Top General Liability Insurance Advice From Contractors Liability Blog https://contractorsliability.com/blog/category/blog/general-liability-insurance/ Tue, 24 Sep 2024 07:56:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://contractorsliability.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-contractors-favicon-512-32x32.png Top General Liability Insurance Advice From Contractors Liability Blog https://contractorsliability.com/blog/category/blog/general-liability-insurance/ 32 32 What Is Covered Under Plumber’s General Liability Insurance? https://contractorsliability.com/blog/what-is-covered-under-plumbers-general-liability-insurance/ https://contractorsliability.com/blog/what-is-covered-under-plumbers-general-liability-insurance/#respond Tue, 12 Dec 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://contractorsliability.com/?p=95919 As a plumber, you understand the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Even with the utmost care and expertise, accidents can happen that could potentially lead to financial ruin for your business. That’s why it’s crucial to have the ... Read more

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As a plumber, you understand the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Even with the utmost care and expertise, accidents can happen that could potentially lead to financial ruin for your business. That’s why it’s crucial to have the right insurance coverage in place to protect your plumbing business from potential liabilities. One such coverage that every plumber should consider is plumber’s general liability Insurance.

What Is Plumber’s General Liability Insurance?

Plumber’s general liability Insurance is a type of insurance coverage specifically designed to protect plumbers and plumbing contractors from various risks and liabilities associated with their line of work. It provides coverage for claims made against your business for property damage or bodily injury caused by your operations or completed work. This insurance is essential for every plumber, regardless of the size of your business.

The Importance of Plumber’s General Liability Insurance

Having plumber’s general liability Insurance is not just a matter of compliance with regulations or mitigating risks. It is also crucial for the success and growth of your plumbing business. Here are some key reasons why you should prioritize obtaining this insurance:

Protection Against Financial Losses

Accidents happen, no matter how careful you are. An innocent mistake or unforeseen circumstance could lead to significant damages or injuries, resulting in costly lawsuits or claims against your business. Without adequate insurance coverage, you would be responsible for covering these expenses out of pocket, which could have a devastating impact on your financial stability.

Plumber’s general liability Insurance provides you with financial protection against such losses. It helps cover the costs of legal defense, settlements, and judgments if you are found liable for property damage or bodily injury. With this insurance in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that your business is protected.

Compliance with Licensing Requirements

In many states, plumbing contractors are required by law to carry general liability insurance. By obtaining plumber’s general liability Insurance, you ensure compliance with these licensing requirements. Failing to meet these obligations could result in administrative actions, fines, or even the suspension of your license. It’s essential to understand and meet the specific insurance requirements of your state to operate your plumbing business legally.

Enhanced Reputation and Trust

Having plumber’s general liability Insurance not only protects your business but also enhances your reputation and instills trust in your clients. Customers are increasingly aware of the risks involved in hiring uninsured contractors, and many may refuse to work with plumbers who cannot provide proof of insurance.

By having the appropriate insurance coverage, you demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to protecting your clients’ interests. This can give potential customers the confidence to choose your services over competitors who may not have insurance. Insurance coverage can be a valuable selling point when bidding for contracts or securing larger projects.

Factors Affecting Insurance Cost

The cost of plumber’s general liability Insurance can vary depending on several factors. Insurance providers take into account these factors to determine your premium. While specific rates may differ based on your unique circumstances and the insurance company you choose, here are some common factors that can influence the cost of your plumber insurance:

  • Years of Experience: Insurance companies often consider the number of years your business has been in operation. Established businesses with a clean accident history may be eligible for lower insurance rates.
  • Accident History: Your company’s accident history plays a significant role in determining your insurance rates. If your business has a track record of accidents, insurance providers may view it as a higher risk, leading to higher premiums.
  • Credit History: Although not the sole determining factor, insurance companies may consider your credit history when assessing your insurance premium. A better credit history can potentially lead to lower premiums.
  • Employee Factors: If you have employees, insurance providers will consider factors such as their training, experience, and age. The more employees you have, the higher the premium may be.
  • Sales/Revenue: The size of your business, as measured by your sales or revenue, can impact your insurance premium. Generally, higher sales or revenue may result in higher premiums due to the increased exposure and potential risks associated with larger operations.
  • Business Location: Insurance premiums can vary depending on the location of your business. States with more regulations or higher jury verdicts may have higher insurance costs compared to states with less stringent requirements.

