--- title: Insurance & Risk Management Blog | Life Insurance, Workers' Comp & Risk Tips | Risk Advisors of Iowa | Iowa Small Business description: Iowa Small Business | Iowa business and life insurance insights from Risk Advisors of Iowa in Des Moines. Practical tips on workers' comp, E-mods, commercial coverage, and life insurance for families and business owners. --- [Skip to content](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business#main-content) ![RAI\_Header\_Logo-removebg-preview](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RAI_Header_Logo-removebg-preview.png?width=628&height=96&name=RAI_Header_Logo-removebg-preview.png) - [Home](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/) - [Services](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-services) Show submenu for Services - [Commercial Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/insurance-for-iowa-businesses) Show submenu for Commercial Insurance - [Get a Commercial Quote](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/commercial-insurance-quote-risk-advisors-of-iowa-dallas-downey) - [Iowa Contractor Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-contractor-insurance) - [Iowa Builders Risk Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/builders-risk-insurance) - [Life Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/life-insurance-for-iowa) - [Iowa Home Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-home-insurance) - [Iowa Auto Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-auto-insurance) - [About](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/about) Show submenu for About - Areas Served Show submenu for Areas Served - [Free Risk Management Tips](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/risk-management-made-simple) - [Ankeny](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/ankeny-business-insurance) - [Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/desmoines-business-insurance) - [Urbandale](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/urbandale-business-insurance) - [Waukee](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/waukee-business-insurance) - [West Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/westdesmoines-business-insurance) - [Blog](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/) - [Services](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-services) Show submenu for Services - [Commercial Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/insurance-for-iowa-businesses) Show submenu for Commercial Insurance - [Get a Commercial Quote](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/commercial-insurance-quote-risk-advisors-of-iowa-dallas-downey) - [Iowa Contractor Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-contractor-insurance) - [Iowa Builders Risk Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/builders-risk-insurance) - [Life Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/life-insurance-for-iowa) - [Iowa Home Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-home-insurance) - [Iowa Auto Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-auto-insurance) - [About](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/about) Show submenu for About - Areas Served Show submenu for Areas Served - [Free Risk Management Tips](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/risk-management-made-simple) - [Ankeny](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/ankeny-business-insurance) - [Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/desmoines-business-insurance) - [Urbandale](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/urbandale-business-insurance) - [Waukee](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/waukee-business-insurance) - [West Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/westdesmoines-business-insurance) - [Blog](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog) - [Contact us](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business#contact) [Contact us](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business#contact) # Iowa Insurance & Risk Management Blog   Covering life insurance, workers' compensation, commercial risk, and everything in between — for Iowa families and business owners. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. [![](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Modern%20Classroom%20with%20Business%20Owners%20and%20Risk%20Management%20Infographic-1.png)](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/risk-management-made-simple-for-iowa-businesses) [Iowa Insurance Broker](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-insurance-broker), [Professional liability](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/professional-liability), [Iowa Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-business-insurance), [Iowa Small Business](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business), [Risk Management](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/risk-management) ## [Risk Management Made Simple for Businesses: Here's How This Works](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/risk-management-made-simple-for-iowa-businesses) [Dallas Downey. CLCS](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/author/dallas-downey-clcs) April 21, 2026 at 4:16 PM If you've landed here, you already know the mission: education, not gatekeeping. No fine print, no u... [Read more](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/risk-management-made-simple-for-iowa-businesses) [![](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/hubfs/commercial%20fleet%20insurance%20iowa.webp)](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/5-needed-commercial-auto-insurance-coverages-des-moines) [Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/business-insurance), [Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/des-moines), [Iowa Auto Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-auto-insurance), [Commercial insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/commercial-insurance), [Iowa Small Business](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business) ## [5 Essential Commercial Auto Insurance Coverages Des Moines Businesses Can't Ignore](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/5-needed-commercial-auto-insurance-coverages-des-moines) [Dallas Downey. CLCS](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/author/dallas-downey-clcs) February 3, 2025 at 8:45 AM If you're managing a fleet of vehicles, protecting your investment is paramount. At DSMIG, we've hel... [Read