Buy Masonry Contractor Insurance

Masonry contractor insurance is a type of insurance that is specifically designed for masonry contractors. This type of insurance typically includes coverage for property damage, liability, and workers' compensation.

Property damage coverage may include protection for damage to the contractor's equipment, tools, and materials. Liability coverage may include protection for injuries or damage caused by the contractor's work, while workers' compensation coverage may provide financial assistance to workers who are injured on the job.

Some masonry contractor insurance policies may also include coverage for business interruption, which can help to cover lost income if the contractor is unable to work due to an accident or other covered event.

The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small masonry contracting businesses ranges from $47 to $69 per month based on location, size, payroll, sales and experience.

Masonry contractors need insurance for several reasons. First and foremost, it protects their business in case of accidents or injuries that may occur on the job site. This includes both property damage and personal injury to the contractor or their employees. Without insurance, the cost of these incidents could potentially bankrupt a small business.

Insurance also protects contractors from liability in case they are sued by a client. For example, if a client claims that the masonry work was not completed to their satisfaction and decides to take legal action, the contractor's insurance would cover the cost of legal fees and any settlements.

In addition, many states require contractors to have insurance as a condition of obtaining a license to work. This helps to ensure that contractors have the financial resources to cover any potential incidents that may arise while on the job.

Overall, insurance is an important aspect of any contracting business, and masonry contractors are no exception. It helps to protect the business, its employees, and its clients, and ensures that the company is able to continue operating in the event of an unforeseen incident.

Masonry contractors typically need the following types of insurance:

• General Liability: This covers third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and other related damages that may arise during the course of work.
• Workers' Compensation: This covers medical expenses and lost wages for any injuries sustained by the contractor's employees while on the job.
• Commercial Auto: This covers damage to vehicles used for business purposes, such as pickup trucks and trailers used to transport materials.
• Professional Liability: This covers errors and omissions that may occur during the course of work, such as design flaws or construction defects.
• Commercial Umbrella: This provides additional coverage above and beyond the limits of other liability policies.
• Surety Bond: This is a financial guarantee that protects the client if the contractor fails to complete the project as agreed upon.

In addition to the aforementioned types of insurance, masonry contractors may also need to consider purchasing other types of coverage depending on the specifics of their business. For example, if they work on historical or landmark buildings, they may need to have restoration insurance to cover the costs of repairing or replacing damaged materials.

If they work on large commercial projects, they may need to have project-specific masonry contractor insurance to cover any additional risks associated with the project.

It's important for masonry contractors to carefully review their insurance needs and make sure they have adequate coverage in place to protect their business and their clients. This may involve consulting with an insurance professional or seeking quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage at the most affordable price.

Premises liability exposure at the contractor's office is generally limited due to the lack of visitor access. Equipment and materials stored in the open may present an attractive nuisance exposure. Jobsite exposures will vary based on whether work being done is new construction, repair, or renovation of existing masonry, whether work is underground or at heights, and whether it is inside or outside.

Protecting pedestrians and employees of other contractors from dropped objects and trip and fall hazards is important when working at heights. Masonry materials in the open may create an attractive nuisance hazard to children who enjoy climbing.

Completed operations liability exposures can be high due to the injury and property damage that can result from improper installation and support. If a wall, column, or foundation cannot support the required load, the entire structure may shift or collapse. Careful attention must be paid to the type and material of brick and to the mix of the mortar to ensure a solid foundation.

When veneer is being applied, there must be adequate attachment points to prevent separation. Hazards increase in the absence of proper record keeping of work orders and change orders, as well as inspection and signed approval of finished work by the customer.

Workers compensation exposures can be high due to the heavy weight of masonry building materials. Lifting strains and crush injuries may arise at every phase of the operations. From the laying of the bricks, stone, or blocks, to bracing partially completed work, frequent and severe losses can occur. Work done above or below ground can result in injury or death from falls, the collapse of scaffolds or trenches, or being struck by falling objects.

Other common hazards include cuts and puncture wounds from working with hand tools, foreign objects in the eye, and exposure to dust from bricks, stone, and mortar.

Property exposures at the contractor's own location usually consist of an office and storage of material, equipment, and vehicles. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning systems. The storage of bricks and stones is common, but these are not particularly subject to loss from either weather or fire. Pilfering by employees or others may be a problem since there are such a wide variety of uses. Some types of stone have relatively high value. Vandalism may be a problem. There should be adequate safeguards to prevent young people from trespassing.

Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty. Background checks should be conducted prior to hiring any employee. All orders, billing, and disbursements must be handled as separate duties and annual external audits conducted.

Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the contractor bills customers for services, contractors' tools and equipment, goods in transit, installation floater, and valuable papers and records for custom project plans, clients' and suppliers' information. The contractors' equipment can be employees' tools only or can include specialized lifting equipment or scaffolding.

The training of drivers and haulers, especially with respect to the loading, tie-down, and unloading of heavy masonry materials, is important to avoid overturn or collision. A potentially severe installation/builders' risk exposure may arise from inadequate bracing of partially complete walls or other structures. Poor support, especially overnight between work times, may leave the structure vulnerable to collapse from wind or rain. Equipment and supplies may be damaged by dropping and falling from heights, especially when lifting masonry to the above ground stories of buildings.

Materials and equipment left at job sites may be subject to theft and vandalism loss unless proper controls are in place. Copies of building plans should be kept at an offsite location for easier restoration.

Commercial auto exposures can be high due to the transport of bulky material that can shift and result in overturn. Scaffolding must be tied down securely. All drivers must have appropriate licenses and acceptable MVRs. Vehicles must be maintained and the records kept in a central location.

Masonry contractors can be sued for a variety of reasons, including:

Property Damage: If the masonry work results in damage to someone's property, such as a wall collapsing or cracking, the contractor may be held liable for the damage. If the masonry work results in property damage, the contractor's liability insurance can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement.

Personal Injury: If someone is injured due to the masonry work, such as being hit by falling debris or tripping over uneven pavement, the contractor may be held responsible for the injuries. If someone is injured due to the masonry work, the contractor's liability insurance can help cover the cost of medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Breach of Contract: If the contractor fails to fulfill the terms of the contract, such as not completing the work on time or not using the agreed-upon materials, they may be sued for breach of contract. If the contractor is sued for breach of contract, their liability insurance may provide coverage for any damages awarded in the lawsuit.

Negligence: If the contractor is found to have acted negligently, such as failing to follow building codes or not using proper safety equipment, they may be sued for any resulting damages or injuries. Negligence: If the contractor is found to have acted negligently, such as failing to follow building codes or not using proper safety equipment, they may be sued for any resulting damages or injuries.

It's important for masonry contractors to have liability insurance in place to protect themselves from lawsuits and potentially costly legal expenses.