Insurance providers use these factors to assess the level of risk associated with your business and determine the appropriate insurance premium. However, it’s important to note that rates can vary significantly between insurance companies, so it’s advisable to shop around and compare quotes to find the best coverage at the most competitive price.

Getting Plumber’s General Liability Insurance Quotes

To obtain plumber’s general liability Insurance quotes tailored to your specific business needs, it is recommended to work with a reputable insurance provider like Contractors Liability. With their expertise in the industry, they can help you navigate the complexities of insurance coverage and find the most affordable options available.

Contractors Liability understands the unique risks faced by plumbers and plumbing contractors and can provide you with a customized insurance package that meets your specific requirements. By working with them, you can save time and effort, as they will do the legwork for you, searching for the best insurance policies from top-rated providers.

To get a quote for plumber’s general liability Insurance, simply reach out to the Contractors Liability team. They will guide you through the process, ensuring that you have the coverage you need to protect your plumbing business. Their experienced agents can provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision and secure the insurance coverage that fits your budget.

Reach Out to Contractors Liability Today for a Free Quote

Remember, investing in plumber’s general liability Insurance is an investment in the long-term success and stability of your plumbing business. By protecting yourself from potential liabilities and financial losses, you can focus on what you do best – providing high-quality plumbing services to your clients. Contact Contractors Liability today to get your free quote and start safeguarding your plumbing business with the right insurance coverage.

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What Are The Requirements To Obtain General Contractors General Liability Insurance? https://contractorsliability.com/blog/what-are-the-requirements-to-obtain-general-contractors-general-liability-insurance/ Tue, 08 Mar 2022 15:20:58 +0000 https://contractorsliability.com/?p=72513 At ContractorsLiability.com we make it easy to get cheap and affordable General Contractors General Liability Insurance. We can have policies in a few hours. We will be able to issue you certificates of insurance right away so you can get ... Read more

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At ContractorsLiability.com we make it easy to get cheap and affordable General Contractors General Liability Insurance. We can have policies in a few hours. We will be able to issue you certificates of insurance right away so you can get to work. All we need is explained below, so keep reading.

Name and Structure of Business

We will need the exact name of the business along with whether you are a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation or LLC. We would also need any DBA you may use.

Sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or llc.

Type of Work Performed

Do you do residential or commercial work. If you do both, what are the approximate percentages of each type of work. Is the type of work you do new construction or remodeling of existing structures. Again if you do both an estimate of the percentage of each type.

Type of Work Performed

How Long Have You Been In Business or Experience

We will need to know how long you have been in business. If you have been in business for a while we will need what are called loss runs. These can be obtained from your previous insurance company. These are reports that give a detail of any claims your business may have had.

At ContractorsLiability.com we can help you obtain these if you want us to do so. Do not worry if you are a new business. We specialize in getting General Contractors General Liability Insurance for new companies. The only thing we would need is a little information on your work experience in the construction industry.

Years of experience

Number of Employees and Payroll

We would need to know the number of employees in the business and Payroll.

Employees and income

Gross receipts of the Business

Workers’ compensation coverage ensures that employees are taken care of in case they are injured on the job site. The insurance company also The previous 12 months gross receipts and an estimate of the next 12 months gross receipts. It is always best to give a conservative estimate of future earnings. However, be aware that most insurance companies will preform an “audit” after the policy term to determine what the exact revenue was. If you estimated to low you will be given a bill for the difference.