more](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/5-needed-commercial-auto-insurance-coverages-des-moines) [![](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/hubfs/West%20des%20moines%20commercial%20property.webp)](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/commercial-property-insurance-west-des-moines-dsmig) [Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/business-insurance), [Iowa Insurance Broker](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-insurance-broker), [Insurance Advice](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/insurance-advice), [Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/des-moines), [West Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/west-des-moines), [Commercial insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/commercial-insurance), [Iowa Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-business-insurance), [property](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/property), [Iowa Small Business](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business) ## [Commercial Property Insurance in West Des Moines: A Building Owner's Guide](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/commercial-property-insurance-west-des-moines-dsmig) [Dallas Downey. CLCS](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/author/dallas-downey-clcs) January 27, 2025 at 8:45 AM If you're a building owner in West Des Moines, Waukee, or the greater Des Moines metro area, your co... [Read more](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/commercial-property-insurance-west-des-moines-dsmig) [![Des Moines Business Owner Tips](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/hubfs/mcdade52-a-dynamic-insurance-office-scene-client-shaking-hands-04e30abb-f190-4a94-802c-8aecce9bb8f0_orig.png)](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/5-things-every-new-des-moines-business-owner-needs) [Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/business-insurance), [Community](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/community), [Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/des-moines), [Iowa Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-business-insurance), [Iowa Small Business](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business) ## [5 Things Every New Des Moines Business Owner Needs](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/5-things-every-new-des-moines-business-owner-needs) [Dallas Downey. CLCS](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/author/dallas-downey-clcs) June 17, 2024 at 11:55 AM [Read more](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/5-things-every-new-des-moines-business-owner-needs) [![Iowa Agent of Record Change](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/hubfs/mcdade52-a-rustic-themed-michelin-star-restaurant-warm-wooden-i-98960640-8095-4da1-af7f-75d41397334f.png)](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/iowa-restaurant-insurance) [Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/business-insurance), [Iowa Insurance Broker](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-insurance-broker), [Insurance Advice](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/insurance-advice), [Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/des-moines), [West Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/west-des-moines), [Commercial insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/commercial-insurance), [Iowa Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-business-insurance), [Iowa Small Business](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business) ## [Restaurant Insurance in Iowa: What coverages does my business need?](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/iowa-restaurant-insurance) [Dallas Downey. CLCS](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/author/dallas-downey-clcs) May 21, 2024 at 12:54 PM Running a restaurant is an exciting adventure, but let's not forget about the serious stuff, like in... [Read more](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/iowa-restaurant-insurance) [![Iowa Agent of Record Change](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/hubfs/iStock-962425588.jpg)](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/lower-iowa-workers-comp-premiums) [Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/business-insurance), [Iowa Insurance Broker](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-insurance-broker), [Insurance Advice](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/insurance-advice), [Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/des-moines), [West Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/west-des-moines), [Commercial insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/commercial-insurance), [Iowa Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-business-insurance), [Iowa Small Business](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business), [Workers Compensation](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/workers-compensation) ## [Strategies to Lower your Iowa Business Insurance Premiums - Workers Compensation](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/lower-iowa-workers-comp-premiums) [Dallas Downey. CLCS](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/author/dallas-downey-clcs) May 21, 2024 at 12:42 PM Iowa businesses face unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to managing workers' compensa... [Read more](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/lower-iowa-workers-comp-premiums) [![Iowa Agent of Record Change](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/hubfs/iStock-962425588.jpg)](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/strategies-to-lower-iowa-general-liability-premiums) [Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/business-insurance), [Iowa Insurance Broker](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-insurance-broker), [Insurance Advice](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/insurance-advice), [Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/des-moines), [West Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/west-des-moines), [Commercial insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/commercial-insurance), [Iowa Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-business-insurance), [Iowa Small Business](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business) ## [Strategies to Lower Your Iowa Business Insurance Premiums - General Liability](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/strategies-to-lower-iowa-general-liability-premiums) [Dallas