Gild Insurance Blog

How Do Tariffs Affect Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs and How to Respond Now

Post author By Heather
Post date May 21, 2025

The Liberation Day tariffs are here and for U.S. small businesses, the impact is immediate and personal. Rising household costs and skyrocketing business expenses are squeezing margins from both sides. Entrepreneurs are getting hit twice: at home and at work. From food trucks and retail shops to consulting firms and manufacturers, small business owners are feeling the pressure. How do tariffs affect small businesses and entrepreneurs? The short answer: financially, operationally, and strategically.

That’s why Gild Insurance created the Tariffs Runbook . A resource built specifically to help small businesses adapt, survive, and protect their operations during ongoing trade disruptions.

If you want practical strategies to stay ahead, cut costs, and safeguard your future, this guide is a must-read.

How Tariffs Affect Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs on the Ground

Real-time market data shows that the impact of tariffs is accelerating faster than many expected:

Import Dependency: States like California and Texas, source over 20% of small business inputs from now-tariffed countries. In industries like electronics and textiles, reliance can exceed 50%. (National Retail Federation, 2024)

Cash Flow Pressures: About 20% of U.S. small businesses have fewer than four months of cash reserves (Source: PYMNTS, 2025). Rising costs from tariffs and slowing consumer demand could push many to the brink by mid-2025 if conditions persist.

Supply Chain Disruptions: Port delays at major hubs like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and New York/New Jersey are affecting 10–20% of shipments, contributing to inventory shortages and delivery backlogs (Source: Seavantage, 2025).

These pressures aren’t theoretical, they’re happening now. The businesses that adapt early will survive and thrive.

Get the strategies you need inside the Tariffs Runbook — built for small business owners like you.

Why It’s Critical to Act Now

Tariffs aren’t a temporary problem; they’re part of a broader shift toward protectionism. Without a plan, small businesses risk:

Shrinking profit margins

Lost customer loyalty due to price hikes

Increased operational downtime

Greater vulnerability to supply chain disruptions

You don’t have to figure this out alone.
The Gild Tariffs Runbook helps you assess your exposure, rethink your supplier strategies, and protect your business with smart risk management moves.

What’s Inside the Tariffs Runbook (And Why You Need It)

The Tariffs Runbook offers actionable guidance without the fluff, including:

Insurance Risk Audit: How the right coverage shields your business from ripple effects like delays, lawsuits, and revenue loss.

State Level Risk Snapshots: Breaking down where tariffs will hit the hardest in 2025.

Risk Identification Checklist: Spot hidden tariff vulnerabilities across your supply chain.

Partner Resources: How Gild partners can help you reduce costs and give your business access to affordable services beyond insurance.

Don’t let tariff uncertainty catch you off guard. Download your Tariffs Runbook now.

How Gild Helps Beyond Tariffs: Partner Resources to Reduce Costs

Need help finding more savings beyond insurance? Gild works with vetted partners who offer real solutions:

Rocket Lawyer – Affordable legal help for renegotiating contracts or adding tariff clauses

RangeMe – Connect with domestic and tariff-exempt suppliers

Envision Payroll – Streamline back-office operations and reduce labor costs

Owners Bank – Smart financing options to weather short-term cash flow disruptions.

By leveraging these partnerships, small business owners can strengthen their operations, streamline expenses, and stay resilient—no matter how trade policies shift.

Protect What You’ve Built

You’ve worked too hard to let global trade shifts derail your success.

Download the Tariffs Runbook today to stay informed, stay protected, and stay ahead.

Want personalized help? Schedule a call with Gild Insurance and discover smarter ways to protect your business—now and into the future

Business Owners Policy (BOP) Electrician Liability Insurance Workers' Compensation

Electrical Contractors Insurance: Avoid These Costly Errors

Post author By Heather
Post date May 19, 2025

When you work as an electrical contractor, precision is everything. A single error, like incorrect wiring or poor documentation, can lead to property damage, injuries, or lawsuits. That’s why securing the right electrical contractors insurance is more than a formality—it’s your safety net.

Gild Insurance helps contractors protect what they’ve built by avoiding the most common and expensive insurance missteps. Here’s how to sidestep the top five.

Mistake #1: Relying on Basic Electrical Contractors Insurance Alone

Many contractors assume general liability coverage is enough. It’s a great start but far from complete.

