Kemper alliance targets women-owned companies. (Marketplace Property/Casualty).

Kemper Insurance Cos. hopes to tap the expanding market of women-owned businesses, which is growing at a rate 2.5 times that of all U.S. firms and is generating more than $800 billion in annual sales.

Kemper and Financial Keyosk, a Web-based financial-services provider, have designed a service that allows members of the National Association of Women Business Owners to buy insurance policies through the professional organization's Web site. Financial Keyosk is providing technology and customer support, and Kemper is offering home business extender insurance policies that provide property and liability coverage.

"Homeowners insurance policies typically do not include coverage for losses incurred as a result of operating a small business from home," said John Dawson, chief executive officer of Financial Keyosk. "This puts many small businesses--which studies indicate are increasingly owned by women-in a bind, because qualifying and purchasing a commercial policy can be a costly, complex process.

After answering seven questions on the association's site and meeting qualifications for home business extender coverage, members can pay premiums online with a credit card and receive the policy electronically. Purchasers also will be able to renew policies online.