Contractors General Liability Insurance

As a contractor, it is essential to have contractors general liability insurance. This type of insurance protects you and your business from various risks such as property damage, bodily injury, and personal injury claims. In this article, we will discuss the importance of contractors general liability insurance, what it covers, and some frequently asked questions.

What is Contractors General Liability Insurance?

Contractors general liability insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for property damage and bodily injury claims that can arise during your business operations. Generally, this insurance coverage is designed for contractors and other small business owners who have employees working on different job sites.

The contractors general liability insurance policy typically covers third-party legal liability arising from accidental injury to third party persons or damage to third party property. All contractors who work on various projects must have this insurance to ensure that they are protected from potential lawsuits that may arise during their work.

What Does Contractors General Liability Insurance Cover?

Contractors general liability insurance covers various risks that may arise during the project construction. Below are some of the primary things that contractors general liability insurance covers:

What’s Covered
Examples
Property Damage
Any damage to a client’s property that may occur during the course of construction. For example, if the water pipe bursts and floods a client’s basement, the contractor’s insurance will cover the damage.
Bodily Injury
Any injury or harm caused to a third party during the course of construction. For example, a worker may fall from the scaffolding and injure the passerby, and the contractor’s insurance will cover the medical bills.
Personal or Advertising Injury
Coverage for the non-physical injury that occurs during the course of business operation. For example, if a contractor comes to a client’s construction site and inadvertently makes some defamatory statement about the client, the contractor’s insurance will cover the resulting lawsuit expenses.

Who Needs Contractors General Liability Insurance?

Any contractor working on a project must have contractors general liability insurance. It does not matter if you are working on a small or large project; having this insurance coverage is crucial for protecting your business from potential risks. This insurance coverage is especially important for general contractors as they are responsible for everything that happens on the construction site.

Subcontractors should also carry this insurance coverage because they are responsible for their work and anything that happens on the site.

How Much Does Contractors General Liability Insurance Cost?

The cost of contractors general liability insurance varies depending on several factors, such as the size of your business, the type of work you do, and the location where you operate. Generally, the more risk involved in your work, the more expensive your insurance premium will be.

Most insurance companies offer customizable insurance policies, which means that you can choose the coverage that you need for your business. You can work with an insurance agent to determine the type of coverage you need and how much it will cost.

FAQ

What is not covered by contractors general liability insurance?

General liability insurance does not cover your tools, equipment, or vehicles; they are covered under a separate policy. It also does not cover damages that result from intentional or criminal activity. This includes any harm caused by your employees or any illegal acts such as fraud or theft.

Can I get insurance coverage for my subcontractors?

Yes, you can get coverage for your subcontractors. However, you must ensure that they have their own insurance coverage. The best way to protect yourself from any liability issues is to require your subcontractors to carry their insurance coverage and provide you with proof of their insurance policy.

What happens if I do not have contractors general liability insurance?

If you do not have contractors general liability insurance, you are at risk of getting sued for damages or injuries that occur during your business operations. This can be a significant financial burden, and without insurance coverage, you will be responsible for paying any legal fees or damages on your own.

How do I know if I need general liability insurance for my business?

If you work in the construction industry, you should have contractors general liability insurance. If you are unsure if you need general liability insurance coverage, you can speak to an insurance agent who can help you determine the insurance coverage that your business needs.

Conclusion

Contractors general liability insurance is crucial for protecting your business from potential risks and lawsuits that can arise during your business operations. It is essential to work with an insurance agent to determine the type of coverage you need and how much it will cost. Do not put your business at risk; ensure that you have the right insurance coverage for your business operations.