Next 12 months gross receipts

Do You Require Sub-Contractors to Name Your Business as Additional Insureds

If you use sub-contractors, it is a best practice to always require them to provide you a certificate of insurance naming your business as an additional insured before you allow them access to the job site. There are many good reasons to require this but the two most important are that if you have a certificate of insurance from them any amount you pay them with not be counted towards your revenue during your the audit of your General Liability Insurance for General Contractors. Another reason is that if the cause any incidents where a claim is filed it will go against their insurance rather than yours. As you know if you have claims insurance premiums rise.

Policy Limits

The lowest limit General Contractor General Liability Insurance policy we sell is $1,000,000 Occurrence $2,000,000 Aggregate. This is the standard industry amount. Some States allow for lower limits, but the savings are to small to justify issuing those policies. For example a $300,000 Occurrence $600,000 Aggregate policy will only result on average less than $50 per year in premium. It is not worth the risk to save a few bucks.

Policy Limits

Large Policy Limits

In some instances you may need higher limits as result of contractual obligations. These higher limits will be found in the insurance section of any contract you are negotiating. It is always best to forward this section to your agent so that they can get you exactly the coverage the contract calls for.

1M/2M/3M

Licenses

If your State requires General Contractors to be licensed you will be required to provide your license number or a copy of your license.

Licenses

Signature

You will need to review and sign the application and send it back.

Signature

Payment Options

At ContractorsLiability.com we offer a number of convenient payment options for your General Contractors General Liability Insurance Policy. We can accept Debit Cards, Credit Cards and Checks. We have a number of financing options as well. We will work with you to get you set up with the payment plan that is right for your business.

Different Payments Options

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Products-Completed Operations: What Is It & Do I Need This Type of Insurance Coverage? https://contractorsliability.com/blog/product-completed-operations/ Mon, 18 Oct 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://contractorsliability.com/?p=61818 An alarming number of small businesses in the US are underinsured. Is yours one of them? In this article, we look at what product completed operations coverage is, exactly what it covers (and what it does not cover), who needs ... Read more

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An alarming number of small businesses in the US are underinsured. Is yours one of them?

31.7 Million total Small Business in the U.S 40% of Small Business Owners have no insurance and 75%of businesses in the us are nt insured adequately

In this article, we look at what product completed operations coverage is, exactly what it covers (and what it does not cover), who needs it, and how claims are filed.

What is Product-Completed Operations Coverage?

Product completed operations coverage (PCOC) is a type of business insurance that protects you against liability for property damage or bodily injury to a third party caused by your product or work after the work is completed. Sometimes called Coverage A, the coverage only applies when a product leaves your premises or when a service has been completed.

That’s the coverage that you are looking for? Let our experts guide you in the insurance process.

Product Liability vs. Completed Operations Liability

While they are usually covered under the same clause, products liability and completed operations liability insurance are different things. If your company manufactures or sells products, product liability protects you from financial loss resulting from product liability claims.

Product Liability for manufactures and product sellers vs completed operations Liability both protects you from liability claims

Completed operations, on the other hand, are protection for service providers, like contractors, roofers, pest control, plumbing, or some other service-oriented businesses. If your business provides a service, clients can file a lawsuit if the work you completed causes bodily injury or property damage. An example of this is when you complete a roofing job and that roof collapses.

What Does the Policy Cover & What Are Its Limitations?

Product completed operations insurance covers medical costs, repair costs, and legal fees in the case of lawsuits brought about by events such as:

Product Completed Operations Insurance Covers you in case of a lawsuit due to the following reasons

Exclusions and situations PCOC does NOT cover:

  • Damage to Your Product: The PCOC policy will not cover claims where your products have caused damage to your own product. For a claim to be covered, it must involve injury to a third party or damage of their property.
  • Damage to Your Work: Damage to your completed work is not covered by PCOC insurance. If you built a structure and later damaged that structure yourself, it would not be covered by product liability insurance.
  • Damage to Impaired Property: If you cause damage to property that renders it unusable or impaired in any way, the insurance company will not cover the losses caused by this, even if your work is proven to be inadequate or defective (meaning it wasn’t fit for use or consumption).
  • If There is no Bodily Injury or Property Damage: If this is the case, the claim is outside of the PCO insurance agreement.
  • Product Recall Costs: Any costs arising from a product recall will not be covered.
Product Completed Operations Coverage PCOC does not cover

In addition to exclusions, each policy will have specified coverage limits (the total amount it will payout for each claim and the aggregate limit for all total claims over a time period).

