Whether it was bonding, workers’ compensation, or general liability, chances are good that you’ve dealt with construction insurance before if you’re a builder. A policy may be needed by subcontractors or licensing and construction bodies, depending on the kind of the work you’re doing.
Every contractor in the industry has a unique insurance policy since their company and their coverage are distinct. Knowing what you have and what you could need is critical if you want the best possible protection. In general, there are three levels of protection for contractors. It’s possible that you’ll require a particular policy from a different tier, but you may use these classifications as a starting point for your research. The Specialized insurance Policies for contractors are important here.
Essentials for Contractors
For those in the construction or trades industries who just need the most basic of supplies, there is this level. It’s a small operation with no significant assets that could be lost, so they don’t need extensive insurance or bonding. They also don’t work on large projects.
Indemnity Insurance for Contractors
Liability insurance for contractors protects them in the event of harm they inflict on a third party. To protect your business from liability concerns, this is one of the most crucial insurance policies a contractor may have.
Insurance for Products and Completed Operations
A contractor’s insurance package is incomplete without this coverage, although it is often omitted from general liability plans. In contrast to general liability insurance, completed operations insurance protects you after the project has been completed from liability claims.
Coverage for the equipment (If You Own Tools)
You can secure your equipment from natural disasters and theft with inland marine coverage. From hand tools to large machinery, the coverage covers most contractors’ equipment anywhere in the United States. Insurance for contractors may be acquired alone or as part of a larger coverage for company owners (BOP).
Benefits for Employees (If You Hire Employees)
Employees of a firm are covered by workers’ compensation insurance in the event that they are harmed while doing their job tasks. It’s not uncommon for this to be the most costly portion of a contractor’s insurance policy. To keep your experience modifier as low as possible, it’s important to pick a carrier that offers a wide range of services.
Maintaining a low experience modifier serves two purposes: it saves you money on insurance premiums over the long run, and it makes it easier to win projects that call for certain experience modification values. An insurance provider that specializes in reducing experience modifiers will be more thorough in following up on any open claims and more aggressive in the medical treatment of the injured employee.
Insurance for Your Home (If You Own Real Estate)
Specified buildings and their contents are covered by property insurance. Insurance for contractors isn’t essential for many people who operate from a rented office or their own home. This insurance is needed by larger contractors who own buildings and those who keep big gear in storage.
Vehicles for Commercial Use (If You Own Work Vehicles)
When it comes to their building activities, contractors often use a fleet of cars, which may number anything from a single vehicle to hundreds. Any damage to property or physical injury caused by an accident involving a business vehicle is covered by commercial car insurance.
