Commercial Disability
What's included
What It Covers
Key person disability
Pays a benefit to the business if a key employee or owner becomes disabled, which can help cover lost revenue or the cost of finding and training a replacement.
Business overhead expense
Helps pay ongoing business expenses, such as rent, utilities and staff salaries, while a disabled owner is unable to work.
Disability buy-out
Can help fund a buy-sell agreement so remaining owners can purchase the share of a partner who becomes permanently disabled.
Business loan protection
May help cover payments on business loans or other debts if a key person's disability affects the company's ability to pay.
Group disability plans
Employers can offer short-term or long-term disability benefits to employees as part of a broader benefits package.
New York DBL and Paid Family Leave
In New York, employers generally must provide statutory short-term disability (DBL) and Paid Family Leave benefits for eligible employees.
Who Needs It
- Small businesses that depend on the skills or relationships of one or a few people
- Partnerships and closely held companies with buy-sell agreements
- Medical, legal, accounting and other professional practices
- New York employers that need statutory disability and Paid Family Leave coverage
Optional Coverages
- Partial disability benefitCan provide a reduced benefit when a key person is able to return to work only part-time or in a limited role.
- Own-occupation definitionMay pay benefits when the insured cannot perform the duties of their specific role, even if they could work in another field.
- Future increase optionMay allow you to increase coverage later as the business grows, typically without new medical underwriting, subject to policy terms.
- Waiver of premiumMay waive premium payments while a covered disability claim is being paid, depending on your policy and carrier.
Working with us
How We Help
- 1
Tell Us What You Need
Share a few details about you, your property or your business. It only takes a few minutes, online or by phone.
- 2
We Shop the Market
As an independent brokerage, we compare options from multiple top-rated carriers to find the right fit.
- 3
Review and Get Covered
We walk you through your options in plain language, answer your questions and help you choose with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Common Questions
How is this different from personal disability insurance?
Personal disability insurance replaces part of an individual's own income. Commercial disability coverage is designed to protect the business itself, such as covering overhead, replacing a key person's contribution or funding a buy-out.
Is New York disability (DBL) the same as workers' compensation?
No. Workers' compensation applies to injuries and illnesses that happen because of the job. New York DBL generally provides short-term benefits to eligible employees who are unable to work because of an injury or illness that is not work-related.
How long do benefits last, and when do they start?
That depends on the policy you choose. Most policies have a waiting period before benefits begin and a set benefit period, and both can often be adjusted to fit your business and budget.
Are commercial disability benefits taxable?
Tax treatment depends on the type of coverage, who pays the premium and how the benefits are used. We recommend reviewing your plan with a tax professional, and our agents can work alongside them to structure coverage that fits your business.
Ready to Get Started?
Get a personalized Commercial Disability quote or speak with one of our experienced agents.