Why this is risky:

General liability only covers third-party injuries and property damage
It doesn’t protect against faulty workmanship, subcontractor mistakes, or design errors
You may be liable for claims that exceed your policy limits

📌 Pro Tip: Make sure your electrical contractors insurance also includes:

Want more details? See our related blog: Essential General Liability Insurance for Electrical Contractors.

Mistake #2: Overlooking Workers’ Compensation Requirements

Electricians regularly face serious hazards, from ladder falls to electrical shock. If you have any employees, most states legally require workers’ comp.

Common consequences of skipping it:

Fines or license suspension
Full responsibility for medical bills and lost wages
Lawsuits from injured workers

🔗 Learn more from OSHA’s electrical safety guidelines.
At Gild, we make it easy to meet legal requirements while protecting your crew.

Mistake #3: Failing to Insure Your Tools and Equipment

From drills to generators, your tools are essential—and expensive to replace. Unfortunately, many policies don’t automatically include equipment protection.

What to include in your policy:

Equipment breakdown insurance
Theft and vandalism coverage
Inland marine insurance for tools in transit

With the right electrical contractors insurance, you can work confidently knowing your gear is protected with Gild Insurance’s Business Owners Policy; wherever the job takes you.

Mistake #4: Choosing the Cheapest Electrical Contractors Insurance

Going with the lowest premium might save you money today but cost you a lot tomorrow.

Low-cost policies often come with:

Higher deductibles
Limited coverage exclusions
Lower policy limits

💡 Smart move: Get a tailored quote from Gild. We’ll walk you through side-by-side policy options so you’re not stuck with unexpected gaps.

👉 Start your quote now and avoid costly surprises.

Mistake #5: Outdated Electrical Contractors Insurance Can Leave You Exposed

As your electrical contracting business evolves, so do your risks. If your coverage hasn’t kept pace with new projects, hires, or tools, you could be operating with dangerous gaps in protection.

Here are some real-world triggers that signal it’s time for a policy review:

You haven’t reviewed your insurance in over a year
You’ve recently hired subcontractors or expanded your crew
You’ve taken on larger or more complex projects than before
You’ve upgraded tools, vehicles, or job site equipment

Even if your policy was a perfect fit when you first purchased it, your business may now face risks it’s not fully insured against. That’s why regular check-ins with your Gild agent are so important. You can use our scheduling link to get started.

Electrical contractors insurance should evolve with your business—so you’re not caught off guard when a claim happens.

Protect Your Business with Gild Insurance

Avoiding these common errors can mean the difference between staying on track—or losing thousands to a claim. Gild Insurance is here to help you stay covered, stay compliant, and stay confident.

Start your custom quote today—so you’re protected before the next job begins.

Cyber Insurance Restaurant

Restaurant Business Insurance: Protecting Customer Data from Hacks

Post author By Heather
Post date May 16, 2025

As a restaurant owner, you already know the importance of fire safety, food liability, and workers’ comp coverage. But in today’s digital world, another serious risk looms behind the scenes: cyberattacks. From stolen credit card numbers to hacked loyalty apps, data breaches can put your customers, and your reputation, at risk. This is where restaurant business insurance plays a critical role.

At Gild Insurance, we help restaurants of all sizes—from food trucks to upscale bistros—protect what matters most, including your customer data. If you’re collecting payments, managing online reservations, or storing customer info, it’s time to take cyber risks seriously.

The Cyber Threats Facing Modern Restaurants

Restaurants are increasingly reliant on technology to run smoothly. You might use:

POS systems that store cardholder data
Online ordering platforms with customer login details
Mobile apps offering loyalty perks
Cloud-based payroll and scheduling tools

While these tools increase efficiency, they also open the door to hackers. A single breach could cost thousands in regulatory fines, legal fees, lost trust, and even downtime.

With tailored restaurant business insurance, you can shield your business from these digital threats and focus on serving your guests—not damage control.

Cyber Liability Coverage in Your Restaurant Business Insurance Plan

A strong protection plan should include cyber liability insurance, which offers protection against data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other digital exposures.

This coverage can help pay for:

Forensic investigations
Customer notification and credit monitoring
Public relations and reputation management
Regulatory defense and penalties
Business interruption from system shutdowns

If you’re not sure whether your current policy includes cyber liability, our team at Gild can help you review and update your plan to reflect the realities of today’s digital environment.

