Blacksmith And Metal Workers Insurance Policy Information
Blacksmith And Metal Workers Insurance. As a blacksmith and metal worker, your work is extremely important and very rewarding; but, you're also exposed to a lot of risks. To protect yourself from potential perils, having the right type of insurance coverage is key to protecting your business, your staff, your clients, and your personal assets.
Blacksmiths heat iron or steel in a forge until the metal becomes soft enough to shape using hand tools. Blacksmiths produce a variety of items including armor, chains, cooking utensils, custom parts, decorative railings, grills or grates, horseshoes, religious items, sculptures, swords, tools, and window and door trim. Some use welding as part of the heating and forging process.
Why is insurance so important for blacksmiths and iron workers? What type of blacksmith and metal workers insurance do you need? How much coverage should you have? Below, you'll find the answers to these questions so that you can safeguard yourself from the risks that are associated with your business.
Blacksmith and metal workers insurance protects your contracting business from lawsuits with rates as low as $77/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked blacksmith and metal workers insurance questions:
- What Is Blacksmith And Metal Worker Insurance?
- How Much Does Blacksmith And Metal Worker Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Blacksmiths, Iron And Steel Workers Need Insurance?
- What Type Of Insurance Do Blacksmiths, Steel & Iron Workers Need?
- What Does Blacksmith And Metal Workers Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is Blacksmith And Metal Worker Insurance?
Blacksmith and metal worker insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed for individuals and businesses engaged in metalworking and blacksmithing activities. This coverage provides financial protection against losses and damages related to the production, sale, and repair of metal products.
The insurance typically includes coverage for liability, property damage, equipment breakdown, and workers compensation. This coverage helps protect blacksmiths and metal workers from financial loss due to accidents, damage to equipment or property, or injury to employees.
How Much Does Blacksmith And Metal Workers Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small blacksmith and metal workers ranges from $77 to $89 per month based on location, size, payroll, sales and experience.
Why Do Blacksmiths, Iron And Steel Workers Need Insurance?
As a blacksmith , the very nature of your job can be dangerous. You work with heavy equipment and you are exposed to conditions that can be very hazardous. You are also responsible for making sure that the work you are contracted for is done properly.
Should something go awry - a piece of equipment malfunctions and an employee is injured or a client files a lawsuit against you, claiming that you damaged their property, you could end up paying medical expenses, repair bills, and legal fees; all of which can be extremely expensive.
Without insurance, you would have to pay these expenses out of your own pocket, and given the high cost, you could suffer severe financial turmoil.
However, if you have the right type of blacksmith and metal workers insurance coverage, your provider would cover these expenses. In other words, insurance can make these types of incidents little more than a nuisance.
What Type Of Insurance Do Blacksmiths, Steel & Iron Workers Need?
The type of insurance that blacksmiths need depend on a variety of factors; the specific services you offer, the type of clients you work with, the size of your organization, and where your business is located are just some of the factors that will determine what type of insurance you should carry and how much coverage you need.
However, regardless of the specifics of your company, there are key types of coverage that you will need to carry, including:
- Commercial Property - To protect the building where you conduct your business and the equipment that is housed inside, you will a commercial property insurance policy. This type of coverage protects the physical structure of your blacksmith and metalworking business, as well as the property within it, including equipment and furnishings, from certain perils. For instance, if a tree falls on top of your facility, damages the roof and some of your equipment, commercial property insurance will help to cover repair and replacement costs.
- Inland Marine - While commercial property insurance protects the tools and equipment within your facility, the coverage doesn't extend to property when it's off-site; for that, you'll need marine inland insurance. For instance, if you bring equipment with you to a job site and it's damaged or stolen, a marine inland policy will help to cover the costs of repairing or replacing the equipment.
- Commercial Auto - You will also want to protect your vehicles that you use for work-related reasons, as your personal auto insurance won't extend to work vehicles. Commercial auto insurance protects company vehicles in the event of an accident; for instance, if you rear-end another vehicle while driving your work van, commercial auto insurance will cover the damages.
