Nainen istuu kahvilassa hymyillen, sillä hänellä on aloittavan yrityksen vakuutukset kunnossa.

Insurance for new businesses

Setting up a new business may feel exciting but sometimes also complicated. We want to help your company get started by offering insurance for new entrepreneurs conveniently.

All corporate insurance policies in one place

You can get all the mandatory and voluntary insurance policies for new entrepreneurs in one place from us.

Personal customer service

In cooperation with our expert, you will ensure that any risks related to your business are adequately covered. You can easily contact us if required.

Digital services 24/7

You can check your company's insurance cover at any time. In case of loss or damage, you can quickly get help from Pohjola Claim Help and conveniently file a claim online.

Insurance checklist for new businesses

Setting up a new business involves many decisions and matters to take care of. As a new business owner you must consider questions such as the company's legal form, financing, permits, obligations and unemployment security. Taxation, agreements, facilities, employees and insurance must also be taken into account. You don't need to do everything yourself. 

We help new businesses manage risks. The right selection of corporate insurance provides cover across the company's lifecycle. New entrepreneurs are often entitled to a discount on insurance. 

Our checklist for new entrepreneurs describes how to insure yourself and your company.

  • Identify the mandatory insurance policies. Find out which insurance policies are statutory for your company. The most common mandatory policies are self-employed persons' pension insurance (YEL) and employees' pension insurance (TyEL).
  • Assess your need for voluntary insurance policies. With your company's sector and risks in mind, consider voluntary insurance policies such as general liability insurance and legal expenses insurance. These protect your company in case of damages and disputes, for example.
  • Request an insurance offer. Contact us to request an offer on insurance for entrepreneurs and businesses. You will receive an offer, including the price, for all the policies at the same time. The offer will not obligate you in any way. 
  • Keep your insurance policies up to date. Remember to update your insurance policies after making changes to your business, such as expanding the line of business or hiring employees. Our digital services make it easy to update your insurance policies.
  • Train your employees in practices related to insurance. If you have employees from the outset, ensure that they know how to act in the event of loss or damage. You can also provide instructions by adopting the digital insurance card for employees. 
  • Consult our experts. Our experts help you insure your company. You can contact us via chat or by requesting an offer. 

Mandatory and voluntary insurance for new businesses

The insurance policies for new businesses that all entrepreneurs should be aware of are divided into mandatory and voluntary insurance policies. The insurance policies of new private traders are usually the same as those of a new limited liability company.

Mandatory insurance for new entrepreneurs

Self-employed persons' pension insurance, known as YEL, is the foundation of the entrepreneur's pension and social security. It is mandatory for self-employed persons aged 18 to 67 whose business activities continue for at least four months. In addition to accumulating pension, YEL insurance provides security in case of illness, family leave or business interruption. YEL insurance costs less for new entrepreneurs, and you can get a discount on your payment. You can get YEL insurance from our partner Ilmarinen as part of your insurance solution.

If you hire employees for your company, you also need employees' pension insurance (TyEL) and statutory Workers' compensation insurance. These insurance policies provides your employees with pension cover and cover in case of accidents.

Special insurance policies are required in some sectors. For example, patient insurance is mandatory in the health and medical sector. In turn, businesses dealing with environmental risks must take out environmental damage insurance.
If your company has vehicles, your company will need motor vehicle insurance covering vehicle-related risks.

Voluntary insurance policies for new businesses

Many new entrepreneurs cover themselves and their business with voluntary insurance. Some of the most important policies are discussed below. Our experts at Pohjola Insurance can help you personalise the appropriate insurance cover for your company. 

We also offer package solutions for new businesses and entrepreneurs, including OP Light Entrepreneurship and Special Corporate Insurance for small and medium-sized enterprises, which includes all the main insurance policies related to the company's property and operations. 

Self-employed persons' accident insurance protects entrepreneurs against occupational accidents. If you lose your ability to work, the insurance offers financial security and supports a swift return to work. The insurance can be expanded to cover accidents occurring in leisure time. Self-employed persons' accident insurance covers medical treatment costs due to occupational accidents and diseases, costs of permanent disability, and loss of earnings due to incapacity for work, among other things. In turn, entrepreneurs' health insurance offers fast access to treatment in case of illness, helping to reduce absence from work.

General liability insurance for businesses provides financial cover if the company's activities or products cause bodily injury or material damage. The most common types of general liability insurance are business liability insurance and product liability insurance. General liability insurance policies ensure that your company can operate safely and is prepared to cover any claims. 

Corporate legal expenses insurance is useful for new businesses that may find themselves involved in a contractual dispute despite following the law. 

Corporate property insurance provides financial cover if the company's machines, equipment or products are damaged as the result of natural phenomena or human activity. The insurance provides compensation for fire, burglary, vandalism, water damage and storm damage, for example.
Business interruption insurance provides financial assistance to your company in case of unexpected interruption of operations because of damage to the facilities or equipment, for example. You can supplement the cover with business interruption insurance due to disability, which protects the company in case of absences. Contingency business interruption cover insures your business against accidents involving your goods or service provider, which interfere with your business operations.

Taking care of insurance for a new entrepreneur at the start of your business operations helps minimise risks and allows you to focus on entrepreneurial activities free from worries. Contact us to get an offer, including prices, for all the insurance policies you need for your business and yourself as an entrepreneur.

Read more about voluntary and mandatory insurance for entrepreneurs

Read more about self-employed persons' accident insurance

Read more about general liability insurance for businesses

Read more about business interruption insurance
 

Starting a business

OP offers new businesses comprehensive banking and insurance services and specialist support for entrepreneurs. Our specialists ensure that your company gets the best possible support for financing, risk management and practical matters. The services are also available digitally so you can handle your matters anywhere and anytime.
 

Nainen hymyilee, koska yel-vakuutus turvaa eläkkeen.
Self-employed persons’ statutory pension insurance YEL
YEL provides coverage for self-employed persons’ pension and social security.
Miehet hymyilevät, koska omaisuusvakuutus on kunnossa.
Property risk insurance and Corporate insurance
Cover for your company’s fixed and movable property.
Nainen selaa kannettavalla tietokoneellaan tietoja tilanteista, joissa vastuuvakuutus on hyödyksi.
Liability insurance
Business liability insurance covers your company in case of indemnification liabilities.
The insurer is Pohjola Insurance. The losses will be covered in accordance with the law and the insurance terms and conditions. TyEL and YEL insurance is issued by Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company.