In force

When an insurance policy is active and provides coverage.

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What is in force?

Being “in force” in insurance means your policy is active and provides coverage. It confirms that you, the insured, have paid your premium, so the insurance company must pay an insurance claim according to the policy’s terms.

For example, if your liability insurance policy is in force, it could help cover legal costs if your company is sued for an incident covered by the policy.

In-force vs. lapsed policy: What’s the difference?

An in force insurance policy is active, with the insurer obligated to cover claims as per the policy’s terms.

A lapsed policy, however, is inactive due to non-payment of premiums within the grace period, suspending coverage and freeing the insurer from claim obligations.

A canceled policy is one that’s been terminated by either party before the policy term ends, requiring a new policy for future coverage.

The importance of in-force policies for small business owners

In-force policies are essential for small business owners because they protect against risks that could devastate a business.

  • Continuous protection: Being in force safeguards you against daily risks like property damage, accidents where non-employees get injured, or employee-related risks.
  • Legal and contractual obligations: Certain insurances, like workers’ compensation, are legally required, so you need to remain in force to remain compliant.
  • Financial stability: Active insurance provides a safety net, preventing a single disaster or lawsuit from potentially bankrupting the business.
  • Business reputation: Maintaining insurance policies signifies responsible risk management and boosts reputation.

To ensure your business insurance policies are in force, you can review policy documents, contact your insurance agent or use your online account to check. At NEXT, you can review your policies or look at your live certificate of insurance 24/7 via the app or our web portal.

Not having an in-force policy can expose your business to financial risks, potential fines, contract breaches, and future coverage issues. It can also harm your company’s reputation with clients, partners, and investors.

How to keep policies in force

To maintain in-force insurance, pay premiums promptly, adhere to policy terms, and conduct regular policy reviews. Additionally, you must comply with risk management requirements, such as safety standards and hazard reduction.

NEXT makes managing insurance easy

At NEXT, we’re 100% dedicated to small businesses. With 24/7 access to your business insurance, you’ll always be prepared for whatever comes your way. All you have to do is apply online and follow the prompts to access your custom instant quote in 10 minutes.

Start a free instant quote with NEXT.

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Let’s find the coverage you need for your business
Business insurance is divided into different policies. We offer seven types so it's easy to design the coverage that fits your business.
General Liability insurance
General Liability
Protect yourself from accidents that cause physical injury or damaged property.
Professional Liability or Error and Omissions Insurance
Professional Liability/E&O
Shield yourself from lawsuits that claim your work errors caused financial losses.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Workers’ Compensation
Cover medical bills and lost wages if your employees have an accident at work.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Commercial Auto
Stay on the road with coverage for dents, tows and damage to someone else’s vehicle.
Tools & Equipment Insurance
Tools & Equipment
Upgrade your general liability coverage to protect any gear that’s stolen, damaged or lost.
Commercial Property Insurance
Commercial Property
Keep your building, inventory and equipment protected from fire or water damage.
Business Owner’s Policy Insurance
Business Owner’s Policy
Combine general liability and commercial property into one policy to protect your business.
* To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten, not all applicants may qualify. Individual rates and savings vary and are subject to change. Discounts and savings are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state. Certain discounts apply to specific coverages only.
What we cover
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© 2024 Next Insurance, Inc. 975 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
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Issuance of coverage is subject to underwriting. Not available in all states. Please see the policy for full terms, conditions and exclusions. Coverage examples are for illustrative purposes only. Your policy documents govern, terms and exclusions apply. Coverage is dependent on actual facts and circumstances giving rise to a claim. Next Insurance, Inc. and/or its affiliates is an insurance agency licensed to sell certain insurance products and may receive compensation from insurance companies for such sales. Policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the issuing insurance company. Refer to Legal Notices section for additional information.

** Coverage examples are for illustrative purposes only. Your policy documents govern, terms and exclusions apply. Coverage is dependent on actual facts and circumstances giving rise to a claim.

Any starting prices or premiums represented before an actual customer quote are not guaranteed and are representations of existing premiums of active policies as of December 6, 2023. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten, not all applicants may qualify. Individual rates and savings vary and are subject to change. Discounts and savings are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state. Certain discounts apply to specific coverages only.