- Workers' Compensation - Whether you employ a staff of 5 people or 500, you'll need to have workers' compensation insurance. This type of policy provides coverage for any work-related injuries or illnesses that your employees sustain. If a piece of machinery backfires, for example, workers' comp will pay for any medical care that is needed. If the employee is unable to work while recovering, workers' comp will also offer reimbursement for a portion of his or her missed wages. It can also assist with any legal fees, should the employee file a lawsuit against you.
These are just some of the types of insurance that iron and steel workers need to have. To find out exactly what type of insurance you need and how much coverage you should carry, speak to an insurance professional.
Blacksmith's Risks & Exposures
Premises liability exposure is low if visitors are not permitted on the premises and there are no significant off-premises operations. If visitors are permitted on premises, aisles should be clear of debris and raw materials that may pose a trip and fall hazard. Visitors, particularly children, should be supervised while near heat-treating areas.
The storage of materials in the open could pose an attractive nuisance. The yard should be fenced to prevent unauthorized access, with proper lighting and warnings. Fire and explosion could affect neighboring premises. If the blacksmith goes off-site to work with horses, there is an added exposure to the animals, particularly high-valued horses, and to injury to others.
Products liability exposures depend upon the item being manufactured or repaired and its end use. Some exposures may be minor, such as a wall sconce. The exposure increases for products designed to support weight or are warranted for security or protection, such as a balcony railing. Improperly shod horses could become lame.
Environmental impairment liability exposures may be high due to possible contamination of ground, air, and water from the chemicals, paint, fuel sources and solvents used in daily operations. Storage and disposal procedures must adhere to all EPA and other regulatory standards.
Workers compensation exposure is high due to the potential for burns from heat or chemicals, cuts, and amputations. Cuts, puncture wounds, slips, trips, falls, back injuries from lifting, eye injuries from flying debris, and automobile accidents can occur.
If welding torches are used, there could be an occupational disease exposure from the fumes. Adequate face and hand protection are critical during forging and welding operations. Guards are necessary on machinery, especially when using cutting devices. Employees should not be allowed to remove guards. Animals being shod can injure workers if not properly secured.
Property exposures are high. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating and cooling systems, metalworking, heat-treating, electroplating, coating, welding, and explosions from the build-up of dust from the cutting and sanding operations. The risk increases dramatically in the absence of proper dust collection systems, ventilation, and adequate disposal procedures. Forges may use a variety of fuels, including propane and natural gas.
Fuels, chemicals, solvents, or degreasers may be flammable and must be adequately separated and stored from other operations. Spray-painting operations should be conducted in spray booths with sprinkler protection and explosion-proof electrical wiring. Welding should be done away from combustibles.
Equipment breakdown exposures include malfunctioning production equipment, electrical control panels, and other apparatus. A lengthy breakdown to production machinery could result in a severe loss, both direct and under time element.
Crime exposures are chiefly from employees. Background checks should be conducted on all employees. There must be a separation of duties between persons handling deposits and disbursements and handling bank statements.
Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the blacksmith offers credit, bailees customers if repair work is done on property belonging to others, computers, special property floater for hand tools and supplies taken off site, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. Exhibition coverage may be needed if the blacksmith conducts off-site demonstrations or participates in trade shows.
Commercial auto exposures are moderate due to the pickup of raw material and delivery of finished goods. Proper loading and tie-down procedures are essential to prevent overturn and spillage of oversized or bulky items. If the blacksmith provides vehicles to employees, there should be written procedures regarding the private use of those vehicles by others. Drivers should have an appropriate license and an acceptable MVR. All vehicles must be well maintained with records kept in a central location.
What Does X Insurance Cover & Pay For?
Blacksmiths and metalworkers may face a variety of risks that could result in lawsuits, including:
- Property damage: While working with heavy machinery and equipment, blacksmiths and metalworkers may accidentally damage property, such as a client's car or building. Insurance can help cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
- Bodily injury: Blacksmiths and metalworkers are also at risk of injuring themselves or others while working with sharp tools or hot metal. If someone is injured on their property or due to their negligence, they could be sued for medical expenses and other damages.
