Ask an owner where their biggest theft risk is and they'll usually point at the front door. The data says otherwise: the most costly theft losses for most businesses come from *inside* — employee dishonesty and fraud — and those are exactly what standard policies exclude.
What commercial crime insurance covers
Commercial crime insurance responds to loss of money, securities, or property from dishonest acts:
- Employee theft / dishonesty — the core coverage, for theft by your own staff.
- Forgery or alteration — of checks and financial instruments.
- Funds transfer fraud — fraudulent instructions moving money out of your accounts.
- Computer fraud and social engineering — increasingly common, sometimes as add-ons.
- Theft of money and securities — inside and outside the premises.
Why other policies leave this gap
Standard commercial property coverage typically excludes employee dishonesty. Cyber policies may cover some electronic fraud but usually not internal theft. Crime insurance is the coverage specifically built for dishonesty — the risk that grows quietly as you hire and delegate financial access.
Who's most exposed
- Businesses that handle cash, payroll, or client funds.
- Firms where employees have access to bank accounts or payment systems.
- Any organization large enough that the owner can't personally see every transaction.
Strong internal controls — separation of duties, dual approval on transfers, regular reconciliation — both reduce the risk and support your coverage.
Getting covered
Crime coverage is often inexpensive relative to the exposure, and it's frequently added to a broader management-liability or BOP program. Request a quote and we'll assess where your money is exposed and structure crime coverage around it.
Frequently Asked
What does commercial crime insurance cover?
Losses from employee theft, forgery, fraud, funds transfer fraud, and theft of money or securities — internal and external dishonesty that standard property policies exclude.
Isn't employee theft covered by my property policy?
Generally no. Standard property coverage excludes employee dishonesty, which is precisely the risk crime insurance is built for.
Who needs it most?
Any business that handles money, payroll, or client funds, or where employees have access to accounts — which is most businesses beyond a certain size.
This article is general information for business owners, not insurance or legal advice, and does not bind or alter coverage. Policy terms, eligibility, and pricing vary by carrier and state — confirm specifics with our licensed team before making decisions.