Downey. CLCS](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/author/dallas-downey-clcs) May 21, 2024 at 12:31 PM As an Iowa business owner, it's paramount to shield your enterprise from unforeseen risks and liabil... [Read more](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/strategies-to-lower-iowa-general-liability-premiums) [![Iowa Agent of Record Change](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/hubfs/nonprofit_orig.png)](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/iowa-nonprofit-insurance) [Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/business-insurance), [Iowa Insurance Broker](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-insurance-broker), [Insurance Advice](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/insurance-advice), [Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/des-moines), [West Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/west-des-moines), [Commercial insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/commercial-insurance), [Iowa Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-business-insurance), [Iowa Small Business](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business) ## [Iowa Non Profit Insurance - The 5 Types of Coverage You Need](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/iowa-nonprofit-insurance) [Dallas Downey. CLCS](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/author/dallas-downey-clcs) May 21, 2024 at 12:19 PM Operating a non profit in Iowa comes with its unique set of challenges and responsibilities, particu... [Read more](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/iowa-nonprofit-insurance) [![Iowa Agent of Record Change](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/hubfs/mcdade52-a-dynamic-insurance-office-scene-client-shaking-hands-04e30abb-f190-4a94-802c-8aecce9bb8f0_orig.png)](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/changing-iowa-insurance-agents) [Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/business-insurance), [Iowa Insurance Broker](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-insurance-broker), [Insurance Advice](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/insurance-advice), [Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/des-moines), [West Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/west-des-moines), [Commercial insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/commercial-insurance), [Iowa Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-business-insurance), [Iowa Small Business](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business) ## [Can I Change Insurance Agents? The Iowa AOR Change Hack](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/changing-iowa-insurance-agents) [Dallas Downey. CLCS](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/author/dallas-downey-clcs) May 21, 2024 at 11:56 AM Understanding the Agent of Record change, or AOR, is a fundamental component in the insurance landsc... [Read more](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/changing-iowa-insurance-agents) [![Iowa Certificate of Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/hubfs/coi_orig.png)](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/iowa-coi-basics) [Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/business-insurance), [Iowa Insurance Broker](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-insurance-broker), [Insurance Advice](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/insurance-advice), [Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/des-moines), [West Des Moines](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/west-des-moines), [Commercial insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/commercial-insurance), [Iowa Business Insurance](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-business-insurance), [Iowa Small Business](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business) ## [Understanding Iowa Business Insurance: What is a COI?](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/iowa-coi-basics) [Dallas Downey. CLCS](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/author/dallas-downey-clcs) May 21, 2024 at 11:27 AM In the realm of business insurance , understanding the significance of a Certificate of Insurance (C... [Read more](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/iowa-coi-basics) First Prev [1](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business) [2](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business/page/2) [Next](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business/page/2) [Last](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/iowa-insurance-blog/tag/iowa-small-business/page/2) ## Did we make things easy to understand? Our focus is to educate, not sell. If that's the approach you look for in an insurance partner, we'd love to have a conversation to see if we'd be a fit for your organization.  [Learn more](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/contact.html) --- [![Des Moines Insurance Guy, Risk Advisors of Iowa](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RAI_Header_Logo-removebg-preview.png?width=628&height=96&name=RAI_Header_Logo-removebg-preview.png "Des Moines Insurance Guy, Risk Advisors of Iowa")](https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/) Copyright © 2026, ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Blog", "about" : [ { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Life Insurance" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Workers Compensation Insurance" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Commercial Insurance" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Risk Management" }, { "@type" : "Thing", "name" : "Key Person Insurance" } ], "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "jobTitle" : "Managing Principal", "name" : "Dallas Downey", "worksFor" : { "@type" : "InsuranceAgency", "name" : "Risk Advisors of Iowa" } }, "description" : "Practical life insurance, workers' compensation, and commercial risk management insights for Iowa families and business owners from Risk Advisors of Iowa, based in Des Moines.", "name" : "Iowa Insurance & Risk Management Blog", "publisher" : { "@type" : "InsuranceAgency", "address" : { "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Des Moines", "addressRegion" : "IA" }, "name" : "Risk Advisors of Iowa", "url" : "https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com" }, "url" : "https://www.dsminsuranceguy.com/dsmig-blog" } ```