Plastering And Stucco Contractor Insurance Policy Information
Plastering And Stucco Contractor Insurance. If you are a plastering and/or stucco contractor, you have a difficult job on your hands. From repairing and priming surfaces that you are working on to ensuring that you are using the right materials, and most importantly, making sure that you are delivering the highest quality work, you invest so much in the work that you do.
Plasterers install drywall, plaster, and wallboard to the interior walls and ceilings of residential and commercial buildings for decoration, insulation, waterproofing, soundproofing, or fireproofing the room or area. Exterior work may consist of applying stucco, cement or similar materials to decorate or finish the outside walls.
On top of all of the demands of your job, there is another difficulty that you may have to contend with: the possibility of being sued. There are so many risks that are associated with plastering and stucco work, such as damaging the property you are working on or injuring someone in the middle of a project. Since someone taking legal action against you is a real possibility, it's important that you protect yourself.
Purchasing a plastering and stucco contractor insurance policy that is designed for plastering and stucco contractors is the best way to safeguard yourself and your business from financial loss.
Plastering and stucco contractor insurance protects your business from lawsuits with rates as low as $47/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked plastering and stucco contractor insurance questions:
- What Is Plastering And Stucco Contractor Insurance?
- How Much Does Plastering And Stucco Contractor Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Stucco & Plaster Contractors Need Commercial Insurance?
- How Does General Liability Insurance Protect Stucco & Plaster Contractors?
- What Does Plastering And Stucco Contractor Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is Plastering And Stucco Contractor Insurance?
Plastering and stucco contractor insurance is a type of insurance coverage specifically designed for contractors who specialize in installing and repairing stucco and plaster surfaces.
This insurance protects the contractor against various risks and losses that may occur during their work, such as property damage, liability for personal injury, and financial losses due to theft or vandalism. The coverage may also include protection against claims made by clients for any defects in the workmanship, which can result in costly repairs or lawsuits.
The specific coverage offered by each insurance provider may vary, but typically includes general liability, workers' compensation, and property damage coverage.
How Much Does Plastering And Stucco Contractor Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small plastering and stucco contractors ranges from $47 to $59 per month based on location, size, payroll, sales and experience.
Why Do Stucco & Plaster Contractors Need Commercial Insurance?
Even though you are an expert in your trade, you have ample experience, and you use the highest quality tools and equipment, there is still a chance that something can go wrong. For example, what happens if the scaffolding you secure to a building isn't secured properly, or what if the stucco or plaster you installed doesn't properly adhere to a structure? In these types of situations, personal injury or property damage could occur.
Accidents can happen - even to the most experienced contractors. In the event that an accident does unfold, you could end up being sued and held liable for any injuries or damages. Legal fees, the costs associated with medical bills and repairs to a property, as well as any other compensation that a judge might award the party that sues you could be astronomical. Imagine having to pay for such costs out of your own pocket? You could be looking at serious financial trouble, and there's even a chance that you would have to fold your business.
Because of the risks that are associated with being a contractor, it's important to protect yourself and your business. The best way to do that is with the proper plastering and stucco contractor insurance coverage.
How Does General Liability Insurance Protect Stucco & Plaster Contractors?
Commercial general liability insurance is a basic insurance policy that covers a majority of the risks that plaster and stucco contractors face. Coverages that this type of policy offers include:
- Premises Liability - If you operate your business out of an office or a warehouse and clients or vendors are welcomed on the property, you can be held liable for any injuries that might occur. For example, if a client trips over a misplaced tool in your warehouse and breaks a bone, you are responsible for covering the cost of any medical bills that are associated with the injury. General liability insurance will cover the medical costs, as well as any legal fees that may arise as a result of a lawsuit, and additional damages that could be awarded.
- Products Liability - If one of the products you offer your clients is defective, you could be held responsible. For example, if something happens with the plaster or stucco and damages a property, you could be held responsible. Plastering and stucco contractor insurance will cover the costs that are associated with defective products, as well as any legal fees that could arise as a result of a faulty product.
- Completed Operations - After you plaster or stucco a client's property, there is a possibility that something could go wrong. For instance, stucco could crack, fall, and cause an injury. If the client sues you after you have completed your job, general liability insurance will provide coverage for legal fees, medical bills, and any other costs that may be associated with a lawsuit.
Stucco & Plaster Contractors Potential Claims Exposures
Poorly installed stucco can cause many issues for your customers - and issues associated with stucco go undetected for a while and get worse over time. Synthetic stucco is commonly referred to as Exterior Insulating and Finish System (EIFS) has its own issues too. As moisture penetrates into the porous stucco, it can ruin the plywood on which the stucco was plastered, damaging walls and threating the integrity of your customer's building or the health of those living inside.
Even though stucco is a very popular with homes and businesses, the number of stucco insurance claims has also risen steadily over the years. Many claimants have said that their buildings have had one or more of the following problems with their stucco installations:
- Humidity in the building increases, which can cause illness or damage to belongings.
- Insect infestations, like termites, ants and other insects start to damage the walls.
- Mold, mildew, or fungi growth on the interior walls or on window frames.
- Black mold may start to form, which can cause black mold exposure and black mold poisoning which commonly cause: chronic coughing and sneezing, irritation to the eyes, mucus membranes of the nose and throat, rashes, chronic fatigue and persistent headaches.
