Pressure Washing Contractors Insurance Policy Information
Pressure Washing Contractors Insurance. Pressure washers provide an incredible service for their clients. They can make virtually any surface come clean, thanks to the incredibly powerful equipment that they use and the techniques that they employ. Given the helpful services that pressure washers provide, it's no wonder why contractors in this industry usually do very well.
Power washing contractors clean the exteriors of buildings, structures, or other objects by shooting pressurized water against their surfaces to remove dirt, dust, loose paint, mildew or mold. Some pressure washers have detergents added to the water stream, either from the water holding tank or as the water leaves the pump. Operations are generally conducted off premises at job sites.
If you're thinking about becoming a pressure washer contractor, there are a lot of things that you need to take into consideration and tend to before you get your business up and running. Of all of those things, insuring your business - with the right pressure washing contractors insurance - is one of the most important things you need to take care of.
Pressure washing contractors insurance protects your power washing business from lawsuits with rates as low as $67/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked pressure washing insurance questions:
- What Is Pressure Washing Contractors Insurance?
- How Much Does Pressure Washing Contractors Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Pressure Washing Contractors Need Insurance?
- What Type Of Insurance Do Pressure Washing Contractors Need?
- What Does Pressure Washing Contractors Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is Pressure Washing Contractors Insurance?
Pressure washing contractors insurance is a type of insurance coverage specifically designed for businesses that offer pressure washing services.
This type of insurance provides protection for the contractor, their employees, and their clients against any liability that may arise from the pressure washing activities. This includes coverage for damage to property, personal injury, and any legal fees that may be incurred in the event of a claim. The insurance policy typically covers the cost of repairs, medical expenses, and legal fees, providing peace of mind for both the contractor and their clients.
How Much Does Pressure Washing Contractors Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small pressure washing contractors ranges from $67 to $109 per month based on location, size, what is being pressure washed, payroll, sales and experience.
Why Do Pressure Washing Contractors Need Insurance?
pressure washer contractors work with pretty powerful equipment. The high-powered machines that they work with turn water into a powerful force that can remove mold, mildew, paint, and even concrete from surfaces. These businesses often provide their pressure washing services to a variety of clients and work on various types of surfaces; plus, they may have a commercial space that they work out of and employ a crew, too.
Despite all of the efforts that you make to ensure that you are using the safest strategies and that you are providing the best services, mishaps can still happen. A member of your crew could shatter windows while pressure washing the side of a building, or someone could trip and fall over your equipment while you're in the middle of performing a service, for example.
When these types of incidents happen, you are responsible for any damages. You also have to consider the fact that someone could file a lawsuit against you at any time; for instance, someone might allege that you failed to complete a service you said you would provide. Whether or not that is the case, the cost of hiring a legal team to defend you could be astronomical.
If you are faced with incidents like these - or others - you could end up in serious financial trouble. The cost of repairing damages, medical bills, and legal fees is exorbitant, to say the least, and having to pay for these expenses out of your own pocket can potentially bankrupt you. With the right pressure washing contractors insurance, however, you can avoid the financial turmoil because instead of paying these expenses out of your own pocket, your insurance company will help to cover the cost.
With the right insurance, however, you can avoid the financial turmoil because your carrier would help to cover these types of expenses. In other words, insurance safeguards you from financial devastation, which is exactly why it is one of the most important investments you can make for your pressure washing business.
What Type Of Insurance Do Pressure Washing Contractors Need?
There are several factors that will affect the type of insurance that pressure washing contractors need to carry. These factors include the zip code that they operate their business from, the size of their company, and the specific types of services they provide. However, with that said, there are specific forms of coverage that all power washers need, no matter what the nature of their business may be:
- Commercial General Liability - If a client sues your business alleging that you damaged their property while you were pressure washing, whether or not you did, you will incur some hefty fees. The cost of hiring a legal defense team in and of itself is astronomical; add to that the fact that you may be held liable for the damages and have to cover the cost of the repairs and possibly additional damages and you could be in serious trouble. Commercial generally liability insurance will protect you from this type of situation, and other similar scenarios, however, because it offers protection for third-party injury and property damage claims.
- Commercial Equipment - As a power washing contractor, you rely on a lot of equipment to get the job done, and it probably cost you a pretty penny, too. Plus, you move it around from location to location; it's stored at your shop, it's transported in your commercial vehicles, and it's on the job site, too. No matter where your equipment may be, if it's damaged or stolen, commercial property insurance will pay to repair or replace it.