- Professional errors or omissions: If a blacksmith or metalworker makes a mistake in their work, such as using the wrong materials or failing to meet safety standards, they could be held liable for any resulting damages or injuries.
Insurance can help protect blacksmiths and metalworkers from the financial burden of these types of lawsuits. For example:
General liability insurance can provide coverage for property damage and bodily injury claims. If a blacksmith accidentally damages a client's car, their liability insurance can help pay for repairs or replacements. If a customer is injured on their property, the insurance can help pay for medical expenses and other damages.
Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, can help cover legal expenses and damages if a blacksmith or metalworker is sued for professional errors or negligence.
Business interruption insurance can help cover lost income if a blacksmith's shop is damaged by a covered peril, such as a fire or natural disaster, and they are unable to work.
Workers' compensation insurance can help cover medical expenses and lost wages if a blacksmith or metalworker is injured on the job.
By having these types of insurance policies in place, blacksmiths and metalworkers can protect their business and personal finances from the potential financial losses associated with lawsuits.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 7699 Repair Shops and Related Services
- NAICS CODE: 115210 Support Activities for Animal Production, 332216 Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 3111 Pipe Bending and Cutting
7699: Repair Shops and Related Service
Division I: Services | Major Group 76: Miscellaneous Repair Services | Industry Group 769: Miscellaneous Repair Shops And Related Services
7699 Repair Shops and Related Service: Establishments primarily engaged in specialized repair services, not elsewhere classified, such as bicycle repair; leather goods repair; lock and gun repair, including the making of lock parts or gun parts to individual order; musical instrument repair; septic tank cleaning; farm machinery repair; furnace cleaning; motorcycle repair; tank truck cleaning; taxidermists; tractor repair; and typewriter repair.
- Agricultural equipment repair
- Antique repair and restoration, except furniture and automotive
- Awning repair shops
- Beer pump coil cleaning and repair service
- Bicycle repair shops
- Binoculars and other optical goods repair
- Blacksmith shops
- Boiler cleaning
- Boiler repair shops except manufacturing
- Bowling pins, refinishing or repair
- Camera repair shops
- Catch basin cleaning
- Cesspool cleaning
- China firing and decorating to individual order
- Cleaning and reglazing of baking pans
- Cleaning bricks
- Coppersmithing repair, except construction
- Covering textile rolls
- Dental instrument repair
- Drafting instrument repair
- Engine repair, except automotive
- Farm machinery repair
- Farriers (blacksmith shops)
- Fire control (military) equipment repair
- Furnace and chimney cleaning
- Furnace cleaning service
- Gas appliance repair service
- Glazing and cleaning baking pans
- Gun parts made to individual order
- Gunsmith shops
- Harness repair shops
- Horseshoeing
- Industrial truck repair
- Key duplicating shops
- Laboratory instrument repair, except electric
- Lawnmower repair shops
- Leather goods repair shops
- Lock parts made to individual order
- Locksmith shops
- Luggage repair shops
- Machinery cleaning
- Mattress renovating and repair shops
- Measuring and controlling instrument repair, mechanical
- Medical equipment repair, except electric
- Meteorological instrument repair
- Microscope repair
- Mirror repair shops
- Motorcycle repair service
- Musical instrument repair shops
- Nautical and navigational instrument repair, except electric
- Organ tuning and repair
- Piano tuning and repair
- Picture framing to individual order, not connected with retail art
- Picture framing, custom
- Pocketbook repair shops
- Precision instrument repair
- Rebabbitting
- Reneedling work
- Repair of optical instruments
- Repair of photographic equipment
- Repair of service station equipment
- Repair of speedometers
- Rug repair shops, not combined with cleaning
- Saddlery repair shops
- Scale repair service
- Scientific instrument repair, except electric
- Septic tank cleaning service
- Sewer cleaning and rodding
- Sewing machine repair shops
- Sharpening and repairing knives, saws, and tools
- Ship boiler and tank cleaning and repair-contractors
- Ship scaling-contractors
- Stove repair shops
- Surgical instrument repair
- Surveying instrument repair
- Tank and boiler cleaning service
- Tank truck cleaning service
- Taxidermists
- Tent repair shops
- Thermostat repair
- Tinsmithing repair, except construction
- Tractor repair
- Tuning of pianos and organs
- Typewriter repair, including electric
- Venetian blind repair shops
- Window shade repair shops
Blacksmith And Metalworkers Insurance - The Bottom Line
Having the right type of insurance coverage is crucial for all business owners, including blacksmiths, iron & steel workers. If you want to learn more about what type of insurance you need to protect your business and how much coverage you should carry, speak with a reputable insurance agent that specializes in commercial insurance.
