Running a contracting business comes with its own unique set of challenges. Between managing multiple projects, handling client expectations, and ensuring the safety of your team, one important aspect that often gets overlooked is insurance coverage. Unfortunately, one small oversight in your coverage could lead to significant financial setbacks for your business.
To help you protect your business from unexpected surprises, we’ve created a comprehensive checklist that addresses the most common insurance gaps contractors face. This guide is quick and easy to go through, but the insights could potentially save your business thousands.
At the core of any solid insurance plan is general liability insurance. This essential coverage protects your business from claims related to property damage, bodily injury, and associated legal fees. Many contractors mistakenly believe their coverage is sufficient, but as your projects grow in size and scope, so should your insurance.
Ensure that your general liability policy is up-to-date and covers the full range of your services. From accidents at a worksite to damage to a client’s property, this coverage is a must to keep your business safe from potentially costly claims.
Your tools and equipment are critical to your ability to deliver high-quality work. Yet, one of the most common oversights we see is contractors underinsuring or neglecting to insure their tools and equipment. Theft, damage, or loss of tools can disrupt your business operations, resulting in delays and lost revenue.
Make sure your policy covers not only owned tools but also leased or rented equipment. This will ensure that whether a key tool is damaged or stolen, you’re financially protected and can get back to work without delay.
For contractors with employees, workers' compensation insurance is required by law. However, it’s not just about meeting legal requirements. A comprehensive workers' compensation policy protects both your employees and your business in case of job-related injuries or illnesses. It covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages for injured workers.
Many contractors settle for the bare minimum when it comes to workers' compensation. Instead, ensure that your policy provides adequate coverage for the types of risks your employees face, particularly if your projects involve hazardous tasks or environments.
If you use vehicles to transport tools, materials, or your team to different job sites, personal auto insurance likely won’t cut it. You need commercial auto insurance to protect against any accidents, damage, or liability that occurs during business operations.
Whether you have a single work truck or a full fleet of vehicles, commercial auto coverage is critical to safeguarding your business from the financial consequences of vehicle accidents, damages, or theft while on the job.
As a contractor, you take pride in your work. But even with the best planning, things can go wrong, and clients can claim that your work caused financial loss or failed to meet their expectations. This is where professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, comes into play.
This coverage protects you from claims of negligence, errors, or omissions in your work. It’s especially important if you provide design services, consulting, or other advisory roles within your projects. A strong professional liability policy can shield you from expensive legal fees and damages if something goes wrong.
When disaster strikes—whether it's a natural event like a flood or a fire—your business could be forced to shut down for a period of time. Business interruption insurance provides coverage for the income you lose while your business is closed due to unforeseen events. It can also help cover ongoing expenses like rent, payroll, and other bills while your business is being restored.
This coverage ensures that even during a temporary closure, you can maintain your cash flow and keep your business on solid financial ground.
In today’s digital age, contractors are increasingly relying on technology for project management, payments, and client communications. However, this reliance also brings the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks. Cyber liability insurance covers the financial costs associated with data breaches, cyber extortion, and other cyber risks.
If your business collects customer data or processes payments online, this coverage can protect you from the legal and financial fallout of a cyber-attack, which could otherwise result in significant losses.
As a contractor, you work hard to ensure your projects run smoothly and your clients are satisfied. The last thing you want is an insurance oversight that could lead to unexpected financial losses. By taking the time to review your policies and address these common insurance gaps, you can safeguard your business and ensure you’re fully protected.
If you’re unsure whether your current coverage is sufficient or want a professional opinion, we’re here to help. At Chrysalis Insurance Agency, we specialize in providing tailored insurance solutions for contractors. Our team can review your policy and help you identify any gaps in your coverage—ensuring your business is protected from every angle.
Need a quick review of your current coverage? Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s make sure your business is fully protected and ready for anything that comes your way.
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