With home-based business representing a larger share of the Montana economy, Insurance Commissioner Monica J. Lindeen warned entrepreneurs not to assume that their personal insurance policies will cover their business assets, because most of the time they won’t.

Spokeswoman Jennifer McKee said many times those who have home-based businesses operate under a mistaken assumption.

"What we want people to know, is that if you operate a business out of your home, oftentimes your homeowners insurance policy is not going to cover business losses," McKee said. "It's very important when people are in the early stages of a business , they have a lot on their minds, but insurance should also be one of the things they think about."

McKee provided examples of instances where home-based business might be at risk.

"Your person auto insurance policy may not cover your business use," she said. "Also, if someone patronizing your home business is injured, your homeowners won't cover that claim."

McKee encourages anyone with a small or home-based business to seek professional advice from an insurance agent they trust.

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