Additional Resources For Contractors & Home Improvement Insurance
Learn about small business contractor's insurance, including what it covers, how much it costs - and how commercial insurance can help protect your contracting business from lawsuits.
- Air Conditioning Systems Installation Repair
- Appliance Repair & Service
- Blacksmith & Metal Workers
- Boat Repair & Dry Docks
- Boiler Contractors
- Builders Risk
- Building Cleaning & Maintenance Services
- Cabinet Installer
- Cable And Satellite TV Installer
- Carpentry
- Chimney Sweep
- Cistern Contractors
- Contractor Liability
- Curtain Cleaners
- Deck Builders
- Door And Window Installers
- Dryer Vent Cleaning
- Drywall Contractor
- Electrical Contractors
- Environmental Remediation Contractors
- Fence Installation
- Fire Sprinkler Contractors
- Fire & Water Restoration Contractors
- Flooring Contractor
- Furniture Repair
- Garage Door Installer And Repair
- General Contractors
- Glass Contractor
- Glazier Insurance
- Gutter Installation And Repair
- Handyman
- House Cleaning
- HVAC Contractor
- Insulation Contractor
- Janitorial Cleaning Services
- Landscaping
- Lawn Care
- Lawn Irrigation Sprinkler System Installation
- Locksmith
- Oil And Gas Well Drilling Contractors
- Painters
- Paperhanging Contractors
- Plastering And Stucco Contractor
- Plumbing
- Pressure Washing Contractors
- Propane And Fuel Dealers
- Rug, Upholstery & Carpet Cleaning
- Sandblasting Contractors
- Security Alarm
- Septic Tank Cleaning
- Siding Contractor
- Sign Installation & Repair
- Solar Panel Installers
- Snow Plow
- Stone And Tile Installer
- Subcontractor
- Surety Bonds
- Swimming Pool Contractor
- Swimming Pool Service And Maintenance
- Tank Cleaners
- Tool Grinding And Repair
- Tree Surgeon
- Tree Trimming
- Upholstery Shop
- Waste Haulers & Garbage Collection
- Water Well Drilling
- Welding Contractor
- Wildlife & Pest Control
- Window Cleaning
- Specialty Contractors
The contracting industry is a field that involves a lot of risks, both for the contractor and for the clients they work for. This is why commercial insurance is so important for contractors. Insurance can protect contractors from a variety of potential losses, such as:
Liability: If a contractor causes damage to a client's property or if a client is injured while on a job site, the contractor could be held legally responsible. Liability insurance can cover legal fees and any settlements or judgments that may be awarded.
Property damage: Contractors often use a lot of expensive equipment and tools, and there is always a risk that this equipment could be damaged or stolen. Commercial property insurance can help cover the cost of replacing damaged or stolen equipment.
Business interruption: If a contractor is unable to work due to an unforeseen event, such as a natural disaster, insurance can help cover their lost income during this time.
Workers compensation: If a contractor or one of their employees is injured on the job, worker's comp can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Overall, commercial insurance is an important risk management tool for contractors. It can provide financial protection against a wide range of potential losses, helping contractors to stay in business and continue serving their clients.
Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Employee Dishonesty, Contractors' Equipment and Tools, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Umbrella Liability, Automobile Liability and Physical Damage, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.
Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Business Income with Extra Expense, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Accounts Receivable, Builders Risk, Computers, Goods in Transit, Installation Floater, Valuable Papers and Records, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practicesand Stop Gap Liability.