How Are Products-Completed Operations Claims Filed?

As with all insurance policies, certain criteria must be filled for a successful claim to be made:

  1. The claim must allege bodily injury or property damage.
  2. The claimant must be able to prove that the bodily injury or property damage came from your products or work. There must be a clear connection or causation between your products or services and the alleged injury or damage.
  3. The injury or property damage must have happened away from your business premises, or must have occurred when the product was no longer in your possession, or after the work was complete.
  4. The injury or damage must happen within the policy period.

If you are sued and the claim meets these criteria, you may file a claim against your PCOC insurance for coverage. The insurance company will evaluate the claim and payout up to the occurrence limit or aggregate limit.

Who Should Buy This Kind of Coverage?

The following should consider the benefits of purchasing a product completed operations insurance policy:

  • Any business that manufactures, sells, handles, distributes, or disposes of any type of goods or products.
  • Service providers (generally, home service providers).
  • Any aspect of construction work.
  • Any company working with toxic chemicals, such as a pest control company.
Some industries and occupations have a higher risk of product failure than most

Some industries and occupations have a higher risk of product failure than most. The following, for example, should especially consider obtaining product-completed operations coverage:

  • Motor Vehicle Construction
  • Motor Vehicle Repair
  • Chemical Products (including insecticides and cleaning products)
  • Children’s and Baby Products (including toys, clothing, feeding equipment & etc.)
  • Health and Beauty Products
  • Beauty Salons
  • Sports and Fitness Equipment
  • Carpentry
  • Furniture
  • Retailers

This is not an exhaustive list, just some examples of the wide variety of businesses that should consider extra coverage for product completed operations liability insurance. Your business can be hit with a civil lawsuit at any time. It’s important to have the right liability coverage for every situation.

If your business is on this list you should consider get insurance to protect it.

Some Situational Examples

  • A beauty salon waxes a customer’s eyebrows. The wax is very hot and when the customer gets home, their eyebrow and eyelid area is blistered.
  • A retailer’s outlet has a seasonal sale, so the store is particularly busy. A section of ceiling tiles comes loose and falls on many customers and employees, injuring several people. They all need to be checked by paramedics and some need to go to the hospital for further treatment.
  • A restaurant buys your products for use in their recipes. Several customers report sickness several hours after eating at the restaurant. Investigation shows your product was contaminated.
  • A garage door installation company installs a new door. A week later the automatic door opening mechanism fails and the door crashes down onto the customer’s car, causing serious damage to the vehicle.

(In these examples, the product completed operations claims meet the criteria for the policy, but product recall costs would not be covered.)

Get Covered with Contractors Liability

While there’s a small amount of PCOC included in your commercial general liability policy, if you’re offering any type of service or creating a product for use away from your business, you need to make sure you’re fully insured against claims of bodily injury or property loss or damage.

Logo Constractors Liability

Contractors Liability can help make sure you and your business have enough insurance to cover damages in any foreseeable scenario. We’ll put you in touch with an insurance agent who will listen to what you need then find the best business owner’s policy to suit you and your business.

Ready to learn more and protect your business? Get in touch with us to get a free quote today!

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General Liability vs Professional Liability https://contractorsliability.com/blog/general-liability-vs-professional-liability/ Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0000 https://contractorsliability.com/?p=61400 Why Do I Need Insurance For My Business? According to Statista, 8.2% of contractor professionals and managers are uninsured, leaving this group vulnerable to unexpected financial loss that can potentially devastate their bottom lines and operations. Nearly every type of ... Read more

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Why Do I Need Insurance For My Business?

According to Statista, 8.2% of contractor professionals and managers are uninsured, leaving this group vulnerable to unexpected financial loss that can potentially devastate their bottom lines and operations.

