Commercial Insurance for Long Island and New York City Businesses
Carlstan Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency in Melville, New York, serving small and mid-size businesses across Suffolk County, Nassau County, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We've been placing commercial insurance in the New York market since 1948 — and as a small, family-owned agency, we work directly with every client. No handoffs. No call centers. The same agents, every time.
If you're searching for a commercial insurance agent near you in Suffolk County, Nassau County, or any of the five NYC boroughs, we can help — fast.
What Is Commercial Insurance?
Commercial insurance covers the policies a business needs to protect its property, its people, its liability, and its income. Most businesses in New York need more than one type of coverage — and the right combination depends on your industry, your location, your number of employees, and the specific risks your operation faces day to day.
As an independent agency, we're not tied to a single carrier. We work with Travelers, Progressive, Andover Companies, Kemper, and other top-rated insurers to find the right placement for your business — not just the easiest option for us.
Looking for a commercial insurance agent near you on Long Island or in New York City?
Request a quote → or call us at
(516) 437-6565.
Commercial Insurance Coverage We Offer in New York
Business Owner's Policy (BOP)
A Business Owner's Policy combines general liability, commercial property, and business interruption coverage in a single policy — typically at a lower combined cost than purchasing each separately. It's the right starting point for most small businesses in New York.
Commercial Auto Insurance
If a vehicle is used for business purposes in New York, a personal auto policy won't cover it. Commercial auto insurance protects business vehicles, delivery vans, and service trucks — and the employees who drive them.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
New York State requires workers' compensation coverage for every employer with one or more employees — including part-time workers and family members on payroll. Penalties for non-compliance begin at $1,000 per day.
Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)
New York City's Human Rights Law extends employee protections beyond federal standards — applying to employers with as few as four employees. EPLI covers wrongful termination, harassment, and discrimination claims. A single defended claim in New York can cost $75,000 or more even if dismissed.
General Liability Insurance
General liability covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury claims — including legal defense costs for claims that are ultimately dismissed. Most NYC and Long Island commercial leases require proof of GL as a condition of tenancy.
Commercial Property Insurance
Commercial property insurance covers your building (if owned), your equipment, your inventory, and your business personal property. It does not extend to a tenant's belongings — commercial tenants must carry their own policy regardless of the building owner's coverage.
Commercial Umbrella Insurance
A commercial umbrella extends the limits of your underlying GL, commercial auto, or employer's liability policy when a major claim exceeds the primary limit. New York jury awards are among the highest in the country — umbrella coverage matches that reality.
Industry-Specific Commercial Insurance on Long Island and in NYC
Every business type carries different risks. We build coverage programs around the specific exposures of the industries we serve — not a one-size-fits-all policy template.
Restaurant Insurance
Restaurants and bars in New York face liquor liability under New York's Dram Shop Law, high GL exposure from customer foot traffic, EPLI risk from kitchen and front-of-house staff, and workers' comp requirements for all tipped and non-tipped employees. A standard BOP without the right endorsements won't cover all of it.
Auto Service Shop Insurance
Car washes, mechanics, body shops, and tire shops require garage liability and garagekeepers insurance — coverage that standard GL does not include. Garagekeepers specifically covers customer vehicles while they are in your care, on your lot, or in your shop.
Apartment Building & Landlord Insurance
Apartment building owners in New York need more than a standard landlord policy. Building owner coverage includes liability for tenant injuries in common areas, loss of rental income if units become uninhabitable, equipment breakdown coverage for boilers and elevators, and workers' comp for maintenance staff.
Professional Office Insurance
Dentists, architects, accountants, and consultants need both a BOP for the physical office and professional liability (errors and omissions) for the services they provide. GL alone does not respond to professional errors — these are two distinct and complementary policies.
Retail Business Insurance
Retail businesses on Long Island and throughout NYC face GL exposure from customer injuries, commercial crime exposure from employee theft, business interruption risk, and EPLI exposure from part-time and seasonal staff. A proper retail policy addresses all four.
Why Choose Carlstan Insurance Agency for Commercial Insurance?
We've been placing commercial insurance in the New York market since 1948. Here's what that means in practice.
We're small — and that's the point. As a small, family-owned agency, we move fast. When you have a coverage question or need a certificate of insurance quickly, you're not waiting in a queue. You're calling the same person who built your policy.
Same agents, every time. You'll work directly with Adam or Ryan Erickson — not a rotating service team. The agents who quote your policy are the ones who pick up when you call.
We're genuinely independent. We shop multiple top-rated carriers at every renewal. If your rate increases with one insurer, we have alternatives. We're not locked into presenting you a single option.
We respond when it matters. Our email is monitored 24/7 and voicemail is checked regularly outside business hours. Urgent coverage questions and claims don't follow a 9-to-5 schedule — and neither do we.
We know the New York market. 75 years of continuous presence in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the NYC metro means we know which carriers write which risks in which zip codes. We've placed coverage for businesses other agencies turned away.