- Workers Compensation - If you employ a crew of 20 people or you only have 2 employees working for you, you're also going to need to invest in workers comp insurance. If an employee suffers an on-the-job injury or illness, the provider of this type of policy will cover the cost of any necessary medical care, as well as wages the employ loses while he or she is unable to work, and any lawsuits that may be filed against you.
- Commercial Auto - Even if you have a personal auto insurance policy, you're still going to need to carry commercial auto insurance. Why? - Because your personal policy excludes vehicles that are used for things that are related to business. If you or an employee is involved in an accident while traveling to a job site, this type of coverage will pay for any damages that may occur.
The above-mentioned policies are just some of the types of coverage that power washers should carry. Again, you might need to invest in additional coverage, too, in order to properly safeguard your business.
Power Washers Risks & Exposures
Premises liability exposure at the contractor's office is generally limited due to lack of public access to the premises. Equipment stored in an open yard may present an attractive nuisance to children and other trespassers. At job sites, power washing can be a hazard to passersby, parked vehicles and nearby structures due to the high water pressure near the nozzle.
The area of operation should be restricted by barriers and proper signage for protection against falling objects, slips and falls. Dirt and other material sprayed off during the operation may contain toxic chemicals.
Power washing operations are also loud, generating a nuisance hazard. Equipment and scaffolding left unattended at the jobsite is an attractive nuisance so access by children must be prevented.
Completed operations liability exposures may result from hidden damage to the integrity of the surfaces the insured works on, such as the removal of more surface material than intended. The pressurized water may enter cracks and weaken the structure. Claims may arise from failure to use the correct type of cleanser, the wrong cleaning agent, or washing at the wrong angle or pressure.
Environmental impairment liability exposures may arise from the waste generated in the power washing process. Any job will entail stripping away of grime and other debris from the objects cleaned. Allowing waste to accumulate either at the job site or in the contractor's yard could cause a severe environmental impairment situation. The insured must use safe methods to collect, transport, and dispose of the waste.
Workers compensation exposures can be very high. The force of the overspray from power washing can result in abrasions and eye injuries. Dust can be silica-based, which can cause incurable lung injury or disease. Cumulative exposure to high-decibel operations may result in permanent hearing impairment. When work is done on ladders, cherry pickers and scaffolds, there is a potential for severe injury or death from falling, being struck by falling objects, or adverse weather conditions.
The absence of good maintenance of scaffolds, proper use of basic safety equipment, such as properly installed guards, steel-toed and non-skid shoes, safety belts, as well as hearing and eye protection, along with strict enforcement of safety practices may indicate a morale hazard.
Back injuries, hernias, sprains and strains can occur from lifting and from setting up scaffolding and machinery. Workers may be injured in auto accidents during transportation to and from job sites.
Property exposures at the contractor's premises are usually limited to an office and storage of equipment, supplies, and vehicles. If detergents used in the cleaning process are flammable or reactive, they must be properly labeled, separated, and stored in approved containers, cabinets, and rooms to reduce the potential for fire or explosion. There may be a garage area for vehicles transporting equipment and crew to job sites. Property stored outside may be a target for vandalism.
Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty, including theft of customers' goods. Background checks, including criminal history, should be obtained on each employee prior to hiring. Ordering, billing, and disbursement should be handled as separate duties with reconciliations occurring regularly. There should be appropriate procedures in place when employees accept payments off site.
Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the contractor offers credit to customers, contractors' equipment for supplies and equipment taken to customers' premises, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. Equipment may be subject to loss from theft, collision, overturn, and abrasive damage from overspray during operations. Scaffolding left on the jobsite overnight may be vandalized or stolen.
Business auto exposure generally includes driving to and from clients' premises with crew, equipment and supplies. Specialized vehicles, such as cherry pickers, or hauling large scaffolding may necessitate oversized or unsteady loads, with a high potential for collision or overturn. All drivers must be well trained and have valid licenses for the type of vehicle being driven. 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 Pressure Washing Contractors Insurance Cover & Pay For?
