Fire Sprinkler Contractors Insurance Policy Information
Fire Sprinkler Contractors Insurance. A single spark can start a raging fire that can full engulf an entire structure in a matter of minutes. Fires are responsible for billions of dollars in property damages, cause millions of injuries, and claim thousands of lives each year.
Fire suppression contractors design, install, maintain and repair automated systems to detect smoke or fire. Once detected, the system alerts the fire department that action is needed.
Automatic fire suppression systems are universally considered to be the most effective method to control the spread of fire. The type of system installed is based on the type of property requiring protection. These systems have three basic parts: the head or nozzle, pipes, and the suppressing agent reservoir. Suppressing agents can be water, liquid chemicals, dry chemicals or inert gas. Each head or nozzle is activated by a specific method.
The simplest devices have a piece of metal that melts when the heat from the fire reaches a certain temperature, opens the head and allows the suppressant to flow. The more complex systems have sensors that activate the flow of the suppressant. Pipes through which the suppressant flows are connected to the reservoir containing the suppressant.
In order to offset the dangers that are associated with fire in commercial settings - schools, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, office buildings, movie theaters, etc - fire sprinklers are legally required. Your job is extremely important, as the fire suppression system needs to be installed correctly in order to ensure that it will work properly in the event that a fire does occur.
However, despite your best efforts, there's a chance that an error can occur during installation. Other risks include malfunctioning equipment, property damage, and bodily injury. If any legal suits are filed against you for negligence, you could end up having to pay hefty fees. In order to offset potential financial burden, it's important to make sure that you invest in the right type of fire sprinkler contractors insurance coverage.
Fire sprinkler contractors insurance protects businesses who design, make, install, test, service, and repair fire suppression systems from lawsuits with rates as low as $87/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked fire sprinkler contracting insurance questions:
- What Is Fire Sprinkler Contractors Insurance?
- How Much Does Fire Sprinkler Contractors Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Fire Suppression Contractors Need Insurance?
- What Type Of Insurance Do Fire Sprinkler Contractors Need?
- What Does Fire Suppression Contractors Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is Fire Sprinkler Contractors Insurance?
Fire sprinkler contractors insurance is a type of insurance that is designed specifically for contractors who install and maintain fire sprinkler systems. This insurance provides protection for the contractor in the event of damage or injury to a property or person as a result of their work.
This can include protection for property damage, liability for injury or damage to others, and protection for the contractor's tools and equipment. This insurance is important for fire sprinkler contractors because it helps to protect their business and personal assets in the event of a loss.
How Much Does Fire Sprinkler Contractors Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small fire sprinkler contractors ranges from $87 to $119 per month based on location, size, payroll, sales and experience.
Why Do Fire Suppression Contractors Need Insurance?
Despite receiving ample training yourself and making sure that your employees are properly educated and trained, and regardless of your efforts to adhere to all codes, there's still a chance that issues can arise when and your team are installing a fire sprinkler system.
Examples of some of the problems that can arise include damage to the property during installation, faulty equipment, and improper installation; just to name a few.
In the event that a fire does start and the suppression system you installed doesn't work, or if you or a member of your staff damages the property during installation, legal action may be taken against you. If that does happen - whether you are found liable or not - you could be looking at serious financial losses.
To offset the burden, it's important to have the right type of fire sprinkler contractors insurance coverage. With a well-designed and dependable policy that is designed specifically for fire sprinkler contractors, you can ensure that you, your employees, your clients, and yourself, are well protected.
What Type Of Insurance Do Fire Sprinkler Contractors Need?
There are several different types of business insurance coverages that fire sprinkler contractors should carry; some types of coverage are legally required, while others are not mandatory, but are still a wise idea to invest in:
- Professional Liability. Also referred to as errors and omissions, this type of coverage is crucial for contractors to carry, as it protects them in the event that a mistake is made. For example, if your crew failed to install a fire sprinkler system properly, errors and omissions insurance will cover the cost of any damages that arise as a result of the mistake, as well as any potential lawsuits that may be filed against you.
- Commercial General Liability. If a member of your staff damages a client's property while installing a system, or if a third-party is injured while you are installing the system (a tool falls or a ladder topples over on someone), this type of insurance will help to cover the cost of medical bills and legal fees.
- Commercial Auto. You and your team likely use trucks, vans, or some other type of vehicle to perform work-related tasks. Commercial auto insurance will help you mitigate the risks that are associated with driving for work. For example, it can help to cover the cost of medical care that may be needed, as well as damages to your vehicles.
- Workers' Compensation. Workers' comp insurance will help to cover the cost of any medical care that your employees might need if they are injured while they are on the job, or if they develop a work-related illness. This type of coverage can also help to pay for the employee's lost wages, as well as any legal action that he or she may take against your company.
These are just some of the different types of policies that fire suppression system contractors who are involved in the design, fabrication, installation, testing, service, and repair of fire suppression systems should carry.
You can purchase individual policies; or, you might be able to invest in a policy that packages several different coverages together.
Fire Supression Contractors Risks & Exposures
Premises liability exposure at the contractor's office is generally limited due to lack of public access. Off-site exposures are extensive. The installation of the fire suppression system at job sites can be invasive and require work throughout a home or business, resulting in a high potential for property damage. The area of operation should be restricted by barriers and proper signage to protect the public from slips and falls over tools, power cords, building materials and scrap.
If there is work at heights, falling tools or supplies may cause injury or property damage if dropped from ladders and scaffolding. Employees may use information gained by installing the system to return and cause bodily harm or property damage at the client's premises.
