I am starting a new dessert bakery in two months.  I am leasing a building where I need to get insurance.  Has anyone had any experience with small business insurance companies?  Who do you like?

As someone who was a licensed life insurance agent AND who worked for 15 years in commercial property and casualty insurance, I think I can offer some suggestions on this one.

Do not shop insurance COMPANIES on your own.  Especially for a commercial operation.  Most sell thru an agent.  Most will not sell direct to you.  You are not knowledgeable enough to know what you need and what is available.  There is a reason that agents must take classes and become licensed to sell insurance.  Insurance is contract law and if you don't get it right, it can really cost you.

Find an AGENT that deals with commercial businesses.  Get referrals from other food businesses in your area for agents they work with.  My agent just happened to be the only agent in Indiana that represented a company in Illinois that specialized in insuring bakeries.  So when shopping for an agent, ask them what their base of business is .... food biz?  construction? medical facilities?  You want an agent who understands what you are doing and what you need.