Pressure washing contractors can be sued for a variety of reasons, including property damage, bodily injury, or negligence. Insurance is essential for pressure washing contractors to protect themselves from these types of lawsuits. Here are some examples of why pressure washing contractors can be sued and how insurance can help pay for the lawsuit:
Property Damage: Pressure washing can be a powerful tool to clean surfaces, but if used improperly, it can cause damage to the property being cleaned. For example, if a contractor accidentally strips the paint off a house, they can be held responsible for the cost of repairing the damage. Liability insurance can help pay for the cost of repairs.
Bodily Injury: Pressure washing contractors can also be sued if someone is injured while they are working on a property. For example, if a contractor slips and falls off a ladder while pressure washing a roof, they can be held responsible for any injuries sustained by the person. General liability insurance can help pay for medical expenses and any damages awarded in a lawsuit.
Negligence: If a pressure washing contractor is negligent and fails to follow proper safety procedures or industry standards, they can be sued for damages. For example, if a contractor fails to properly secure their equipment and it falls and injures someone, they can be held responsible for the injuries sustained. Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance can help cover the cost of legal fees and damages awarded in a lawsuit.
In general, insurance helps protect pressure washing contractors from financial losses associated with lawsuits. Without insurance, contractors could be responsible for paying damages out of pocket, which can be financially devastating. Insurance helps ensure that contractors can continue to operate their business and provide services to clients without worrying about the financial impact of a lawsuit.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 1799 Special Trade Contractors, Not Elsewhere Classified
- NAICS CODE: 561790 Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 9014 Janitorial Services by Contractors - No Window Cleaning Above Ground Level & Drivers, 9170 Janitorial Services by Contractors - Includes Window Cleaning Above Ground Level & Drivers
1799: Special Trade Contractors, Not Elsewhere Classified
Division C: Construction | Major Group 17: Construction Special Trade Contractors | Industry Group 179: Miscellaneous Special Trade Contractors
1799 Special Trade Contractors, Not Elsewhere Classified: Special trade contractors primarily engaged in construction work, not elsewhere classified, such as construction of swimming pools and fences, erection and installation of ornamental metal work, house moving, shoring work, waterproofing, dampproofing, fireproofing, sandblasting, and steam cleaning of building exteriors.
- Antenna installation, except household type-contractors
- Artificial turf installation-contractors
- Awning installation-contractors
- Bath tub refinishing-contractors
- Boring for building construction-contractors
- Bowling alley installation and service-contractors
- Cable splicing service, nonelectrical-contractors
- Caulking (construction)-contractors
- Cleaning building exteriors-contractors
- Cleaning new buildings after construction-contractors
- Coating of concrete structures with plastics-contractors
- Core drilling for building construction-contractors
- Counter top installation-contractors
- Dampproofing buildings-contractors
- Dewatering-contractors
- Diamond drilling for building construction-contractors
- Epoxy application-contractors
- Erection and dismantling of forms for poured concrete-contractors
- Fence construction-contractors
- Fire escape installation-contractors
- Fireproofing buildings-contractors
- Forms for poured concrete, erection and dismantling-contractors
- Gas leakage detection-contractors
- Gasoline pump installation-contractors
- Glazing of concrete surfaces-contractors
- Grave excavation-contractors
- House moving-contractors
- Insulation of pipes and boilers-contractors
- Lead burning-contractors
- Lightning conductor erection-contractors
- Mobile home site setup and tie down-contractors
- Ornamental metalwork-contractors
- Paint and wallpaper stripping-contractors
- Plastics wall tile installation-contractors
- Posthole digging-contractors
- Sandblasting of building exteriors-contractors
- Scaffolding construction-contractors
- Service and repair of broadcasting stations-contractors
- Service station equipment installation, maintenance, and repair-
- Shoring and underpinning work-contractors
- Spectator seating installation-contractors
- Steam cleaning of building exteriors-contractors
- Steeplejacks
- Swimming pool construction-contractors
- Television and radio stations, service and repair of-contractors
- Test boring for construction-contractors
- Tile installation, wall: plastics-contractors
- Tinting glass-contractors
- Wallpaper removal-contractors
- Waterproofing-contractors
- Weather stripping-contractors
- Welding contractors, operating at site of construction
- Window shade installation-contractors
Pressure Washing Contractors Insurance - The Bottom Line
The most important thing you can do for your business is protect is income and assets, and the best way to do that is with the right type of pressure washing contractors insurance coverage.
To find out exactly what type of Pressure washing contractors insurance coverage you need and how much you should carry, speak to a broker that understands your business and its risks.
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.