- Rotting of wood trim.
- Cracking of the drywall and cracking, peeling, and bubbling of paint.
- Cracking on the EIFS dressing bands around windows.
- Loss of structural integrity - rotting wood from exposure over time causes the building to become unsafe, and impossible to sell.
These are just a few of the potential exposures plaster and stucco installers face - all of which could lead to massive claims, legal fees and awards if you are found to be at fault.
Plastering Contractor's Risks & Exposures
Premises liability exposures at the contractor's office are generally limited due to lack of public access. Off-site exposures include damage to the clients' other property by the contractor's employees, bodily injury to members of the household, the public or employees of other contractors. Tools, power cords, plastering materials and scrap all pose trip hazards even when not in use.
If there is work at heights, falling tools or supplies may cause damage and injury if dropped from ladders and scaffolding. Contractors can damage customers' premises removing old ceiling and wall coverings.
Completed operations liability exposures depend on the type of plastering being done. If the plastering is for waterproofing or fireproofing, faulty installation can result in significant property damage, and in the case of fireproofing, loss of life.
A growing concern is the installation of exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). This refers to a synthetic stucco with insulating properties that has recently been blamed for causing moisture and termite problems affecting the structural integrity of a residence. It is not clear whether the manufacturer or the installer has the greater liability.
Environmental impairment liability exposures arise from the removal, transport, and disposal of waste and old debris that has been removed from the job site. As some of these older materials may include lead-based paints or asbestos, proper disposal procedures must be in place. Transportation and disposal procedures must adhere to all EPA and other regulatory standards. Training and supervision of employees is critical.
Workers compensation exposure varies based on the size and nature of the job. When work is done on ladders and scaffolds, there is a potential for severe injury or death from falling or being struck by falling objects, or from severe weather during exterior operations.
Drywall installation may involve the use of low stilts in the mudding and taping phases. Back injuries, hernias, sprains and strains can result from lifting or plastering in awkward positions. Repetitive motion injuries may occur. Drywall and wallboard need to be cut to size, which can result in cuts and piercings. Dust cutting, trimming, and mixing operations can irritate eyes and lungs.
Property exposures are usually limited to an office and storage for supplies, tools and vehicles. Most supplies are not flammable or combustible, nor are they normally considered target theft items.
Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty. Background checks, including criminal history, should be performed on all employees providing services to customers or handling money. All ordering, billing and disbursement should be handled as separate duties with reconciliations occurring regularly.
Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the plasterer offers credit to customers, contractors' equipment and tools, goods in transit, installation floater, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. Equipment may be limited to trowels, spray guns, and other hand tools, or there may be ladders, scaffolding, and similar equipment.
The contractor may rent, lease or borrow equipment for unusual jobs or own special equipment that is leased, rented or loaned to others when not in use. The materials awaiting installation are subject to loss or damage by moisture, by employees of other contractors, vandalism, and theft.
Commercial auto exposures include the transportation of workers, equipment, and materials 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.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 1742 Plastering, Drywall, Acoustical, and Insulation Work, 1771 Concrete Work
- NAICS CODE: 238310 Drywall and Insulation Contractors
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 5480 Plastering NOC & Drivers, 5022 Masonry NOC, 5445 Wallboard, Sheetrock, Drywall, Plasterboard, or Cement Board Installation - Within Buildings & Drivers
1742: Plastering, Drywall, Acoustical, and Insulation Work
Division C: Construction | Major Group 17: Construction Special Trade Contractors | Industry Group 174: Masonry, Stonework, Tile Setting, And Plastering
1742 Plastering, Drywall, Acoustical, and Insulation Workd: Special trade contractors primarily engaged in applying plain or ornamental plaster, including the installation of lathing and other appurtenances to receive plaster, or in drywall, acoustical, and building insulation work.
- Acoustical work-contractors
- Ceilings, acoustical installation-contractors
- Drywall construction-contractors
- Insulation installation, buildings-contractors
- Lathing-contractors
- Plastering, plain or ornamental-contractors
- Solar reflecting insulation film-contractors
- Taping and finishing drywall-contractors
Description for 1771: Concrete Work
Division C: Construction | Major Group 17: Construction Special Trade Contractors | Industry Group 177: Concrete Work
1771 Concrete Work: Special trade contractors primarily engaged in concrete work, including portland cement and asphalt. This industry includes the construction of private driveways and walks of all materials. Concrete work incidental to the construction of foundations and concrete work included in an excavation contract are classified in Industry 1794; and those engaged in construction or paving of streets, highways, and public sidewalks are classified in Industry 1611.
- Asphalting of private driveways and private parking areas-contractors
- Blacktop work: private driveways and private parking
- Concrete finishers-contractors
- Concrete work: private driveways, sidewalks, and parking areas
- Culvert construction-contractors
- Curb construction-contractors
- Foundations, building of: poured concrete-contractors
- Grouting work-contractors
- Gunite work-contractors
- Parking lot construction-contractors
- Patio construction, concrete-contractors
- Sidewalk construction, except public-contractors
- Stucco construction-contractors
Plastering & Stucco Contractor Insurance - The Bottom Line
Commercial general liability insurance is a must-have for plastering and stucco contractors. Speak to a reputable insurance broker to learn more about coverage options and costs.
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.
