Zensurance Small Business Insights
News and resources for Canadian small businesses and startups covering the economic and business insurance landscape.
Recent posts
Commercial Auto Insurance in Canada: The Complete Guide for Business Owners
Driving for work in Canada? Most personal car insurance won't cover accidents or damage when you're using your vehicle for business. Here's why you need commercial auto insurance.
What Do Changes to Commercial Auto Insurance in Ontario Mean for Your Business?
Ontario is making several accident benefits optional in commercial auto insurance policies starting July 1, 2026. Here's what's changing, who's most at risk if they opt out, and what you should do before your policy renews.
Landlord Insurance in Canada: What It Covers and Why You Need It
Your standard home insurance policy probably doesn't cover your rental property, and that gap can cost you thousands. Here's exactly what landlord insurance covers, what it doesn't, and how to make sure you're protected.
When Can the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Audit Your Small Business?
Every business owner hopes they won’t experience a CRA audit, but it’s important to be prepared to deal with one all the same. This guide explains what happens during a CRA audit or investigation, what your rights and responsibilities are, and the insurance that helps manage the cost of legal representation for an audit.
Will Home Insurance Cover Your Airbnb or VRBO Rental?
Renting your home on Airbnb or VRBO? Your home insurance probably won't cover you. Here's what Canadian short-term rental hosts need to know, and what insurance actually will.
9 Real Summertime Business Insurance Claims in Canada (And How They Were Covered)
Summer brings more customers, more activity – and more risk. Here are 9 real insurance claims our Canadian small business clients made last summer, and exactly how their coverage protected them.
Small Business Tips
Zensurance Business Grant Winner 2025: Steadiwear
We're excited to introduce the winners of our third $10,000 and $1,000 small business grants in 2025! Gain valuable insights from their advice for fellow business owners, and understand why they view insurance as essential for their financial security.
Wave + Zensurance: New Partnership to Help Small Businesses Manage Finances
New partnership with Wave helps Zensurance clients effortlessly manage their finances, invoicing, and payroll on a single platform. Zensurance clients receive an exclusive 50% discount on the first three months of Wave’s Pro Plan.
10 Holiday Retail Planning Tips for Small Businesses in Canada
As the holiday season approaches, retailers and online sellers must be prepared to meet the growing demand from cost-conscious shoppers. See our tips for preparing for the festive season and how to protect your finances while growing your bottom line.
Insurance
What Is Heavy Equipment Insurance and What Does It Cover?
Heavy machinery is highly mobile and expensive to replace. Construction companies and contractors who own or rent transportable tools or heavy equipment need coverage to repair or replace them if damage occurs. Learn what counts as heavy equipment, how much coverage costs, and which contractors need it.
What Type of Insurance Do IT Consultants in Canada Need?
IT consultants require comprehensive insurance to minimize financial, legal, and operational risks and avoid financial turmoil. Most IT consultants in Canada need professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, cyber liability, and general liability insurance at a minimum. Here’s what you should know.
Heatwaves: How to Prepare Your Small Business for Extreme Heat
Business owners plan for burst pipes and icy walkways in winter, but extreme heat is easy to underestimate. Here's how to prepare your business for heatwaves and how insurance can help recover from incidents that arise.
Financial Business Tips
10 Business Insurance Claims We Saw in 2023
For some professionals or business owners, buying business insurance is a legal or regulatory requirement. For others, it is not. Either way, it’s wise to do so. Here are 10 real-life reasons why you should.
Will the Bank of Canada Cut Interest Rates in 2024?
The Canadian central bank’s first interest rate decision and announcement of 2024 is hotly anticipated. Will the Bank of Canada announce an interest rate hike, cut, or will it hold its rate steady? Here’s how each possibility may affect small businesses.
How to Get a Small Business Grant in Canada
See our list of grants for Canadian small businesses and startups you can apply for to grow your business and the steps needed to qualify for them.
Cybersecurity
What Is First-Party Fraud and How Can You Protect Your Business From It?
Fraud is a significant financial risk to organizations of all sizes and industries. First-party fraud can be difficult to detect among the many types of fraud. Here’s how you can safeguard your business from it.
How to Protect Your Point-Of-Sale (POS) System From Fraud
Businesses utilizing point-of-sale (POS) terminals and software for financial transactions are susceptible to fraudulent activity. See our tips for preventing POS fraud and get an overview of the types of insurance that can cover your losses if it happens to your company.
How to Avoid Scams When Selling Online
Every retailer selling online or online sellers using third-party marketplaces risks falling prey to fraud and cybercrime. During the busiest shopping season of the year, here are common scams to be wary of and the steps to take to protect your business.
Startup Tips
5 Common Consultant Insurance Claims
The services consultants provide to their customers expose them to many liability risks that can affect their reputations and finances. Here are five real-life insurance claims a handful of our consultant clients faced and how insurance helped them recover.
Blackout: 9 Power Outage Tips for Small Business Owners
No power in your shop means no customers walking through your door. Likewise, no power means no internet. While most power outages or blackouts tend to be short-lived, that’s not always the case. Here’s how you can prepare your business for a sustained outage.
How to Start a Dog Walking Business
Discover the ins and outs of the dog walking business with our guide highlighting the vital skills you need, how to find clients and organize your operations, set prices, and understand your liability insurance needs.