General contractors need some form of protection when working on residential or commercial projects. In many states, contractors are required to carry at least the bare minimum insurance coverage to obtain and maintain a contractor’s license.
Whether you are a one-person operation or work alongside several subcontractors, you must be prepared for any potential liability that may arise while performing work. At Southern States Insurance, we provide contractors in Georgia and beyond with general contractor insurance to protect them from financial loss in the event the unexpected were to occur.
Who Needs General Contractor Insurance?
Organizations that perform any type of improvement, repair, installation or remodel should acquire a general contractor insurance policy. This includes any company that works in or around homes and other residential properties, as well as commercial office buildings, that does not directly qualify for construction insurance.
Some examples of who should carry general contractor insurance include:
- Carpenters
- Carpet Cleaners
- Door/Window Contractors
- Electricians
- Fencing Contractors
- Flooring & Carpet Contractors
- Home Inspectors
- HVAC Contractors
- Masonry Contractors
- Painters
- Plumbers
- Remodelers
- Roofing Contractors
- Siding Contractors
The amount of coverage a contractor should obtain and the cost of general contractor insurance vary depending on the nature of their work and the unique liabilities that accompany it. For example, an HVAC contractor that works exclusively on tall commercial buildings may require more coverage than a home siding contractor. Feel free to talk with an insurance broker from Southern States Insurance about how much coverage you may need.
General Contractor Insurance Coverage Options
Accidents occur during contractor work more often than one would hope. From simple performance mistakes made by employees to jobsite injuries, general contractors need protection from a range of potential liabilities.
Outlined below are the policies offered by Southern States Insurance through a general contractor insurance plan:
General Liability
Commercial general liability insurance covers you from physical damage or bodily injury you or your employees cause while in the course of your contracting work. For example, if a painting contractor accidentally ruins a homeowner’s white carpet by tracking red paint on it, general liability insurance will cover the cost to clean or replace the carpet. General liability will also cover a third-party individual’s medical bills if they were to be injured due to an error or accident during the course of your work.
Commercial Auto & Inland Marine
In addition to receiving coverage for your work vehicles, it is important for your equipment and machinery to be covered as well. Commercial auto insurance protects you and provides vehicle reimbursements if you or an employee gets into an accident going to or returning from a jobsite. Inland marine insurance covers the replacement value of your equipment in transit in the event an accident, vehicle fire or other incident occurs that causes damage to the equipment. Therefore, combining commercial auto with inland marine ensures maximum asset coverage.
Equipment Breakdown
Contractors’ tools break down all the time, whether due to old age, mishandling or accidental drop. Expensive equipment can often be difficult to replace — thus, with a Southern States general contractor insurance policy, we simplify the process by covering the replacement value of the destroyed equipment. If your power drill suddenly stops working or your woodchipper starts making unusual noises, equipment breakdown insurance will provide you with the amount required for a replacement tool or machine.
Workers Compensation
Performing work as a contractor lends itself to employees being injured more frequently on the job than in white-collar professions — there are many more ways in which one could get hurt on the job. If you have workers compensation, your employees’ sole remedy for their injuries is to file a claim under your workers compensation policy. If you use subcontractors to help you, it is important to make sure they have their own policy, and that they provide you with a certificate of insurance proving they have coverage. This will limit your exposure and reduce the number of claims filed on your policy.
Why Choose Southern States Insurance?
For almost twenty years, Southern States Insurance has been providing contractors with Georgia general contractor insurance. Since our founding, we have grown to offer our commercial lines nationwide and have continued offering top-quality insurance plans to a wider range of contractors. As our clients’ risks, liabilities and industry regulations change, our policies adapt with them to always fit their general contractor insurance needs.
With Southern States Insurance, you can expect the same higher level of care and attention to detail offered by a smaller insurance company while receiving premium policy support and coverage options often provided by a large insurance corporation. As a family-oriented business, we treat our clients like our second family — this means we will always have you covered, regardless of the situation your organization may find itself in.
Work With An Experienced General Contractor Insurance Broker
Working as a contractor has its risks, but it should not stop you from doing what you love and what you do best. Whether you need coverage for the tools that help you do your job, protection from third-party injury or property damage or a financial safeguard against employee injury expenses, Southern States Insurance can help. To learn more about our general contractor insurance policies, call us at 888.971.6304 or request a quote online to speak with a professional Georgia insurance broker today.