Trusted Choice and Big I. Carlstan is a member of Trusted Choice and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA / Big I) — commitments to ethical standards and client-first advocacy, not carrier revenue.
Looking for a commercial insurance agent near you on Long Island or in New York City?
Where We Serve
Commercial Insurance Near Me — Serving Suffolk County, Nassau County, and All Five NYC Boroughs
Our office is at 145 Pinelawn Road, Suite 210S, Melville, NY 11747 — on the Nassau/Suffolk border along the Route 110 corridor. We serve commercial clients throughout:
Huntington, Smithtown, Babylon, Islip, Commack, Hauppauge, Bay Shore, Brentwood, Bohemia, Melville, Farmingdale, South Huntington, Huntington Station
Hempstead, Garden City, Hicksville, Mineola, New Hyde Park, Great Neck, Oceanside, Valley Stream, Lynbrook, Elmont, Floral Park
Flushing, Astoria, Jamaica, Jackson Heights, Forest Hills, Bayside, Corona
Flatbush, Crown Heights, Bay Ridge, Park Slope, Bushwick, Williamsburg
Manhattan, The Bronx, and Staten Island
We are licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Insurance in New York
What commercial insurance does a small business in New York need?
Most New York small businesses need at minimum a Business Owner's Policy (BOP), which combines general liability, commercial property, and business interruption coverage. If you have employees, New York State also requires workers' compensation insurance regardless of how many employees you have or whether they work part-time. Depending on your industry, you may also need commercial auto, EPLI, professional liability, or industry-specific coverage such as garage liability or liquor liability.
How much does commercial insurance cost for a small business in New York?
Cost depends on your industry, revenue, number of employees, location, and coverage limits. A basic BOP for a small office or retail business typically starts between $500 and $2,000 per year. Restaurants, auto service shops, and building owners pay more due to elevated liability and workers' comp exposure. The best way to get an accurate number is to request a quote — we compare rates across multiple carriers to find the right fit.
Is workers' compensation insurance required in New York?
Yes. New York State requires workers' compensation coverage for all employers with one or more employees, including part-time workers, seasonal workers, and in many cases family members who receive compensation. Failure to carry workers' comp in New York can result in fines of $1,000 to $50,000 and potential criminal liability.
What is EPLI and do I need it as a New York small business?
EPLI stands for Employment Practices Liability Insurance. It covers claims from employees alleging wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, or retaliation. New York City's Human Rights Law extends these protections significantly beyond federal standards and applies to employers with as few as four employees. EPLI is especially relevant for restaurants, retailers, professional offices, and any business with non-exempt employees in New York City. A standalone EPLI policy or BOP endorsement typically costs $800–$2,500 per year — significantly less than the average cost to defend a single employment claim.
Does my commercial lease require insurance in New York?
Most commercial leases in New York City and Long Island require tenants to carry general liability insurance with at least $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate limits, and to name the landlord as an additional insured. Many leases also require proof of workers' compensation and may specify other coverage requirements. We review lease insurance requirements and make sure your policy meets them before you sign.
What is the difference between a BOP and general liability?
General liability is one component of a Business Owner's Policy. A BOP bundles general liability with commercial property insurance and business interruption coverage in a single policy — usually at a lower combined cost than purchasing each policy separately. If your business qualifies for a BOP, it's typically the better option. Some businesses — contractors, large manufacturers, and fleet-heavy operations — don't qualify for a BOP and must purchase each coverage separately.
How do I find a commercial insurance agent near me in Suffolk County or Nassau County?
Carlstan Insurance Agency is located at 145 Pinelawn Road, Suite 210S, Melville, NY 11747. We serve businesses throughout Suffolk County, Nassau County, and the five NYC boroughs. Call (516) 437-6565, email us, or request a quote online. We respond within one business day.
Can I get commercial insurance if I'm a business owner in Brooklyn or Queens?
Yes. We are licensed in New York State and serve commercial clients throughout all five boroughs — including restaurants, apartment building owners, retailers, and professional offices in Brooklyn and Queens. You do not need to visit our Melville office — we handle everything by phone and email.
How quickly can Carlstan turn around a commercial insurance quote?
We're a small agency, which means we move fast. For most standard commercial policies — BOP, GL, workers' comp — we can typically provide a quote within one business day. More complex placements may take slightly longer. Call or email us and we'll tell you exactly what to expect for your situation.
Ready to Protect Your Long Island or New York City Business?
We're a family-owned independent agency that has been serving New York businesses since 1948. When you call, you reach Adam or Ryan directly — not a representative, not a call center.
Text:
(516) 437-6565
Address:
145 Pinelawn Road, STE 210s, Melville, New York 11747, United States
Monday–Friday: 9:00am–5:00pm
Saturday: By appointment only
Sunday: Closed
Email monitored 24/7 | Voicemail checked regularly
Licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.