Go Beyond with Tailored Restaurant Business Insurance

Many restaurant owners assume that general liability is enough. But general liability typically won’t cover cyber incidents. That’s why we’ve created restaurant business insurance bundles that can be customized to include:

Cyber liability for data protection
Property insurance for fire, water, and theft
General liability for customer injuries or lawsuits
Workers’ compensation for employee accidents

Adding cyber liability to your restaurant business insurance isn’t just a precaution—it’s a smart investment in long-term security.

If you haven’t already, check out our past blogs on property and liability risks and workers’ compensation insurance for restaurants to see how these coverages work together to fully protect your business.

How Much Does Restaurant Business Insurance Cost?

The cost of restaurant business insurance depends on several factors such as your business size, location, number of employees, and the type of coverage you choose. Cyber liability coverage may slightly increase your premium, but the financial protection it offers in the event of a data breach is well worth it.

Still have questions about pricing or policy details? Visit our FAQ page to learn more.

Final Thoughts: Is Your Restaurant Data Really Safe?

If you’re using digital tools to take orders, pay staff, or promote your menu, you need restaurant business insurance that goes beyond slips and spills. Cyber threats are real, and the best way to prepare is to partner with a provider that understands your business.

Gild makes it easy to get covered online, compare policies, and get expert support at every step. Don’t let one hack undo years of hard work. Let’s protect what you’ve built—inside the kitchen and in the cloud.

Ready to Protect Your Restaurant?

Get a quote today for restaurant business insurance that includes cyber liability coverage. Gild makes it simple, fast, and tailored to the way you run your business.

Handyman Liability Insurance

Handyman Insurance: General Liability vs. Professional Liability

Post author By Heather
Post date May 15, 2025

When you’re running a handyman business, every job site holds opportunity—and risk. Gild Insurance makes it easy to protect your business with handyman insurance solutions that match your real-world needs. Whether you’re fixing a leak, remodeling a room, or installing fixtures, you’re just one mistake away from an expensive claim. That’s why it’s important to understand the two core pillars of protection: general liability and professional liability insurance.

If you’ve read our blog, “One Job Away from Risk? Get Handyman Liability Insurance ,” you already know that handyman work comes with its share of surprises. Let’s break down the differences between these essential coverages so you can build a stronger defense against the unexpected.

What Is Handyman Insurance?

Handyman insurance is a set of policies designed to shield you from the risks that come with residential or commercial repair work. It helps cover legal fees, medical bills, property damage, and professional mistakes that could otherwise drain your business’s finances. Instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all policy, Gild Insurance helps you customize coverage based on the types of jobs you take, the tools you use, and the clients you serve.

Two of the most critical coverages to understand are general liability and professional liability.

General Liability Insurance: The Everyday Safety Net

General liability is the foundation of a strong handyman insurance plan. It protects you when physical accidents or property damage happen during your work.

General liability coverage can help with claims like:

A customer trips over your ladder and breaks their wrist.
You accidentally damaged a client’s hardwood floors while moving equipment.
A paint spill ruins an expensive carpet.

Without general liability insurance, even a minor accident could lead to thousands of dollars in medical bills or legal fees. This coverage is often required to get hired by property managers, commercial clients, and homeowners’ associations.

Tip: Many states and clients require proof of general liability insurance before allowing handymen on the job site, so staying covered isn’t just smart—it’s essential for business growth.

Professional Liability Insurance: Protecting Against Errors and Advice

Professional liability, sometimes called “errors and omissions” (E&O) insurance, protects you from claims related to the quality of your work or advice you give to clients.

You might need professional liability coverage if:

A client says your drywall installation wasn’t up to code and demands costly repairs.
You recommend a fix that fails, causing more damage later.
A client sues over project delays or unsatisfactory workmanship.

Unlike general liability, which focuses on physical accidents, professional liability addresses mistakes in your craftsmanship or service. Having this protection built into your handyman insurance plan helps you safeguard your reputation and stay resilient, even if an honest mistake turns into a legal dispute.

Why Both General and Professional Liability Matter for Handymen

A complete handyman insurance package includes both types of coverage because accidents and allegations can happen on the same job.

For example: You could drop a heavy tool through a window (general liability) and later be blamed for using the wrong sealant on a project (professional liability). Without both policies, you could end up paying two different claims out of pocket—plus legal defense costs.

