Start & Run a Coffee Bar. Tom Matzen

die, the outstanding balance of the loan is paid off.

      3.12 Term life insurance

      This insures a person for a specific period of time. The most common period is five years. If the insured dies within the term of the policy, the insurance company pays the full face amount to the heirs. The cost of premiums is based on life expectancy for the person’s age during the five-year period. Term life does not have a cash or loan value.

      Because term life insurance can be written for various time periods, and because the premiums are generally inexpensive, it is valuable to the businessperson. Term policies are often used to provide collateral security for loans to the firm or for personal obligations.

      It is wise to have term insurance for at least the amount of personal and business financial obligations for which you have a direct or contingent liability. This area is frequently overlooked.

      3.13 Medical insurance

      It is important to take out sufficient medical coverage for your needs. If you are doing any business assignments outside the country, you should have extended coverage that pays for medical bills that may be incurred by injury or illness in a foreign country.

      3.14 Group insurance

      You may be eligible for group insurance rates if you have four or more employees. The policies of insurance companies vary, but medical and dental plans are available for small groups.

      3.15 Workers’ compensation insurance

      If you have a number of employees, ensure that you are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. With this coverage, the insurer pays all costs for any injury to the employee. The insurer also covers the employees for all benefits and compensations required by the appropriate laws.

      If you have failed to pay your employer’s portion of the insurance coverage, or have failed to meet your responsibilities adequately to your employees in terms of safety, it is possible that you as the employer could be held liable for any injury to the employee as determined by the common law as well as under workers’ compensation laws. Employee coverage and the extent of the employer’s liability vary considerably.