Completed operations exposures include faulty operating systems that could damage the client's premises, or failure of the system to operate correctly due to improper installation and result in bodily injury or property damage. Fire suppression contractors are held to a high degree of care because of the trust their customers necessarily place in their work. Any time security issues are involved and a fire occurs, the exposure of the contractor who promises safe, secure premises from the installation and use of a product can result in significant products losses.
Severe exposures may be present in suppression system installations at medical facilities, prisons, large manufacturers and certain residences. The warranties or guarantees offered by the contractor must be reviewed carefully. Maintenance agreements, under which the contractor is obligated to maintain and keep the system operational, must be reviewed carefully.
Workers compensation exposures come from the cutting, welding, drilling, wiring, and other necessary processes during the fire suppression system installation. Injuries can occur from working with hand tools, slipping or falling, and back injuries such as hernias, strains and sprains from lifting.
Consistently failing to enforce basic safety procedures, such as power shutoff prior to installing wiring, may indicate a morale hazard. Chemicals used in some installation may be caustic and toxic. Safety equipment should be provided. Employees must be selected, trained and supervised.
Property exposures at the contractor's premises are generally limited to an office and storage for supplies, tools and vehicles. Stock is limited because each installation requires special or unique devices purchased on an as-needed basis. Since the system components are mainly electronic in nature, they are susceptible to damage by fire, smoke and water.
Crime exposure is primarily from employee dishonesty. Background checks, including criminal history, should be performed on all employees providing services to customers or handling money. Employees who cannot be bonded and licensed are a significant hazard as they have ready access to customers' premises and property. This exposure can quickly grow from a crime loss against the fire suppression contractor to a liability loss from customers. All ordering, billing and disbursement should be handled as separate duties with reconciliations occurring regularly.
Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the contractor offers credit to customers, computers, contractors' equipment and tools, goods in transit, installation floater, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information, installation specifications, and maintenance contracts. Employee tool coverage may be necessary if employees provide their own specialized equipment.
Commercial auto exposures are generally limited to transporting workers, equipment and supplies to and from job sites. MVRs must be run on a regular basis. Random drug and alcohol testing should be conducted. Vehicles must be well maintained with records kept in a central location.
What Does Fire Suppression Contractors Insurance Cover & Pay For?
Fire suppression contractors may face lawsuits for various reasons, including:
- Negligence: If the contractor fails to properly install or maintain fire suppression systems, and a fire breaks out as a result, the contractor may be held liable for damages.
- Breach of contract: If the contractor fails to fulfill their contractual obligations, such as completing the installation of fire suppression systems within the agreed-upon timeframe, the client may sue them for breach of contract.
- Product liability: If a fire suppression system fails to work as intended and causes damage or injury, the contractor may be held liable for any resulting damages.
- Property damage: If the contractor damages the client's property during the installation or maintenance of fire suppression systems, the client may sue them for property damage.
To protect themselves against such lawsuits, fire suppression contractors can purchase various types of insurance, including:
General liability insurance: This type of insurance provides coverage for damages arising from bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury caused by the contractor's operations. For example, if a contractor accidentally damages a client's property while installing a fire suppression system, their general liability insurance may help pay for the damages.
Professional liability insurance: Also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, this type of insurance provides coverage for damages arising from professional negligence or errors in the contractor's work. For example, if a contractor fails to properly install a fire suppression system, and a fire breaks out as a result, their professional liability insurance may help pay for damages.
Product liability insurance: This type of insurance provides coverage for damages arising from defective products or products that cause injury or damage. For example, if a fire suppression system installed by a contractor fails to work properly and causes damage, their product liability insurance may help pay for damages.
In each of the examples above, insurance can help pay for the lawsuit by covering the cost of legal defense and any damages awarded by a court. Without insurance, fire suppression contractors may have to pay for these costs out of pocket, which could be financially devastating for small businesses.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 1711: Plumbing, Heating and Air-Conditioning
- NAICS CODE: 238220: Plumbing, Heating and Air-Conditioning Contractors
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 5188 Sprinkler Installation & Drivers
1711 Plumbing, Heating and Air-Conditioning: Special trade contractors primarily engaged in plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and similar work. Sheet metal work performed by plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors in conjunction with the installation of plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning equipment is included here, but roofing and sheet metal work contractors are classified in Industry 1761. Special trade contractors primarily engaged in electrical work are classified in Industry 1731.
- Air system balancing and testing-contractors
- Air-conditioning, with or without sheet metal work-contractors
- Boiler erection and installation-contractors
- Drainage system installation, cesspool and septic tank-contractors
- Dry well construction, cesspool-contractors
- Fuel oil burner installation and servicing-contractors
- Furnace repair-contractors
- Gas line hookup-contractors
- Heating equipment installation-contractors
- Heating, with or without sheet metal work-contractors
- Lawn sprinkler system installation-contractors
- Mechanical contractors
- Piping, plumbing-contractors
- Plumbing and heating-contractors
- Plumbing repair-contractors
- Plumbing, with or without sheet metal work-contractors
- Refrigeration and freezer work-contractors
- Sewer hookups and connections for buildings-contractors
- Sheet metal work combined with heating
- Solar heating apparatus-contractors
- Sprinkler system installation-contractors
- Steam fitting-contractors
- Sump pump installation and servicing-contractors
- Ventilating work, with or without sheet metal work-contractors
- Water pump installation and servicing-contractors
- Water system balancing and testing-contractors
Fire Sprinkler Contractors Insurance - The Bottom Line
The above-mentioned commercial insurance policies are just some of the coverage options that fire sprinkler contractors would be wise to invest in. To find out what other types of policies are recommended, how much coverage you need, and how much insurance coverage will cost, speak to a reputable broker that specializes in insurance for fire suppression system contactors.
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.
