General Liability Insurance – Whether you own or manage a construction business, one of the things you need to prioritize is liability insurance. The construction industry may be lucrative but it also comes with risks. Accidents that can lead to serious injuries (or even death) can tremendously hurt your bottom line. In some cases, it may lead to business closure.
What builders risk insurance protects is your income and business. If you don’t have insurance yet, we highly recommend you find a reputable and reliable insurance company that can protect you against claims and other costs.
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What Type of Coverage Do Construction Businesses Get With Liability Insurance?
Getting general liability insurance protects your business in case there are accidents or damage at your place of business. The insurance company can take care of all the expenses related to accidents or damage, helping you save money.
Below are some examples of what an insurance company can do when you have general liability insurance protection:
Customer Injuries
If your employees are doing construction work and one of the clients or customers is injured because of it, your business could be sued. Without insurance, this means you’ll have to pay for the lawyer’s services plus costs and other expenses.
You can avoid paying attorney fees, medical bills, settlements and even funeral expenses when you get general liability insurance. Before signing anything though, we recommend you fully understand what’s included in the coverage. Do make sure it includes everything you need. Feel free to clarify vague statements or benefits with the insurance company if you’re confused.
Libel
Marketing your construction services can help you acquire more clients. With so many construction companies in the market nowadays, it’s possible to accidentally copy a company’s marketing or advertising slogan and this can hurt your business when you get sued. Getting liability insurance protects you from the costs associated with copyright infringement.
Damages
While hiring the right employees can help you avoid problems at the construction site, sometimes accidents do happen. Your employees may accidentally damage your client’s furniture or home and this can cost you money, depending on the amount of damage. With liability insurance, the company can take care of property damages related to the accident.
Additionally, you also get protection in case your employees weren’t able to properly carry out the task and it caused an injury.
Cost of General Liability Insurance
The cost of general liability insurance depends on the type of coverage you’re getting, your claims history, your business location and the services you offer. You can expect to pay $80 per month but this can vary. We recommend getting in touch with a trusted insurance company to know the exact cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About General Liability Insurance for Construction Businesses:
Why do we need to get general liability insurance?
In most states, construction companies may not be allowed to operate without general liability insurance. You need insurance not just to protect your business but to protect your client as well. Also, keep in mind that it might be difficult for you to get more clients if you don’t have insurance. In some cases, you may never be able to operate your business if you don’t have general liability insurance.
When does the policy take effect?
This depends on the insurance company. Some companies may offer you coverage right after paying for your premiums. We suggest you talk to your insurance company to help you make an informed decision.
Should we get worker’s compensation insurance?
If you have employees, we recommend getting worker’s compensation insurance to avoid paying for expenses when you get sued by your own employees. This type of insurance offers medical benefits and wages to employees who are injured while on the job.
How do we choose the right insurance company?
We recommend making a list of at least three insurance companies offering general liability insurance. Review the inclusions of their policies including the costs. Make sure it has everything you need before signing up.
It would also help to research the company to ensure they’re trustworthy. Find out how long they have been in business and who their clients are. If possible, read client reviews or get referrals.
Are you ready to get general liability insurance or perhaps you have some questions? Look for an insurance provider in your area today.
