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If you're a plumber and small business owner, you probably find yourself in some messy situations. You are the person people call when their pipes burst, their toilet is clogged, or they need a simple repair. They are relying on you and your company to be prepared and knowledgeable.
No matter what your plumbing business focuses on, you face risks in your business. A big part of being prepared comes before you even get the call. On top of an active plumbing license, protecting your small business with a business insurance policy is actually the key to cutting costs.
There are many commercial insurance options for a plumbing business. CommercialInsurance.Net is here to help you make the best-educated decision to save money and meet your plumbing insurance needs.
Here are the types of insurance we recommend including in your plumbing insurance package.
A Business Owners Policy (BOP) typically includes general liability, commercial property, and business interruption insurance. Because of the way insurance companies bundle a BOP, it’s often cheaper to purchase as a whole versus paying for each policy separately. Insurance for plumbers can be affordable with a business owners' policy. Be sure to speak with an insurance agent to see what your options are.
Learn More About a Business Owners' Policy>
A plumbing business needs to have a commercial general liability insurance policy in place. General liability insurance covers claims of third-party bodily injury, third-party property damage, and advertising injury (also referred to as personal injury). If a claim is filed against you, your insurance company can provide you with a legal defense, cover legal fees, and pay settlements for a covered claim.
For example, if you accidentally damage a client's property while repairing their plumbing, you could be held liable for the damage. But if you have general liability coverage, your insurance company can help pay for the repairs. This is the #1 policy we recommend to provide financial protection for your business.
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Property insurance for your business is very similar to the homeowner’s coverage you carry personally. You are protecting your building, furniture, inventory, and business equipment such as phones and computers. You'll likely need this coverage for an owned or leased property.
Covered damage usually includes property damage from things like fires, some natural disasters, theft, and vandalism. If you live in an area prone to flooding, it's a common exclusion from these policies and you'll want to consider a separate flood insurance plan. You'll also want to check and see if the policy includes equipment coverage in case your equipment breaks down (this may need to be a separate equipment breakdown policy).
Learn More About Commercial Property Insurance>
If your company suffers property damage that leaves you unable to operate, business interruption insurance (or business income and extra expense coverage) can help cover lost profits, employee payroll, taxes, and more.
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If you or your employees use a box truck, van, or even your personal vehicle for work purposes, you need commercial auto insurance. If you get in an accident it can help cover the cost to repair any damages to your vehicle, a third-party's vehicle or property, and any bodily injury that may occur.
If your insurance company finds that you were using the vehicle for business purposes, your personal auto insurance may not cover the claim. You don't want to be left paying expensive repair costs and medical costs.
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What are some other insurance policies that plumbing businesses should consider?
If you hire a plumbing contractor or other employees, you are legally required to provide them with workers’ compensation insurance (legally required in almost every state). Workers' comp will protect your business if an employee suffers a work-related injury. Workers' compensation will pay an employee's medical bills (including rehabilitation costs) and compensate their lost wages while they’re recovering.
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Inland marine insurance—also referred to as contractor's tool and equipment insurance—covers any tools and equipment while they're being transported to or stored at a job site. Most plumbing operations include doing late-night calls—are you sure your tools and equipment will be safe in your vehicle? Secondly, commercial auto policies won't cover any tools and equipment that aren't permanently attached to your vehicle. You'll want to consider this policy to protect your expensive tools.
Learn More About Inland Marine Insurance >
If you make a recommendation to one of your customers and it leads to severe damage to their plumbing, they can hold you liable. Professional liability—also known as errors and omissions coverage—protects plumbers against claims negligence, civil suits, and professional errors or mistakes.
Learn More About Professional Liability Insurance >
If you're contracted to complete a large plumbing project—perhaps the plumbing for every apartment in a new building—the project owner may require you to obtain a surety bond. If your business goes bankrupt or you're otherwise unable to complete the project, the surety company will reimburse the project owner for any costs incurred. This is common in large construction projects.
Next Insurance offers general liability policies as low as $29 a month—but for a limited amount of coverage ($300,000 per incident/$300,000 aggregate). The median cost of plumbing liability insurance is around $125 a month or $1,400 annually. But plumbing insurance cost depends on a variety of factors, including:
The key to maximizing plumber liability insurance—coupled with affordability—is working with a licensed insurance agent every step of the way in formalizing your small business insurance.
A major issue that plumbing contractors face when deciding on the insurance coverage needed is that no two may do the same type of work. Some plumbers may only work on commercial building projects. Others may do residential projects or repairs. Insurance requirements may even vary from state to state.
That's why it's important to use a licensed agent every step of the way to design your business insurance. Make sure to review what your business does and what types of services you provide so an unforeseen incident doesn’t wreak havoc on your business.
Let us help you protect your business and keep your mind at ease. Our goal at CommercialInsurance.Net is to help small business owners like you protect your business as efficiently as possible. If you’d like a fast and free insurance quote for a plumbing insurance policy, complete the form at the top of the page or give us a call at 877-907-5267.