According to statista 8.2 of contractor professionals and managers are uninsured

Nearly every type of business faces liability risks, so every business needs insurance and proper coverage. Contractors are especially susceptible to these risks due to the physical and equipment-heavy nature of the work.

Fatal work injuries are 4764 in 2020 employers reported 2.7m injury and illness cases

The benefits of liability coverage can’t be overstated. Business insurance protects you and your company against financial losses when the unexpected (but completely possible) happens. Construction sites can be dangerous places riddled with all sorts of risks and potential for bodily injury. The bottom line is this: If someone can sue you for something, you need to insure against it.

Top 5 Most dangerous jobs in america fishing and huntings, logging, aircraft pilots, roofers and helpers

Insurance is also a great selling point. Businesses and homeowners alike are leery of hiring an uninsured contractor and will probably ask for proof of insurance. Why? Your insurance protects them, too. If something happens to one of your crew members on their property, homeowner’s insurance will not cover the damages.

Instead, there are two types of insurance policies that are better suited for contractors and their work—general liability and professional liability.

General LiabilityProfessional Liability
General liability insurance covers physical risk, which includes property damage and injuries.Professional liability insurance covers things like negligence, omissions, and errors.
General Liability covers, physical risk, which includes property damage and injuries

What is General Liability Insurance?

Commercial general liability coverage helps protect your business and reputation from common risks. General Liability insurance has three components:

1. Personal Injury and Property Damage Liability

This pays legal defense costs for lawsuits stemming from bodily injury claims or property damage claims. (Work-related injuries are covered by a different type of insurance, workers’ compensation insurance).

Bodily injury insurance covers the costs when people who do not work for you get a physical injury on your job site. For example, if you are building a home and a neighbor trips on a roofing tile and breaks an ankle, he or she could sue for damages. Property damage, conversely, would include something like breaking a window while painting a building.

Personal Injury and property damage liability 3rd party bodily injuries 3rd party property damage

2. Personal and Advertising Injury

Personal and advertising injury liability insurance protects you in case you are sued for:

  • Libel or Slander
  • Having someone arrested for false reasons.
  • Copyright infringement.
  • Malicious prosecution.
  • Stealing an advertising idea.
  • Wrongful eviction.
  • Committing an invasion of privacy (walking into a customer’s home without permission).
Personal and advertising injury protects you in case you are sued for any violation of the rights of a person or business

3. Medical Payments

If you’re sued for bodily injury, this part of your insurance coverage pays the medical bills for the injured person.

Medical Payments if youre sued for bodily injury this part of the insurance covers for the injured person

What Does a General Liability Policy Cover?

General liability insurance covers your costs for legal expenses related to third-party lawsuits. In other words, if you are sued, general liability coverage pays all the costs associated with going to court: legal fees, court costs, and settlements or judgments.

General Liability Insurance covers cost for legal expenses related to third party lawsuits legal fees court costs settlements

What General Liability Insurance Does Not Cover?

It’s equally important to understand what isn’t part of general liability insurance coverage and what kinds of insurance covers other issues. Here’s what’s not covered:

  • Worker injuries: People who work for your company are covered by workers compensation insurance. (Texas is the only state that does not require you to carry this insurance.)
  • Mistakes: Mistakes such as shoddy workmanship or materials are not covered under general liability. It is instead covered by professional liability insurance.
  • Vehicle-related issues: Accidents and other vehicle-related injuries or damage are covered by commercial vehicle insurance.
  • Punitive damages: Punitive damages are intangible injuries like mental anguish resulting from a traumatic experience. General liability coverage does not typically cover punitive judgments.
  • Intentional acts: General liability won’t cover your costs if your employee gets angry and starts a fire or commits otherwise intentional acts of damage and harm.
General Liability insurance does not cover workers injuries mistakes punitive damages intentional acts

How Much Does General Liability Insurance Cost?

