Citizens finally ready to offer small-business policies

Small-business owners who were clamoring for property insurance nearly two years ago finally have some help — if they still need it. State-run Citizens Property Insurance, which serves property owners who cannot find coverage on the open market, said it will begin offering commercial nonresidential policies effective Nov. 17. The state Legislature directed Citizens to expand into the commercial market earlier this year when small businesses were struggling to find affordable coverage. "The private market has rebounded since (then) … so we really don't expect to see a lot of business coming this way," Citizens spokesman John Kuczwanski said Monday. "If at any time the market does constrict, we're ready to go."