Picture a scenario in which you hire a local roofing contractor to install a new roof on your River Falls home. But while carrying shingles to the roof, he falls, injuring him badly and actually causing him to be disabled.
Would this accident fall under your liability because it was your home and your installation project he was working on? At the outset, you may say no. But if the heating contractor did not have the proper insurance, the answer may indeed be yes.
It’s up to you to make sure the contractors you hire for various home services like heating, cooling, roofing, building, electrical work, plumbing and more are adequately insured.
What Kind of Contractors Insurance Should You Be Looking for?
When choosing an insured contractor, it’s important to select one that has adequate insurance, but it can be confusing as there are several different types of insurance that a contractor may have.
First and foremost, there’s workers compensation insurance. This coverage pays medical expenses and lost wages to workers who are severely injured while working.
Law requires workers compensation insurance, so nearly all businesses — no matter the product or service they provide — need to have workers comp insurance when they have employees.
This goes for contractors as well, but there are exceptions. What’s essential to remember here is that workers comp varies by state.
Another type of insurance that contractors may have is commercial general liability insurance. This will protect a business from liability claims because of worker injuries or property damage while on the job.
Additionally, there’s business auto insurance. Similar to regular auto insurance, business auto coverage protects contractors from huge expenses in the event of auto theft, auto damage, and/or personal injuries if the driver was working while driving.
Finally, you may find contractors telling you they have builders risk insurance. Essentially, this is a form of insurance that covers possible property damage during construction or home services project, but it’s more time-sensitive than other policies. The policy will simply last for the duration of the project and cover only the specific property and materials being worked on.
The Importance of Obtaining a Certificate of Insurance
After your contractor explains to you what insurance they have, always request that they present you with a document called a certificate of insurance. This is a standard question that any contractor would expect you to ask.
The certificate of insurance simply shows in legal terms that the contractor does indeed have insurance and that the insurance is valid for the duration of the work you’re planning.
Find an Insurance Company in River Falls You Can Depend On
Are you planning renovations for your home? Need HVAC or electric work? You’ll want to make sure the contractor you hire has the right type of insurance for your project with adequate limits to protect you in the event of an accident.
Reis Insurance can take a look at the contractors you’re considering and evaluate their insurance to ensure the right coverage. We can also update your homeowners insurance policy as it may need to be altered based on the work or renovations you’re planning.
Feel free to visit our office in River Falls, WI or give us a call today to learn more about what our insurance agency can do for you.