Rates vary based on a lot of factors. Your rate will depend on:

  • Your job specialty: A roofer faces very different types of risk when compared to a painter or an interior decorator.
  • Geographic location: Rates vary by different states and counties. In heavily populated urban areas, insurance tends to cost more than it might in rural areas.
  • Number of employees: The more employees you have, your business naturally faces more risk and will need to extend coverage for everyone who is liable.
  • Deductibles: Much like car insurance, if you set a higher deductible, you pay lower premiums.
  • Amount of coverage: Naturally, you pay less if you choose $100,000 of insurance coverage than if you choose $1 million in coverage. The amount of coverage you choose will likely depend on the size of your company and the contracts you typically land. Your risk is greater when you are working on a 10-story office building than on a private house.
General Liability Insurance Rate increasers your job speciality, geographic location, number of employees deductibles

Who Should Take out General Liability Insurance?

Since general liability insurance covers a wide range of common risks and physical damage, almost every large and small business owner who has an office or a store or who goes out to job sites should seek proper coverage. For example, an architect who meets clients in his office needs coverage, and so does a handyman who works for homeowners.

General Liability Insurance is essential for any type of large business owners and small business owners

What is Professional Liability Insurance?

Professional liability insurance (PLI) is a different type of coverage also known as errors and omissions insurance. It helps cover the court costs and associated fees in the event that a negligent act, error, or omission is made by your business. Typically, this type of insurance is used by professional service providers, like accountants, lawyers, real estate professionals, computer programmers, and medical professionals. However, contractors can still take out professional liability insurance coverage.

Professional Liability Cover the curt costs and associated fees if you are sued for negligence omissions and errors

What Does a Professional Liability Insurance Policy Cover?

Most court costs and other financial damages arising from service errors are covered. Some examples are:

  • Medical mistakes: Unintentional malpractice insurance is one type of professional liability insurance.
  • Accounting errors: If an accountant makes a mistake that costs the client, the client can sue.
  • Programming errors: If an app developer builds an app for a business and a programming error costs the client money, the app developer may be covered by professional liability insurance.
Professional Liability Cover Medical mistakes accounting errors and programming errors

What Professional Liability Insurance Does NOT Cover

Professional liability coverage does not include:

  • Criminal prosecution.
  • Personal or bodily injury claims.
  • Damage to business or commercial property.
  • Civil liability, aside from what’s listed in the policy.
  • Cyber liabilities such as data breach.
Professional Liability Insurance does not cover criminal prosecution, personal or bodily injry claims, civil liability and cyber liabilities

How Much Does Professional Liability Insurance Cost?

The cost of professional liability insurance varies by location, profession, and coverage limits. It can cost as little as $20 per month, but a doctor with a history of malpractice claims can pay substantially more.

it can cost as litte as 20 per month

The cost can also vary by state or county. An AMA study found: “In some areas of New York, premiums for obstetricians/gynecologists reached $214,999… while premiums for obstetricians/gynecologists in some areas of California were $49,804.”

Professional laibility insurance rate increasers location profession coverage limits

Who Should Take out Professional Liability Insurance?

Professional liability insurance is designed to protect companies or professionals that provide services in which work products are not physical. This might include web developers, tax preparers, law firms, and cyber security firms.

Professional Liability Insurance Is essential for any type of professionals and companies that provide services in which work products are not physical

Protect Yourself and Your Business With Contractors Liability

Picking the right insurance for your business can be challenging. Reputable insurance companies will help you negotiate the contract terms and get the business liability coverage you need.

The type of insurance you choose depends on the type of services you offer. Building contractors primarily need general liability insurance to protect against all the accidents that might happen on a job site.

Logo Constractors Liability

Looking for more information on what kind of insurance your contracting business needs? Call now or get a free quote now!

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Bonded and Insured: What Do They Mean & What’s the Difference? https://contractorsliability.com/blog/bonded-and-insured/ Mon, 06 Sep 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://contractorsliability.com/?p=61392 When you’re a contractor, it’s important to establish your credibility with potential customers. That’s why you might see the phrase “bonded and insured” in advertising materials. It’s a great selling point that diligent customers look for.  But what does it ... Read more

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When you’re a contractor, it’s important to establish your credibility with potential customers. That’s why you might see the phrase “bonded and insured” in advertising materials. It’s a great selling point that diligent customers look for. 

