Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

SterlingRisk provides a wide range of insurance solutions, including property & casualty, employee benefits, personal insurance, risk management, and specialty programs for various industries. For a complete list, please visit our website or contact us directly.

You can request a quote by calling us at (516) 487•0300, emailing our team at insure@sterlingrisk.com, or filling out a the Contact Us form on our website. A SterlingRisk representative will work with you to understand your needs and provide a customized quote.

To file a claim, contact your SterlingRisk account manager or our claims department as soon as possible. You can also fill out our online Claim Form.

If you experience changes in your business or personal circumstances, please notify your SterlingRisk representative. We will review your coverage and recommend any necessary adjustments to ensure you remain properly protected.

Yes, SterlingRisk is licensed in all 50 states and SterlingRisk continues to serve clients nationally and internationally. Contact us for details about coverage in your state.

Our main office is located at 135 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797. We also have offices in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Florida, and Indiana.

SterlingRisk is recognized as a Fortune Best Workplaces in New York™ and a Great Place To Work®. We pride ourselves on our client-focused approach, industry expertise, and innovative risk management solutions.

SterlingRisk provides commercial property & casualty, workers’ compensation, liability, business interruption, and industry-specific programs for industries like environmental, construction, and healthcare.

Homeowners, auto, umbrella, life, and specialty insurance for individuals and families.

Group health, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary benefits programs tailored to your workforce.

Risk assessment, loss control, safety training, compliance consulting, and strategic planning.

Yes. Our consultants help businesses navigate regulatory requirements and maintain compliance.

A Certificate of Insurance is a document issued by your insurance company verifying the types and limits of commercial coverage you have. You can typically request a COI by contacting your broker directly or by logging into your agency’s client portal.

A BOP combines three core coverages into a single, cost-effective package.
General Liability: Covers bodily injury or property damage to third parties.
Commercial Property: Protects your physical location, inventory, and equipment from events like fire or theft.
Business Interruption: Replaces lost income and pays for operating expenses if your business must temporarily close due to a covered loss.

Yes. Under New York State law, almost all employers are required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance, which covers medical care and lost wages for employees who are injured or become ill on the job.

Commercial insurance premiums vary greatly based on your industry, revenue, location, and coverage limits. On average, small businesses pay between $500 and $3,000 annually for a basic General Liability policy, while a fully bundled BOP can range from $1,000 to $5,000+ per year.

To find a qualified risk management professional for your restaurant, start by contacting a reputable insurance brokerage like SterlingRisk. Look for specialists with experience in hospitality and restaurant risk management. You can:

• Search for insurance brokers who focus on restaurants.
• Ask for referrals from industry associations (e.g., National Restaurant Association).
• Review credentials and experience with similar businesses.
• Request a risk assessment and a customized plan that covers food safety, liability, property, cyber, and employee risks.

Cyber insurance premiums have risen due to increasing ransomware attacks and stricter underwriting. Insurers are focusing on strong cybersecurity controls. To find an affordable policy:

• Compare quotes from multiple carriers.
• Work with a broker to tailor coverage to your needs.
• Implement robust cyber defenses (multi-factor authentication, employee training) to qualify for discounts.
• Ask about deductible options and coverage limits to manage costs.

To hire an insurance claims compliance consultant in your area:

• Contact SterlingRisk or search for local insurance consulting firms.
• Look for consultants with expertise in claims processing, regulatory compliance, and industry-specific requirements.
• Ask about experience with your type of business and request references.

Small business owners usually select cyber insurance policies that cover:

• Data breach response and notification costs
• Ransomware and extortion
• Business interruption
• Third-party liability for compromised data
• Regulatory fines and penalties

Bundled options and endorsements are available for specific risks. Work with a broker to customize coverage.

Commercial cyber liability insurance typically covers:

• Loss or theft of sensitive data
• Costs to notify affected parties
• Legal defense and settlements
• Ransomware payments
• Business interruption from cyber events
• Regulatory fines

Homeowners insurance usually covers sudden and accidental water damage, such as burst pipes or appliance leaks. It does not cover damage from flooding, sewer backups, or gradual leaks. Flood insurance is a separate policy.

To determine if a specific insurance carrier is admitted in California, check the California Department of Insurance website or consult your broker. Admitted carriers are licensed and regulated by the state, offering policyholder protections.

A-rated carriers (with A or higher ratings from AM Best) for commercial property insurance include:

• Chubb
• Travelers
• Liberty Mutual
• Zurich
• Hartford
• AXA XL
• Nationwide

Ratings change, so consult your broker or AM Best for the latest information.

Surplus lines insurers must comply with NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) guidelines, including:

• Maintaining eligibility as a non-admitted carrier
• Meeting financial and solvency standards
• Reporting and tax remittance requirements for brokers
• Following state-specific surplus lines laws

Brokers must ensure proper documentation and compliance with all regulatory filings.

Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance protects businesses from claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury arising from business operations, products, or premises.

• Third-party bodily injury
• Third-party property damage
• Personal and advertising injury (libel, slander, copyright infringement)
• Legal defense costs / legal expenses

• Employee injuries (covered by workers’ compensation)
• Professional errors (covered by E&O insurance)
• Intentional acts
• Damage to your own property
• Auto accidents (covered by commercial auto insurance)

• Liability coverage (bodily injury and property damage)
• Physical damage coverage (collision and comprehensive)
• Medical payments coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Hired and non-owned auto coverage

Carriers with A+ ratings from AM Best for commercial property insurance often include:

• Chubb
• Travelers
• Zurich
• Liberty Mutual
• AXA XL

Confirm ratings with your broker or AM Best as they change over time.

• First-party coverage (data breach, business interruption, extortion)
• Third-party coverage (liability for compromised data)
• Regulatory fines and penalties
• Network security liability
• Media liability (defamation, copyright infringement)

Many carriers have appetite for large construction risks ($50M+), especially in commercial and infrastructure projects. Options include admitted and surplus lines carriers. Work with a broker to identify carriers specializing in large, complex construction exposures.

Surplus lines carriers offering cyber insurance include:

• Beazley
• AXA XL
• Lloyd’s of London syndicates
• Zurich
• Liberty Specialty Markets

Surplus lines carriers provide coverage for unique or high-risk cyber exposures.

The best home insurance for a new construction home varies by state and needs. Look for carriers with strong financial ratings, comprehensive coverage, and competitive pricing. SterlingRisk can help compare options from A-rated carriers and customize coverage for new builds.

An umbrella policy is recommended if you own a rental property. It provides extra liability protection beyond your landlord and homeowners policies, covering large claims or lawsuits. Consult your broker for personalized advice.

Commercial auto insurance for landscaping companies covers:

• Liability for accidents involving business vehicles
• Physical damage to trucks, vans, and trailers
• Equipment attached to vehicles
• Medical payments for injuries
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Hired and non-owned vehicles

Coverage can be tailored to your fleet and business needs.