarcity already pushed prices sky-high and these new tariffs will send them into orbit. 

Current Tariff Rates And Pricing Strategies 

Here’s how the new tariffs stack up. Whether you source beans, bars, or bulk ingredients, these numbers show just how much your costs could rise. 

Coffee:  

  • 50% on Brazilian imports  
  • 20% on coffee from Vietnam  
  • 19% on coffee from Indonesia  
  • 10% baseline tariff for most other countries  

Chocolate and Cocoa:  

  • 10% base tariff on all chocolate  
  • 20% on chocolate from the EU  
  • 31% on chocolate from Switzerland  
  • 10% on raw cocoa from Ivory Coast  

These aren’t just minor bumps. For many businesses, ingredient costs could spike 10 to 25 percent or more, depending on where you source and how much you import.  

Why Prices Going Up Matters Right Now

These tariffs aren’t arriving in a calm sea. Small businesses already battle higher labor costs, rising rent, and other surging overhead. If you rely on imported chocolate or specialty coffee beans, brace yourself for a price jump. That shift impacts your menu, your customer relationships, and frankly, your very survival strategy.  

How This Plays Out Across Industries:  

  • Coffee Shops: Expect higher bean costs, fewer affordable specialty options, and tough pricing decisions.  
  • Bakeries: If your recipes call for cocoa or premium coffee, you’ll feel the squeeze.  
  • Chocolatiers: You’re facing the most intense pressure. With cocoa already at historic highs, these added tariffs create a bitter recipe. 

No matter your setup, the reality is the same; higher costs are coming fast, and small businesses will feel it first. Now’s the time to reassess pricing, tighten margins where you can, and get ahead of the changes before they hit your bottom line . . . again. 

The Uneven Playing Field 

Let’s be real: Large corporations have armies of lawyers and supply chain gurus to navigate these choppy waters. They can hedge, diversify, and absorb hits in ways small businesses simply can’t. These tariffs, whether intentionally or not, tend to favor the giants. It’s an uneven field, now even more so.  

What Small Businesses Can Do Now: 

  • Review your suppliers and sourcing options.  
  • Run pricing scenarios based on updated import costs.  
  • Be transparent with customers about why changes are happening.  
  • Consider adjusting your menu to address high-tariff ingredients.

The Final Pour – Brace for Impact And Stay Sharp  

These tariffs don’t just affect global trade. They hit every small business that serves a cappuccino, a brownie, or a bonbon. You don’t need to panic, but you do need a plan. 

That’s where Gild comes in: smarter coverage, realistic pricing, and support that truly gets small business. You can get a quote online anytime or schedule a time to talk to a Gild agent about your coverage needs. 

Starting August 1, your raw materials will cost more and your margins will feel it. Stay sharp. Stay resilient. The pressure is real, but so is your ability to adapt and thrive.  

1 https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/traders-rush-land-brazilian-coffee-us-before-trumps-50-tariff-2025-07-16

2 https://www.reuters.com/business/us-coffee-orange-juice-prices-could-surge-if-trumps-brazil-tariffs-stick-2025-07-10

3 https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/commodities/cocoa-prices

Categories
Small Business General Insurance Tariffs

The Big Beautiful Bill Drops! What Now?!

Women reading information about the "Big Beautiful Bill" and how Gild can support her small business.

It’s official, the Big Beautiful Bill is law! It’s shiny, it’s sprawling, and it’s packed with updates that hit home for small businesses. From healthcare shakeups to deduction perks, the Big Beautiful Bill brings major changes straight to your doorstep, without you even having to hit “Buy Now.” So, what exactly is in this beauty? 

The Big Beautiful Bill. Healthcare Rewritten. Confusion Guaranteed.

If you’re a small-business owner who’s been sending employees (or yourself) to the ACA marketplace for health coverage. . . time to buckle up. The Big Beautiful Bill just gave it a makeover, and let’s just say it’s not exactly as beautiful for you. 

Higher Costs, Fewer Choices Ahead

First up, those juicy premium tax credits that have made coverage somewhat affordable for the past few years? They hit the road at the end of 2025. That means higher premiums in 2026 for millions who rely on marketplace plans, including plenty of self-employed folks and small business teams. Spoiler: “affordable” is about to become a relative term again. 

And it’s not just the prices going up. The new law tightens eligibility and adds pre-verification rules that could delay or even block access to subsidies. Translation: more paperwork, more waiting, and more people falling through the cracks. Oh, and if you liked those zero-premium plans? Those might be going the way of the fax machine. 

On top of everything else, the enrollment window is shrinking.  All this could lead to millions losing marketplace coverage, according to early estimates. Early estimates suggest millions could lose marketplace coverage. Great timing, right? 

Bottom line, the ACA marketplace just got a lot less friendly for the small-business crowd. Fewer options, more confusion, and for many, a bigger bill. 

The Silver Lining: New Deductions That Actually Help Your Bottom Line 

Okay, so the Big Beautiful Bill isn’t all bad news. Yes, it’s absolutely tightening up healthcare access, but it’s also delivering some real tax perks that small businesses, especially hands-on pros, shouldn’t overlook. 

First up: Business Personal Property Deductions!  

The Big Beautiful Bill broadens the deduction possibilities for small businesses, allowing for full deductions on business personal property. That means the new tools, tech, furniture, and equipment you purchase may now qualify for full, upfront deductions. No more waiting years to write off those purchases; you can lower your taxable income right away. Whether you’re a tattoo artist buying fresh ink, a massage therapist replacing a table, or a landscaper upgrading a mower, these expanded deductions make it easier to reinvest in your business. 

