Why is business insurance a must for concrete contractors?
When working with concrete, you take on risks such as back injuries and exposure to harmful cement dust. Business insurance covers medical bills if you or an employee is injured on the job. It can also pay for lawsuits, auto accidents, and data breaches.
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6 insurance policies every concrete contractor should consider
Landlords, clients, or state laws may require insurance for a concrete contracting business. These insurance policies protect small business owners against common construction lawsuits and other top risks.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy protects against legal and medical costs related to client property damage and injuries. It's often required by state laws and contracts.
- Medical bills from client bodily injuries
- Damaged customer property
- Advertising injury and copyright lawsuits
Business owner's policy
A BOP bundles commercial property insurance and general liability coverage at a discount. It's often the most cost-effective type of business insurance for a concrete contractor.
- Client slip-and-fall injuries
- Accidental damage to a client's property
- Theft and vandalism
Commercial auto insurance
State laws require commercial auto insurance for vehicles owned by a concrete business. It helps pay for financial losses in an accident, including legal costs and property repairs.
- Auto accident injuries
- Auto accident property damage
- Theft of a company vehicle
Workers' comp insurance
Most states require concrete companies with employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. In some states, even sole proprietors who work in construction must carry this coverage.
- Medical expenses from work injuries
- Disability benefits
- Lawsuits from workplace accidents
Contractor's tools and equipment
A type of inland marine insurance, this policy protects trowels, mixers, and other equipment wherever you bring them. That includes items in transit, stored off-site, or used at a job site.
- Equipment that is less than five years old
- Items valued at under $10,000
- Tools that travel to construction sites
Professional liability insurance
Professional liability insurance covers legal fees related to a mistake, missed deadline, or other accusation of professional negligence. It's also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O).
- Project delays
- Wrong materials
- Uneven concrete
Concrete contractor's insurance costs
Here's a quick look at the average cost of concrete contractor insurance policies purchased by TechInsurance customers:
General liability: $102 per month
Business owner's policy: $98 per month
Workers' compensation: $286 per month
Factors that can influence your premiums include:
- Type of work you do, such as foundations or pre-cast concrete items
- Number of employees you have, including subcontractors
- Types of insurance purchased
- Policy limits and deductibles
- Coverage options, such as an additional insured
- Claims history
Start a free application to see how much insurance will cost for your business.
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Common questions about business insurance for concrete contractors
Find answers to frequently asked questions about concrete insurance.
Do concrete contractors need a license, permit, or bond?
In short, this depends on the laws in your area. Some states and other jurisdictions require contractors to carry a license to do concrete work. You might need a special concrete license, or it could be part of the general contractor license.
Here are a couple examples:
- In California, contractors must be licensed to do any construction work valued at $500 or more.
- In Kansas, there is no state law requiring licensure for contractors, but many cities and counties require a license for this type of work.
When you apply for a license, the requirements often include securing a surety bond or a general liability insurance policy. Clients might also ask you to carry a bond, or you might run into a scenario where you need a bid bond to bid on a project.
As for permits, they are usually needed for larger concrete construction projects, such as changing a home's layout or building a covered patio. You likely don't need one for smaller tasks, but it's always a good idea to check you're in compliance with local regulations.
What other types of insurance coverage do concrete contractors need?
Depending on the specifics of your concrete contractor business, you may need additional types of coverage. Other policies to consider include:
- Cyber insurance: This policy helps small business owners recover financially from cyberattacks and data breaches. It's recommended for any business that stores customer data.
- Contractors pollution liability insurance (CPL): This policy protects contractors against legal costs related to pollution, such as a lawsuit about construction site run-off that pollutes a stream.
- Inland marine insurance: Commercial property insurance only covers items at your business address, so you may need inland marine insurance for items in transit or at a job site. Types of inland marine coverage include contractor's tools and equipment insurance and installation floater insurance for materials awaiting installation.
- Commercial umbrella insurance: Umbrella insurance boosts the coverage of your general liability, commercial auto, and employer's liability insurance once they reach the limit on a claim.
- Builder's risk insurance: Also called course of construction insurance, this policy helps pay for damage to a structure in progress and construction materials.
- Mobile equipment endorsement: This type of coverage insures concrete pumps, backhoes, and other construction industry vehicles not covered by standard auto insurance.
How do I find cheap insurance for concrete contractors?
With TechInsurance, you can compare quotes from top-rated insurance carriers by filling our our easy online application. Our agents can help you find coverage that fits your risks and your budget.
Other ways to save include:
- Bundle your policies. Most small business owners qualify for a business owner's policy, which includes both general liability and commercial property coverage at a reduced rate.
- Choose cheaper options. You can save money by selecting lower coverage limits, a higher deductible, or certain exclusions on your policy.
- Manage your risks. There are countless ways to reduce your risks and avoid claims, which helps keep your premium low. For example, you can provide workers with goggles and gloves to help them avoid injuries, or focus on clear communication with clients to avoid professional liability claims.