But what does it really mean?

Understanding Insurance Terms At a Glance: Bonded and Insured

Bonds are similar to business insurance in the sense that both provide protection against financial loss. However, there are significant differences between bonds and insurance.

Insurance is a form of risk management that guarantees the insured’s losses will be covered or compensated for. Conversely, bonds guarantee that the principal (in this case, the contractor) will fulfill or meet the terms of a contract.

In this article, we’re covering the major differences between both of these terms and why contractors should consider getting both bonded and insured.


Insured Contractors

Insurance is a critical business expense for every contractor. There are several types of insurance products designed to cover different circumstances and liabilities. The kind of insurance policy you need depends on your specialty and services. Builders and other construction industry businesses, for example, need a different type of insurance than a service provider such as an accountant

What kind of insurance is most appropriate for these groups? Let’s review a couple below:

1. General Liability Insurance

Commercial general liability insurance protects your business and reputation from financial loss due to common risks like property damage and bodily injuries. It may also cover the costs of legal defense against lawsuits arising from intangible things like copyright infringement, intellectual property theft, libel, and wrongful eviction. 

In the case you are sued, general liability insurance may cover court costs; this includes legal fees, court costs, and settlements or judgments.

General liability insurance does not cover:

  • Employee injuries: This is covered by workers compensation insurance

  • Vehicle-related injuries or damage: Covered by commercial auto insurance

  • Punitive damages: Costs beyond typical medical expenses and court costs are not covered. Punitive damages usually are awarded for mental anguish and suffering.

  • Intentional acts: If a disgruntled employee destroys property on purpose, the cost is not covered.

2. Professional Liability Insurance

Contractors and small businesses alike often carry professional liability insurance in addition to general liability. Professional liability insurance is also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. It covers legal costs when your business is sued for unsatisfactory or incomplete work. Typically, this type of insurance is taken out by professional service providers, like lawyers, real estate professionals, accountants, and medical professionals.

The type of business insurance you need depends on several factors, including your industry, the number of employees you have, and a variety of risk factors. A qualified insurance agent can help you find the right combination to meet your business needs.

Bonded Contractors

Even the most reliable, well-intentioned contractors can let customers down. You may be unable to complete a job for many reasons, from a natural disaster to supply chain failure. 

Bonds, also known as surety bonds, are essentially insurance against this failure; it’s a guarantee that your contracting business will make good on the work that’s expected. They are official agreements made between three distinct parties:

  • Principal: The principal is the business owner who purchases the bond.

  • Obligee: This is the person or organization that the bond is intended to protect. Obligees might be, for example, a homeowner, a commercial company, or a government institution.

  • Surety: The insurance agency or insurance company that guarantees the bond.

Diligent customers usually require a bond before they will decide to work with a contractor. Bonds provide financial protection for your customers if the project fails. It also outlines the exact parameters of a contract. Bonds give both you and your customers a sense of mutual understanding and trust that the contract terms will be fully met.

Types of bonds

There are two different general types of bonds—commercial bonds and contract bonds, also known as contractor bonds or construction bonds, respectively. Commercial bonds are used to protect public institutions, like government municipalities. If you want to bid on a landscaping job to beautify a city park, a commercial bond is required. If you fail to follow any regulations, the surety company will cover the damage, but you may have to pay the surety company back.

Construction bonds, on the other hand, are typically required by businesses operating in the construction industry. There are several different types of construction bonds:

  • Performance bonds: If you can’t complete the work you contracted for, a performance bond covers the cost of hiring a replacement company to finish the job.

  • Maintenance bonds: Similar to a warranty against defects, maintenance bonds pay out in the event you use defective or faulty materials for a specified period of time.

  • Payment bonds: Contractors are required to buy materials and often hire subcontractors to perform some of the work. If you cannot pay for materials or payroll, a payment bond covers the cost.

  • Ancillary bonds: These bonds cover contract expenses that performance bonds can’t.