Next Up: No Tax On Tips!  

Buried deep in the Big Beautiful Bill, there’s a bright spot, tips are now deductible at the federal level. Starting in 2025, businesses that rely on tipping, think salons, bars, restaurants, spas can write off what they pay out in tips to employees and even some contractors. It’s a rare case of tax policy doing small businesses a solid. 

Under the new rule, workers in qualifying tipped jobs can deduct up to $25,000 in tip income from their federal taxable income each year through 2028. The deduction starts to phase out at $150,000 in income, or $300,000 for joint filers, but remember, this deduction only applies to federal income tax. 

In a monumental shift, beauty businesses like salons and barbershops are finally included. These shops have long been left out of the tax breaks enjoyed by restaurants, despite relying just as heavily on tips. Now, with 83 percent of beauty professionals being women and nearly half of businesses minority-owned, the industry gets some long-overdue recognition and relief. 

On average, tipped workers stand to save about $1,700 a year. The total projected savings? $6.5 billion in 2025 alone. 

It might not undo the rest of the bill’s tougher terms, but for service-based small businesses, this deduction is a silver lining worth cashing in on. 

Big Bill Energy. Small Biz Support. 

The Big Beautiful Bill may be a mixed bag, but you don’t need a flashlight and a legal dictionary to make sense of it. At Gild, we help small business owners cut through the noise and spot the silver linings, like the new tip deduction or expanded write-offs tucked inside the fine print. 

So while the bill isn’t exactly doing small businesses any favors across the board, there are still smart ways to come out ahead. Here’s how we’ve got your back: 

Health coverage that sticks around 

No more racing the clock or stressing about missing enrollment season. With Gild, you can access affordable health plans all year. No confusing deadlines. No waiting periods. 

👉 Enroll Today 

Loan options to help you move fast 

Ready to take advantage of new deductions or invest in a refresh? Whether you need tools, equipment, or a full remodel, we’ve partnered with Owners Bank to help you find funding that fits your goals. 

👉 Let Owners Bank Help Fund Your Next Move 

The bill might not be pretty, but your next move can be. Let Gild Insurance help you make it a smart one. 

Categories
Small Business General Insurance Tariffs

Shop Small North Carolina: Why Local Makers Need You Now

two business owners to show how to shop small North Carolina

North Carolina’s local makers are under pressure. From Black Mountain to Beaufort, artisans, retailers, and craftspeople are doing more with less; facing higher supply costs, smaller margins, and stiff competition from national and online brands.

At Gild Insurance, we see what’s at stake. These aren’t just businesses. They are the soul of North Carolina’s communities. If we don’t act now to support and protect them, we risk losing the creative energy and local character that makes this state thrive.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to shop small North Carolina and to understand what these makers are really up against.

Shop Small North Carolina to Keep Local Businesses Thriving

Nearly 99.6% of all North Carolina businesses are small businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. But many of these shops, especially locally made brands, are at risk.

Here’s why:

  • Tariff hikes on imported materials like textiles, metals, and ceramics are raising costs for artists, crafters, and manufacturers across the state.
  • Small businesses don’t have the same bulk-buying power or storage capacity as national chains, making cost fluctuations harder to absorb.
  • Local economic activity is directly tied to small business spending. For every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays in the community (Forbes).

If we want to keep the heart of North Carolina’s economy beating, we must shop small North Carolina and invest in the makers who power our communities.

To help small businesses respond to rising costs and operational strain, Gild created the free Survive Tariffs Runbook. This downloadable guide is packed with practical tips, cost-saving strategies, and insurance insights tailored for makers and retailers navigating today’s volatile market. From sourcing alternatives to managing shipping risks, the Runbook gives local business owners the tools to adapt without losing momentum.

Why Tariffs Are Squeezing North Carolina Makers

The most recent round of U.S. tariffs, set to take effect in 2024 and 2025, is hitting product categories that impact thousands of local retailers and artists:

  • Toys and children’s goods
  • Textiles and apparel
  • Kitchenware, ceramics, and home décor
  • Tools and industrial parts

Without action, more independent shops and makers will be priced out of their markets. The best protection? At Gild Insurance, we believe that it is a combination of smart financial planning, localized supply strategies, and business insurance designed to minimize disruption.

How Gild Insurance Helps Local Makers Stay in Business

Tariffs and supply chain disruptions aren’t just budget issues. They’re business continuity risks. If a shipment is delayed, damaged, or stolen, many small shops can’t afford the hit.

Gild Insurance helps North Carolina makers plan ahead with:

If something does go wrong, Gild’s Claims Concierge is ready to help fast-track your recovery—whether you’re repairing storm damage, handling a property loss, or navigating a customer claim.

Protect What You’ve Built Before It’s Too Late

Whether you’re a maker or a supporter of local businesses, your choices matter. Small shops shape our neighborhoods, create jobs, and preserve the creative spirit that makes North Carolina unique. But they can’t do it alone. Here is what you can do to help:


✅ Support your local shops this season

📘 Download the Survive Tariffs Runbook to start implementing smarter cost strategies and prepare for pricing instability before it impacts your bottom line

📞 Schedule a call with a Gild Insurance agent today or get your quote online in minutes. Don’t wait until another shipment is delayed or a claim derails your business. Protect it now.