Money lost to fraud is rarely covered elsewhere.
Coverage for employee theft, forgery, funds transfer fraud and social engineering, the losses most property and cyber policies leave out or limit.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
The losses other policies leave out
Employee theft and fake payment instructions are among the most common causes of business losses. Property policies usually exclude employee dishonesty, and cyber policies often limit social engineering.
Commercial crime insurance covers money and property stolen by employees or through fraud, with options for funds transfer fraud and social engineering. Simple controls, like calling back to confirm wire changes, also lower the cost.
- Employee theftMoney or property stolen by employees.
- ForgeryForged or altered checks.
- Funds transfer fraudUnauthorized transfers from your account.
- Social engineeringPayments sent on fake instructions.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Employees: number and who handles money.
- Controls: dual approvals and reconciliations.
- Payments: how wire and vendor changes are verified.
- Coverage: employee theft, fraud or social engineering.
- Revenue: annual revenue.
- History: any losses.
Commercial crime insurance, answered
Doesn't cyber cover wire fraud?
Some cyber policies include limited social engineering coverage. Crime policies often provide higher limits.
Is employee theft covered by property insurance?
Usually not. Property policies typically exclude employee dishonesty.
What is social engineering?
A criminal tricks an employee into sending money, such as an email that appears to come from a vendor or executive.
How do controls affect pricing?
Callback verification and dual approvals reduce risk and are often required for social engineering coverage.
Do you offer commercial crime insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me about your controls. I'll shop it.
Employees, revenue and how you verify payments are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.