Zensurance Small Business Insights
News and resources for Canadian small businesses and startups covering the economic and business insurance landscape.
Recent posts
What Is Small Business Insurance (And Do You Need It?)
From liability lawsuits to fire damage, here's what small business insurance covers, what it costs in Canada, and how to tell if your business needs it.
What Insurance Does a Cybersecurity Consultant Need?
Cybersecurity consultants in Canada typically need four coverages: professional liability (errors and omissions), cyber liability, commercial general liability, and business contents insurance. The reason is simple. Clients blame the person who told them they were secure.
6 Real Cyber Insurance Claims Canadian Small Businesses Filed in 2026
Phishing, ransomware, and DDoS attacks keep evolving, and Canadian small businesses are squarely in cybercriminals' crosshairs. Here are six real claims we helped clients recover from – payouts from $25,000 to more than $250,000 – and what they mean for your business, whatever industry you're in.
What Type of Insurance Do Software Developers Need?
Software developers build the systems everything else runs on, and carry the liability when something breaks. Here's the coverage Canadian devs, freelancers, and dev shops actually need, and what each policy does when a claim lands.
How Much Is Commercial Vehicle Insurance in Canada?
The cost of commercial vehicle insurance in Canada varies by insurer. Here's what drives your rate, why business vehicles cost more to insure than personal ones, and how to keep your premium down.
Winter-Proofing Your Commercial Property: 10 Steps to Take Before the First Freeze
Don't let winter put your business property at risk. A few hours of prep in the fall can save you a five-figure repair bill in January. Here are 10 ways Canadian small business owners can safeguard their commercial property this season, and how commercial property insurance covers what prevention can't.
Small Business Tips
Are Commercial Insurance Premiums Tax Deductible in Canada?
Small business owners know many business-related expenses can help lower taxable income. But what about insurance premiums? The short answer is yes, but it doesn't apply to all types of coverage. Here's exactly what Canadian owners can write off.
How to Do a Business Name Search in Canada
A memorable business name builds brand awareness, drives loyalty and sales, and helps you hire. Here's how to search Canada's business registries and trademark database, order a NUANS report, and register your name step-by-step.
Renting to Students: A Canadian Landlord’s Guide
Thousands of students are hunting for off-campus housing right now – and that makes late summer the busiest stretch of the year for landlords. Here's how to prepare your rental property, screen student tenants, set lease terms that hold up, and protect yourself from the liability risks that come with the territory.
Insurance
8 Things That Are Scarier Than Halloween (For Business Owners)
Ghost stories and haunted houses are all in good fun. What should genuinely frighten Canadian small business owners? Lawsuits, cyberattacks, and running a business with no coverage at all. Here are eight real-life scares – and how the right business insurance makes each one less scary.
What Insurance Do Real Estate Property Managers in Canada Need?
You run the building. You don't own it. That gap is exactly where the owner's insurance stops and your liability starts. Here’s what residential and commercial property managers need to know about protecting their livelihoods.
Franchise Insurance Requirements in Canada: What Your Franchise Agreement Requires
Your franchise agreement spells out the coverage you must carry before opening day. Here’s what each clause means, what it costs in Canada, and how to get your certificate in hand fast.
Financial Business Tips
Canadian Small Business Tax Filing Tips for 2026
Tax season is fast approaching, and small business owners and self-employed professionals should start preparing now rather than later. Get a rundown of important dates and how to reduce your chances of being audited.
Federal Budget 2025: How Does It Impact Small Businesses in Canada?
Although there are no tax cuts for small businesses, the 2025 federal budget is designed to foster business growth, encourage innovation, and simplify small business owners' access to government initiatives. Here’s what business owners need to know.
What Is Inflation? A Guide for Small Business Owners in Canada
Inflation isn't simply about rising prices. It's about supply and demand imbalances. This guide explores the definition of inflation, its impact on interest rates, and ideas for Canadian small businesses to manage its effects.
Cybersecurity
What Is Smishing? How Text Scam Attacks Work & How to Stop Them
Smishing is growing due to artificial intelligence (AI) tools that create realistic text scams. Learn how to recognize smishing messages, protect your small business from attacks, and how cyber liability insurance can help your company after an attack.
7 Cyber Insurance Claims We Saw in 2025
Only 7.6% of Canadian business owners regard a cybersecurity incident as their most significant liability risk, despite more than 53% of businesses having experienced a cyber-attack in 2025. Here are 7 real-life cyber claims our clients’ cyber insurance policies covered to keep them in business.
10 Cybersecurity Risks to Small Businesses in 2025
Cyber-related threats and attacks on businesses are constantly evolving. Cyber insurance is a crucial component of any business insurance policy, but so is being aware of the threats that could imperil your business. Here are 10 cyber risks to watch out for this year.
Startup Tips
How to Become a CrossFit Instructor
A CrossFit coach or instructor is a fitness professional trained to teach, motivate, and supervise individuals or groups performing high-intensity CrossFit workouts. See our guide on how to establish your career as a CrossFit trainer in Canada, and how to protect your finances with liability insurance.
How to Start a Business in British Columbia (B.C.)
Thinking of venturing out on your own and starting a small business in Canada’s westernmost province? This brief guide aims to simplify the process of starting a business in British Columbia (B.C.). Learn what the essential legal requirements are, how to structure your company, and the steps you should take to bring your ambitions to life.
How to Become a Life Coach in Canada (in 7 Steps)
If you’re thinking of becoming a life coach, consider your strengths and passions to help pick an area of expertise. But being a life coach also means you need to think like a business owner.