  • Bid bonds: Before issuing a bid bond, a surety company does a financial background check on your company. Bid bonds are essentially assurances that your company has the capability of completing the job. Bid bonds are good to have when a small business bids on a large project.

  • License and permit bonds: Permit and license bonds, often required by government agencies, verify that your business will comply with rules, regulations, and laws. 

 

What’s the Cost of a Contractor’s Bond vs Insurance?

Your insurance cost will vary based on many different factors, including the size of your business and number of employees, the industry you work in, your location, and the amount of coverage you choose.

The cost of bonds also depends on several variables. Your company’s credit score and financial information are the most significant influencing factors. 

Why Should Contractors Get Bonded and Insured?

Your business may not be required to be bonded and insured by law, but every business can hugely benefit from coverage.

Bonds and insurance show potential customers that your business is legitimate and trustworthy. In some states, bonds can work in your favor as well. If your customer doesn’t pay, a surety bond can help you collect in court.

There is no understating the importance of being covered. Being insured and bonded provides peace of mind and protects your company in the event of a catastrophe or even smaller infractions. Without insurance, if something happens and you are unable to complete the work or shoddy materials undermine your project, your business could be on the line. 

Insurance and Bonds with Contractors Liability

Bonds and insurance typically go hand in hand. 

With the right combination of bond and insurance products, your business is covered and your customer’s interests are protected as well. 

If you’d like to find out more about the bonds and insurance to meet the specific needs of your company, Contractors Liability is here to help. Contact us for your free insurance quotes today!

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What is Construction General Liability Insurance Protection? https://contractorsliability.com/blog/what-is-construction-general-liability-insurance-protection/ Wed, 19 Aug 2020 09:03:32 +0000 https://contractorsliability.com/?p=56198 There are many inherent risks in running a construction company. As well as the risks of being in business. You have to worry about copyrights, and personal damage to a competitor. You also have to worry about personal injuries and ... Read more

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There are many inherent risks in running a construction company. As well as the risks of being in business. You have to worry about copyrights, and personal damage to a competitor. You also have to worry about personal injuries and property damage. These risks can be overwhelming both psychologically and financially. This is true if you do not have the proper insurance.

This is where construction General Liability insurance protection comes into play. This insurance policy protects you from the hazards mentioned above. It will also help you find more clients. They do not have to worry about any heavy financial losses while working with you. In this article, we’re going to take a look at General Liability insurance and what it entails.

The benefits

The first and most obvious benefit of Construction General Liability Insurance protection policy for contractors is that it will protect you, your employees, and your subcontractors. This is in case there is an injury, property damage, and any damage done to a third party through advertising and contractor marketing. Moreover, you’ll have coverage in terms of costs and damages after a judgment. You can use it to cover your court expenses, witness fees, attorney fees and more.

Ultimately, contractors liability insurance gives you the peace of mind you need to run your business smoothly and effectively.

What Contractors Liability cover?

In addition to property damage, injury, personal damage and advertising/marketing damages, construction General Liability Insurance protection also offers coverage for completed services and products. For example, if you’ve built a staircase for a client, and one day, a stair breaks and the client is injured, they have a case against you.

With General Liability insurance, you have coverage for both the medical and legal costs. You will also be protected against several other nasty cases. These include copyright infringement, libel, slander and stolen ideas.

Not only that, but you can cover the actions of your employees and subcontractors. After all, courts hold the general contractor liable for anything that goes wrong during and after a project.

How are insurance rates calculated?

A few factors decide your insurance rates. These factors will determine whether you have to pay hundreds of dollars or thousands of dollars for your coverage, and they are pretty uniform across the board. The provider will take into account your location, number of employees, the type of work done, and the revenue of the company, along with your claim history.

Your deductible will also have an impact on your rates, with higher deductibles leading to lower rates, and vice versa.

Working with the right provider

Finding the right provider is as important as having Construction General Liability insurance protection because the right provider will help you pick the best coverage for your budget and necessities.

With a strong customer support team and insurance agents, the right provider will have you covered at all times for the best price. If you would like to find out more about our insurance offer, contact Contractors Liability at 866-225-1950.

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