With Gild, it’s simple to build an insurance plan that fits the real risks you face every day on the job.

How Much Does Handyman Insurance Cost?

The cost of handyman insurance depends on several factors, including:

The type of services you offer
Where your business operates
Your years of experience
The number of employees (if any)
Your claims history

In general, basic handyman insurance is surprisingly affordable, especially compared to the financial impact of an uncovered claim. Gild Insurance makes it easy to shop and compare quotes so you can find a policy that fits your needs—and your budget.

Explore your options in minutes—start your customized quote today.

Protect Your Business with Gild

Running a handyman business means wearing a lot of hats: project manager, technician, customer service rep—and risk manager. You shouldn’t have to navigate insurance alone. Gild Insurance helps make the process fast, clear, and tailored to your business reality.

Take the guesswork out of coverage—explore your options and see your quote in just a few clicks.

Business Owners Policy (BOP) Commercial Auto Cyber Insurance Food Trailer Liability Insurance Workers' Compensation

From Kitchen to Curb: A Guide to Commercial Food Truck Insurance

Post author By Heather
Post date May 13, 2025

Food trucks may be mobile, but the risks they face are constant. From grease fires and vehicle collisions to customer illnesses and equipment theft, operating a food truck comes with serious exposures. That’s why having the right commercial food truck insurance isn’t optional — it’s essential to staying open and on the road.

At Gild Insurance , we help small business owners, including food truck operators, build flexible insurance plans that match the real risks of life on the road. Whether you park at festivals, breweries, office parks, or college campuses, the right coverage helps ensure you can keep serving up success.

What Is Commercial Food Truck Insurance?

Running a food truck combines elements of the restaurant and transportation industries. Your risks are just as diverse as your daily menu. Commercial food truck insurance meets those needs by bundling several key coverages into one simple policy. Instead of juggling different plans for your vehicle, kitchen equipment, and liability exposures, you can protect everything under one roof.

A typical plan includes:

General Liability: Covers third-party injuries or property damage. If a customer slips while ordering or gets sick from your food, this coverage helps with legal and medical costs.
Commercial Auto Insurance: Protects your truck if you’re involved in an accident while driving to events or food truck rallies.
Property Coverage: Covers your cooking appliances, generators, cash registers, signage, and supplies against fire, theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
Workers’ Compensation: Pays for medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation if an employee gets hurt while working.
Business Interruption Insurance: Replaces lost income if your truck is temporarily out of service due to a covered incident like a fire or breakdown.

Many policies also offer optional endorsements for spoilage, cyber liability (for mobile payment systems), and special event coverage. With these options, you can customize your commercial food truck insurance to fit how—and where—you operate.

How Commercial Food Truck Insurance Differs from Food Trailer Insurance

If you’ve operated a food trailer before, you’ll notice some key differences. Our post on “Food Trailer Insurance: What Every Food Truck Owner Needs to Know,” explains why insurance needs shift depending on your setup. Food trucks carry higher mobility risks, more on-site cooking hazards, and sometimes require additional auto coverage.

Why Tailored Commercial Food Truck Insurance Matters

Some food truck owners assume their personal auto policy or general business insurance is enough. Unfortunately, that assumption can leave costly gaps. With insurance tailored to your operation, you can protect:

Equipment that travels with your business
Your truck and trailer under one auto liability plan
Your customers from foodborne illness claims
Your income at events through special event endorsements

Your insurance should move with you; whether you’re at a stadium, a local brewery, or a bustling festival.

How Much Does Commercial Food Truck Insurance Cost?

Premiums depend on your location, truck value, equipment, cooking methods, employee count, and daily mileage. For instance, trucks using deep fryers face different risks, and costs, than those serving pre-packaged goods.

Instead of guessing, Gild helps you find the right fit. Explore our FAQ page to see how coverage options affect pricing, or start a quote today.

Why Choose Gild for Your Insurance Plan?

At Gild Insurance, we make protecting your food truck easy. Our advisors help you:

Identify coverage requirements for your state and event locations
Close gaps that could leave your business vulnerable
Get quick online quotes and responsive, expert support

Plus, we connect you with trusted partners to streamline every part of your business. Not just insurance.

Ready to Roll?

From permits to catering contracts, the food truck business moves fast. Gild helps you stay protected with insurance built for the pace of your work.

Start your quote today and get the commercial food truck insurance you need to roll forward—without the roadblocks.