Tax Prep & Protection: Ensuring Your Home Office is Fully Insured for 2026
The first week of February is often when the “Tax Panic” begins to set in. As you gather your 1099s and receipts to claim your home office deduction, there is one crucial document you shouldn’t overlook: your Home Insurance policy. While the IRS allows you to deduct a portion of your insurance premiums for your home office, that doesn’t mean your home office is actually covered by that insurance.
Many remote workers and small business owners in 2026 are operating under the dangerous assumption that their personal policy extends to their professional life. This is rarely the case.
- The Equipment Gap
A standard homeowners policy typically limits coverage for “business property” to around $2,500. If you have a high-end workstation, multiple monitors, a specialized printer, and professional-grade video equipment, you likely have $5,000 to $10,000 worth of gear in your office.
If a pipe bursts or a fire occurs, your insurer will only pay up to that $2,500 sub-limit, leaving you to foot the bill for the rest. In early February, as you catalog your assets for taxes, take a moment to Schedule your business equipment or add a Business Pursuits endorsement to your policy.
- The Liability Trap
The biggest risk isn’t your equipment; it’s your liability. If a client, courier, or delivery driver is injured while coming to your home for business purposes, your standard personal liability coverage may deny the claim. Personal policies are designed for social visitors, not business invitees.
February Action Item: If you regularly host clients or receive business deliveries, check if you need a Home-Based Business Policy. This is a small, affordable “hybrid” policy that provides the general liability protection a professional needs while keeping the costs lower than a full commercial policy.